Youth For Christ is a ministry that I love. It reaches 11 to 19-year-old young people through the conduit of relationship with the timeless message of hope in Christ. Part of what I love about the mission is who God uses to share the message. Rescued and redeemed sinners. Self-conscious and underqualified. Those who could feel too young, and sometimes, those who feel too old.
This has been true about YFC from the beginning. In fact, our first full-time evangelist was a young man in his twenties… likely, too young for the role he was assigned, but available, humble, courageous and committed. Billy Graham began his role with YFC in 1945, at 26 years old. He was first… for YFC.
But who was the first evangelist of Jesus the risen Christ? The first person to announce His status as the living Messiah? Who did God decide should carry this title? Who would shoulder this responsibility? Convey this powerful, life-altering message?
Mary Magdalene…
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)
Her resume…
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out... (Luke 8:1–2)
She had seen Jesus proclaim good news. She had heard about the Kingdom. Not the Roman kingdom, but a Godly Kingdom. She had seen Him in action.
And yes, she had personally experienced the liberating touch of the Messiah. Seven demons were no match for Jesus.
And so… with the crescendo at the empty tomb, Jesus anointed Mary Magdalene to “tell the brothers”.
And she did. Without hesitation. Without intimidation. Without embellishment…
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. (Mark 16:9–10)
Yes, she went. Yes, she told. Yes, Mary… from whom He had cast out seven demons, was first.
She will always be first. Her obedience, her proclamation of the truth… regardless of the skepticism with which it was received… first.
A resume of redemption.
The authority of the Risen Christ.
The courage of a life transformed.
First.
Mary Magdalene. Let that settle deeply in your soul. Let that empower the weak, and humble the strong.
- Mary Magdalene
- First Evangelist for the Risen King
What a business card. What an endorsement. What a message. What a lesson.
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