| (Copyright 04-17-2025) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) |
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 During the forty days between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared to His disciples at various times and on one occasion appeared to over five hundred of His followers at once (I Corinthians 15:3-7). The gospel writers, however, are very explicit in noting that it was Mary Magdalene to whom He appeared FIRST after His resurrection. The importance which the evangelists attach to this fact indicate that it was no accidental occurrence, but that Jesus purposely appeared first to Mary Magdalene. A Revolutionary Act Jesus not only appeared first to Mary, but He sent her forth as the first herald and witness of His resurrection, the most important event of human history. This was revolutionary because in both Roman and Jewish courts of law, the testimony of women was not allowed as evidence. It was revolutionary because the orthodox Jewish man of this time normally began his day with a prayer that included thanks to God that he was not born a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. By appearing first to Mary, and not Peter, James or John, Jesus was cutting through the cultural prejudice towards women in His male disciples and forever affirming the gifts and callings of women. Therefore, in appearing first to Mary Magdalene, Jesus was making a very important statement to His followers. It was a statement, perhaps, that they could not have grasped and retained by a mere lecture. This statement was further clarified and enhanced by the words which Jesus spoke to her on this occasion. Mary Receives the First Apostolic Commission from the Risen Lord When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, He gave her certain, specific instructions. Matthew 28:10 records His words to Mary: “Go and tell my brethren….” In other words, He sent her on a specific mission defined by the words, “Go and tell.” Interestingly, the New Testament word apostle literally means “one who is sent” or “a sent one.” Mary, therefore, was a “sent one” and as such received the first apostolic commission from the Risen Lord. Her commission was to go and tell the other disciples that Jesus was risen. What is preaching but telling about Jesus and His resurrection? A perusal of the book of Acts will, in fact, reveal that the essence of the preaching message of the early church was Jesus and the resurrection. Mary, therefore, received the first apostolic commission to preach the good news of the resurrection. And notice that her commission was not limited to a “women’s ministry,” for Jesus instructed her to “Go and tell My brethren.” She, in effect, became the apostle to the apostles. By appearing first to Mary Magdalene and giving her an apostolic commission, Jesus was saying that His death and resurrection had ushered in a new era of freedom for all of humanity. He was saying that sexism and racism would not be tolerated in His kingdom. Paul echoes this in his letter to the Galatians saying that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek … there is neither male nor female (3:28). True Revival Elevates Women When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent back the Holy Spirit to take His place (John 14-16). The Holy Spirit thus carries on the work of distributing gifts and callings to women as well as to men, This is why, during times of spiritual awakening, when the Holy Spirit is honored and recognized, women emerge alongside men in ministry and leadership. This phenomenon has been documented by Dr. Susan Hyatt in her groundbreaking book, In the Spirit We’re Equal (Second Edition), She shows how this was true in the 18th century Methodist revival where John Wesley had to deal with the fact that women were being anointed to preach and lead as well as men. He finally yielded to the reality of what the Spirit was doing and began giving his approval to women preachers. Wesley came to the realization that the authority to minister is rooted in one’s possession of a divine call or gift and ordination is simply the Church’s recognition of that gift. When asked why he gave recognition to women preachers, Wesley replied, “Because God owns them in the conversion of sinners, and who am I that I should withstand God.” We Must Not Quench the Spirit Based on a faulty interpretation of two passages by Paul about women, much of the church has ignored Jesus’ powerful resurrection statement and refused to recognize the gifts of its female members. In doing so they have also violated Paul’s command in I Thessalonians 5:19 not to quench the Spirit. As a result of this disobedience, many gifts have lain dormant while millions have perished without Christ and the Church has languished in defeat. The Great Commission has not been fulfilled and the Lord’s coming has been delayed. It is thus time for the Church to allow the gifting of the Spirit rather than religious tradition to determine who should “go and tell.” If the Church will be open to God’s gifts in both women and men this decade might yet see the greatest Spiritual awakening yet known. Psalm 68:11 might yet be fulfilled which, in the Hebrew, literally says, The Lord gave the word and a great company of women proclaimed it. Jesus appeared FIRST to Mary Magdalene to affirm every woman who has ever heard His call to “Go and Tell.” ——————————————————————————– Reprinted with permission from: God’s Word to Women http://www.godswordtowomen.org/ ——————————————————————————– |
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