I’m sure we’ve all done it. You know, started a project or engaged in an activity only to realize very quickly that whatever tool or expertise or strength we brought into the situation was grossly overmatched. It makes me think about the 1975 movie, Jaws. A classic line in the movie is when Roy Scheider, who played Brody, made the comment, “We need a bigger boat.” His realization of the size of the great white shark gave fuel to his fear and he blurted out the obvious.
Indeed, we’ve all felt like the task at hand required a bigger boat. Perhaps there’s something in your life right now that feels exactly that way.
Enter Mary Magdalene…
The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. (Luke 23:55–56, ESV)
Mary Magdalene, along with a few other women returned to the tomb. A tomb they had seen. They knew just how sealed and guarded it was. They knew that a massive rock and some fiercely committed guards were positioned to keep them from accomplishing their mission. But Mary’s mind was set on anointing the body of Jesus. She felt the prompting of the Spirit to reverently and respectfully finish the task of honoring her Lord.
But what was she thinking? Did she have a plan for dismissing the guards and removing the rock? I don’t think so. What she had was a calling and a compulsion. What she had was a miraculous history and a vivid memory.
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, ESV)
Seven demons. Her ravaged life had been rescued. She had been the product of Jesus powerful, unconstrained ministry. Directly. She had seen the “bigger boat” first hand.
Her faith launched her into the uncertainty with confidence. She didn’t know how, but she knew Him.
Her faith… anchored in personal transformation. Her faith… rooted in the confident assurance that when the Spirit moves, He equips, He empowers, He provides.
What was Mary Magdalene thinking?
She was thinking of Jesus.
She was thinking about the miracle worker.
She was thinking about her own transformed life.
She was thinking about her last and lasting vision of her sacrificial Savior on the cross.
She was thinking of His promises.
She was thinking of His hope, His love, His tenderness, His compassion, His courage…
She was thinking of Jesus.
That’s what moved her feet in obedience. That’s what filled her pack with ointments and spices. That’s what pushed against any doubt.
Yes indeed, she was thinking of Jesus, and so should we.
Whatever the obstacle. Whatever the rock. Whatever or whoever guards the tomb…
Jesus.
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