2/27/2026

Day 27: 

Mary Magdalene: The First Witness

Scripture: John 20:1–2, 11–18; Luke 8:2

Mary Magdalene’s story is one of the most tender and powerful portraits of humble devotion in all of Scripture. Once enslaved by darkness—“from whom seven demons had come out” (Luke 8:2)—she was radically transformed by Jesus’ mercy. Her response to that grace was not loud leadership or public acclaim, but faithful, quiet devotion. She followed Jesus, supported His ministry, and remained near Him when many others walked away.

On resurrection morning, Mary went to the tomb “while it was still dark.” She did not come expecting victory; she came expecting loss. Her purpose was simple—to honor Jesus’ body. This is humility at its purest: loving and serving God even when hope appears gone and prayers seem unanswered. Mary wasn’t searching for a miracle; she was expressing devotion. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).

When Mary discovered the stone rolled away, she assumed the worst. She ran to Peter and John, not with celebration but confusion and grief. After they inspected the tomb and returned home, Mary stayed behind, weeping. Humble love lingers. It does not rush past sorrow or abandon sacred spaces simply because understanding hasn’t come yet. Mary’s tears were the soil in which revelation would bloom.

As she stood crying, Jesus appeared—but she didn’t recognize Him. Grief can blur vision. Yet when Jesus spoke one word—“Mary”—everything changed. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Humility recognizes the Shepherd not by appearance, but by voice. In that moment, sorrow turned to recognition, and despair gave way to joy.

Jesus’ instruction to Mary is remarkable: “Go to my brothers and tell them.” He entrusted the greatest announcement in human history—the resurrection—to a woman whose testimony carried no legal weight in her culture. God deliberately chose the overlooked, the unlikely, the formerly broken. “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things… so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:28–29).

Mary did not hesitate. She did not argue her unworthiness or question her credibility. She obeyed. “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” Humility does not wait for validation. It speaks because obedience demands it.

Mary Magdalene teaches us that humility:

• Serves faithfully without expectation of reward

• Remains present when others leave

• Grieves honestly without pretending strength

• Recognizes Jesus’ voice above all others

• Accepts unexpected callings without resistance

• Obeys immediately, regardless of credibility or fear
  
  

Her life proves that transformation does not end with deliverance—it deepens through devotion. Mary did not cling to Jesus when He told her to go; she released what she loved most to obey. That is humility’s highest form.

God still calls people by name. He still entrusts resurrection truth to humble hearts. And He still delights in sending unlikely messengers to carry the greatest news.

Where is God calling you to remain faithful even when clarity hasn’t come yet? This week, choose obedience over hesitation. Share what Jesus has done in your life—simply, humbly, and truthfully—trusting God with the outcome.

“Humility stays when others leave, listens for Jesus’ voice in the darkness, and runs obediently with resurrection truth—even when the messenger is doubted.”