There’s something about Mary.
She was one of the LAST people to see Jesus laid into the tomb.
And then she was the FIRST individual to encounter the Risen Christ.
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, along with another Mary and Salome, brought spices to the tomb of Jesus in order to anoint him. These would undoubtedly have been expensive. Only families with resources could afford to bury their loved ones with spices. Others would have forgone that part of the process due to restricted funds.
Interestingly, the anointing spices may have included a perfume known as Myrrh. This was a perfume spice given as a gift to Jesus (and his parents) by the wise men at the Saviors birth. It was also mixed into wine and offered to Jesus at his crucifixion. Myrrh in Aramaic means bitter. So, having been a key element at his birth and death, it would seem only appropriate that Myrrh would make an appearance at his resurrection!
Perhaps this particular spice was illustrative of the high price of Jesus’ incarnation, death and resurrection.
High price.
Friends, Jesus’ salvation is free…BUT…NOT…cheap.
Perhaps Mary of Magdalene was willing to sacrifice so much because she had been given so much. This is in keeping with Jesus’ words: “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). When one is immensely blessed, it is only natural to want to extend blessing to others, especially unto the Lord.
Such was the case with Mary.
Mark 16:9 tells us that she is the very woman who had seven demons driven out of her by the loving hand of Jesus. Seven demons. I’d say ONE would be enough of a problem, but seven?
Wow. Imagine how free she must have felt. Like a spiritual spring cleaning.
Now that she’s got room to breath (minus seven pesky demons), she is free to give extravagantly! Grateful people are generous people.
Freely you have received, freely give.
What have you been saved or delivered from? Are you grateful?