At 6:30 am on Monday, I received a text from a dear friend simply saying, “Happy International Women’s Day!”

The first thing that I thought of was Mary Magdalene. Weird, right?

Each week before Easter (and maybe even after ;) we will be looking at individuals from scripture who were directly affected by, who were a part of, the Resurrection Story. We are calling the series, Easter People.

On Sunday the first person we highlighted was Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene’s life has long been the subject of controversy and mystery. While historically, many have portrayed Mary Magdalene as a repentant prostitute, scholars now dispute this belief. What is clear from the Bible is that Mary of Magdalene was healed by Jesus and became a devoted follower. She was strong, courageous, and generous. She was a leader and was fully and completely devoted to Jesus and what’s even more incredible is that, she was the first evangelist/preacher. Ever!

In my opinion she is the first, of many women from scripture, we should celebrate on International Women’s Day!

Mary Magdalene, was present throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, was the first to see Him after His resurrection: “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping” (Mark 16:9-10).

The question is why Mary? Why would Jesus reveal himself first to any woman? Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, explains “During that time it was frowned upon — even considered embarrassing — for women to deliver information. So much so that belief in the news of Christ's Resurrection could have been jeopardized by the involvement of Mary Magdalene and the ‘Other Mary’ who were first to deliver the Good News.”

But make no mistake, God purposed Mary Magdalene to play an important role in Jesus’ ministry. Find out more about Mary. And throughout history, God has used many other women to build and further His Kingdom. God loves and values women. Women too, are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) God’s grace and mercy extend to all human beings. (2 Corinthians 5:15). Despite cultural expectation, her past, her role in life or how she had been treated, God chose Mary Magdalene to deliver the most important news in all of history.

God uses all kinds of people and God can use you and me, because we too are Easter People!

Join me this Sunday on Amberlea Church Online as we continue our Journey to Easter by visiting Easter People!