One of the greatest cruelties—if not the greatest in history—was done to Mary Magdalene. She was once sold on the streets. She knew the special insanity of demon possession. She knew the yawning blackness of total despair.
Then Jesus rescued her. Jesus cast out seven vicious devils—devils she thought would never leave. Once deemed human garbage, she is now redeemed and planted into a family of indescribable love. Things would never be the same. Her nights of remorse, her days of futility, her shame, her emptiness, were now all distant memories.
For three years she lived a life she could have never imagined, crisscrossing Judea, hanging on Jesus’ every word, weeping gloriously over every miracle. Each morning, she awakened a more powerful and joyous woman of God! She thought that this would go on forever.
Each morning, she awakened a more powerful and joyous woman of God! She thought that this would go on forever.
People use the phrase “nothing could be worse…” They use it before describing something unimaginably terrible. I will use it this way: Nothing could be worse than to be in hell, and then taste heaven, only to return back to hell.
Then on that fateful Friday, it all went horribly, horribly wrong. How could the One Who called the dead back to life and silenced a storm at sea, be arrested? How could the One Who gave words of exquisite beauty, love and wisdom, be tortured and killed? No one wanted to save Jesus more than Mary. No one felt more horror and helplessness than she.
No one wanted to save Jesus more than Mary. No one felt more horror and helplessness than she.
That night, profound hope had given way to even deeper bitterness and disappointment. She must have thought, “If only I had never met Him. If only He had left me to die in the streets.” She slept only after exhaustion became more powerful than sorrow. Too wounded to go on living, and perhaps too tired to commit suicide…
Mary is of special importance to me today, because her testimony is the best one I can think of as we commemorate this Good Friday, in such a dark time as the one we are living in. Mary’s miracle is the miracle America needs now!
Here’s why: When the first shafts of Sunday morning light stirred her awake, she dreaded it. If ever a heart was broken beyond repair—if ever a soul would rage against the approach of hope—if ever a woman just wanted to go back to sleep and never wake up, it was Mary.
That is why she was shocked when she felt an odd energy coming over her. She soon felt an even stranger impulse—to go to the tomb where Jesus lay! How could she return to the only spot on earth that could reopen her wound?
What overruled her despair? What fuel was driving her so completely against her common sense and her broken heart?
What overruled her despair? What fuel was driving her so completely against her common sense and her broken heart? Paul answers that emphatically! “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
Do you know any therapist capable of rebuilding the ashes and rubble of her soul? Can any drug, any teaching, any relationship, reassemble her heart the way the gentle but powerful Comforter could?
We all know about the power of the resurrection: it was the greatest display of power the universe has ever known; even greater than the alleged “big bang” that, theoretically, began the universe. The resurrection sent shock waves through the principalities and powers of darkness. It shattered Satan’s power and stripped him of the keys of death and Hell (Rev. 1:8). Jesus set the captives free in the bowels of the earth, and “led captivity captive” (Ephesians 4:8).
But, the first burst of resurrection power was much gentler. Mary was the first human to feel the power of the resurrection. Her eyes, which were red and sore from sobbing, were now refreshed and clear. Her arms which had hung limp from heartsick lethargy were now responsive, strong, and full of purpose. She sat up and found hope pumping through her veins. She wondered, “Why!”
A notion seized her, gently, but firmly. She knew she was to go to the tomb, and she immediately got going! Washing up, brushing her hair, and quickly getting dressed. All the while the expectancy of an indescribable ‘something’ was building in her soul. Before she knew it, she was out the door, and charging toward her worst fear. Only, now, she was not afraid.
She found the tomb vacant. Then she turned and saw Him whom her soul loved. Many awesome things happened that Easter, but none more wonderful than Mary reunited with her Savior.
She is the best testimony I can think of for our national dreams that have gone up in smoke.
In the genetically altered, politically charged, drug addicted, violent purgatory that is America today, Mary Magdalene stands as a poignant figure. She is the best testimony I can think of for our national dreams that have gone up in smoke. Our culture has wearied itself with perversion…hunting down everything natural and replacing it with a disfigured counterfeit. It has marched, protested, and boycotted the very color and life out of everything—to the point that everything is a cause for taking offense.
What happened to Mary, is proof that there is nothing better than the Gospel.
America! This is what you need!
“Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons” (Mark 16:9).
JESUS APPEARED FIRST TO MARY! He had never forgotten her. He knew she was suffering the most, so He healed this precious soul first!
Mario, thank you for writing this. It touched my wounded heart this very night.it made me remember the time in my teen years & early 20’s that I just wanted to die, and planned too, not telling anyone.. but Jesus had heard my prayers & sent a minister both times to stop me from taking my life.
He healed me from cancer in 2005, with only a 5 year window of life…it’s 2022!
The thing that was breaking my heart this moment is not as strong, as now I remember how he has rescued me in my dying times…I love him too..Just like Mary Magdalene did ..
Beautiful! We are not without hope!
Beautiful.Thanks for sharing
Elaine, I tell you the truth, I had an encounter with Jesus almost 45 years ago.Your message had so many similarities to mine. Thank you for sharing that.
Mario, Thank you for discussing Mary Magdalene. Throughout my life I have thought of her. Reading your message today, I was crying tears of sadness and joy.
What a precious testimony you have! Our God never fails – you are loved purely & divinely and you have an amazing purpose in Christ that He will help you fulfill !!
She had great love and gratitude. She did not receive her healing and run, she followed, she was faithful.
Wow! That’s so powerful! Jesus is our great Hope!
Thank you Mario. The message of Jesus is still our living hope.
Such a great exposition Mario, as always.Hallelujah
Praise God for this a example of how He takes care of His “sheep” Amen
Beautiful❤
What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!
Love this message. I am in agreement with you,this so applies to our times.You and your team are in my prayers always. Keep up the good work.God bless you and keep you!
My Dear Friend, sent me this and I’m so grateful I felt The Need for direction it is Good Friday guilt is in me because of the way I Start my Day doing other things before reading the Word Of GOD then I started reading how in Mary Magdalene we could see how She Again was given life Because JESUS Loved Her and Did not Forget Her,JESUS Could see her pain I feel HE Understands me better then I understand myself, THANK YOU JESUS For Not Forgetting Me and using Betty Love to send me HIS Message AMEN
Beautiful 💕
I understand how she felt.. he made her clean and pure again.. I hope to meet her in Heaven
Thank you for sharing what G-d put on your heart with us .
This Holy Spirit inspired blog is so powerful, tears are flowing as I write. I too have wanted to commit suicide but God prevented it. I have been backslidden and am making my way step by step to higher ground. I have a calling I must fulfill even at this late hour. Oh Jesus help me to finally do Your will with your help!
Mario:
Thank you for this. It uplifted me on this sad day. May God Bless You and the work you do for all of us.
How beautiful! Thank you for this! Truly touching!
Mario ~ Thank you for speaking truth into the darkness. Thank you for being bold and courageous in the face of opposition and despair. To God be the glory ~ great things He will do. He is our refuge and our strength our God in whom we trust.
Ditto that – I couldn’t say it better. Blessings to MMM for all you’ve done to keep us on our toes in prayer and action.
Amazing insight.
I sit here in tears after reading this. Oh, the love of our Savior. He is worthy of all our praise. This world has no hope without Him! Thank you, Mario & team for all you do.
Such a beautiful word. I absolutely love the story of Mary Magdalene and the love that she had for our Lord and what He had done for her. O that WE should understand this love and have that grateful heart that fills us with such a yearning and longing to be with Jesus and to feel him near, to be in our heart that love would radiate through us too. I so love reading how Mary didn’t realise it was Jesus until he spoke her name,,Mary. God Bless you look forward to more Thank you
How beautiful! Thank-you for writing this.
Thank you for the inspiration. Praise to the only Living God. I was once a Mary Magdalene but God chose to save me and I am so grateful for His healing love, deliverance and the freedom from my past. May the Lord richly bless you and yours.
One of the most beautiful things I have ever read! Thank you!
Thank you for writing this!!! Oh, how I needed it today!!
Thank you for writing this!!! Oh, how I needed this today!
Thank you so much for this beautiful message. It literally brought tears to my eyes. After watching The Chosen, I feel a strong connection to Mary.
God healed me back in 1991 around this same time from a rare blood disease. I could have died but God saved me. Your message brought me back to that place, I; Praise God and give Him all the Glory in Jesus Name.
Mario, thank you so much for this Good Friday message. Yes, I can relate to the story of Mary Magdalene. The Lord not only saved my soul, but He also saved me from the abuse anguish and pain of an abusive marriage. He did not end my marriage but ended the abuse. My husband is changing daily. My prayer is that he will not leave this world without having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He also totally healed me of an incurable cancer. I love Him deeply. My song for this Good Friday is “He is Faithful, Faithful to me” sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Have a Happy Resurrection Day to you, your family and team. Your ministry is always in my prayers. The Lord is using you in a powerful way. Blessings!
Mario , thank you ! I enjoy your teaching .
Wow! Great teaching. Thank you Jesus.
Great Mario! Thank You!
Praise the Lord!! America needs Jesus!!! Thank you for this, Mario!!!
That was absolutely beautiful, Pastor Mario. Thank you.
Magnificent. So beautifully expressed. Thank you. Happy Easter.
Mario
God has blessed you to write the words of Jesus so eloquently. I am always inspired by your column or your words on Flashpoint. Your healing ministry is also a gift to all who can be prayed over and healed in the name of Jesus. God bless you my brother.
Thank you dear Mario! I have never heard such a beautiful teaching about Mary. Joy filled my heart!
I have said for years I would love to sit with her over lunch and spend time walking and sharing together with Mary if she were still here. Maybe one day in heaven!
Nearly 25 yrs ago after years of rebellion: immorality visiting fortune tellers abortion and my family generations of 32nd degree freemasonry, etc
I was set free, full deliverance from demons darkness and evil thoughts and actions. Power of Resurrection on great display!
My sin tried to kill me but Jesus had other plans.
As I believed His New Covenant Promise In Ezekiel 36 I knew He could in love make and keep me Holy. Christ in me my hope of glory!
He is my Beloved bridegroom and I adore Him.
I often would remind Him: Jesus You revealed Yourself to dear Mary out of all Your disciples and multitudes, a once demonized immoral woman upon Your resurrection and I am a woman like her before relationship with You! Please I would like more great revelations of You to me as well,” To those who are forgiven much they love much! To live is Christ to die is gain!
Also a favorite is John 1:12
I was diagnosed stage 4 cancer and am 8 years in remission.Thank You Father!
We cheer and clap from our Cali living room, shouting Hallelujah, as you preach Dear Mario or are on Flashpoint. Also we volunteered in Hanford! His great glory is definitely on display!
Thank you Mario for those poignant and heart tearing words. May GOD richly bless your ministry, and the land you love, America. America stands as a bastion and hope in a world transcending into despair. We know it suffers the same falling away from the Grace of GOD. We pray for revival and hope that the world may experience a time of harvest before Jacob’s Trouble takes full hold of a fallen world. SHALOM.
No one can touch a heart like my Jesus! Thank You, Lord. Only You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory!
Brother Mario I remember not too long ago you wondered “should I continue these blogs?” I suspect many convinced you to “stay the course”. And I am one who asked you not to quit; and, this – your thoughts from Mary’s perspective connected to our current situation solidify my gratitude you did not quit. Let the Holy Fire fall and America turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Jesus’ name amen
This re-accounting of what Mary M went through was so wonderfully written! Thank you for your obedience to follow the LORD in all you do and bless us with it!! Yes Yeshua is ALIVE AND SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER!! And Mary is with Him in heaven now forever… as we all can look forward to who call Yeshua our Lord- King Messiah 🙋🏼✡️✝️❤️
One of my favorite passages in Scripture is when Jesus says Mary’s name. I weep whenever I read that verse.
Tears, Mario. I have been rammed through a male version of Mary. But still as broken and struggling. But Now Now!
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this about Mary Magdalen. I have also been comforted by this …. Jesus came to her first, because that is who He is! She needed Him right then! Before He went to be with His Father, Jesus comforted Mary!