| by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) |
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| After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to a woman, Mary Magdalene, and sent her forth as the first witness and preacher of the Good News of His resurrection. His instructions to her were to “Go and tell My brethren” (Mathew 28:10). In other words, He required that His male disciples hear the Good News first from the mouth of a woman. This was significant, for the testimony of a woman was not allowed as evidence in either Jewish or Roman courts of law of that day. To send a woman as the first witness and preacher of His resurrection was a revolutionary act that challenged both legal and cultural biases of that time. Human nature has not changed, and those same biases are still with us in the 21st century. Here are two lessons from this story that are applicable to the church today. 1) Women are Equal with Men. By this act, Jesus made clear that women would have an equal role in His kingdom and would preach and teach men as well as other women. So, let’s dispense with those doctrines that would put women in a secondary and subservient role and hinder them from fulfilling the call of the Risen Lord that is stirring in their hearts. 2) The Great Commission Must Have Priority. The commission Jesus gave to Mary “Go and tell” is the essence of the Great Commission. Sadly, much of the Church today—including the Evangelical church—does not know what the Great Commission is. The Great Commission is Jesus’ final words to His disciples—both men and women—to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-17). So, let’s move beyond our self-centered doctrines that are all about “me” and how I can be happy and blessed, and let’s remember the words of Jesus to His disciples when He said, Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest”? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are already white for harvest (John 4:35). May we all embrace the power of His Resurrection and obey Our Lord’s command. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to a woman, Mary Magdalene, and sent her forth as the first witness and preacher of the Good News of His resurrection. His instructions to her were to “Go and tell My brethren” (Mathew 28:10). In other words, He required that His male disciples hear the Good News first from the mouth of a woman. ——————————————————————————– Reprinted with permission from: God’s Word to Women http://www.godswordtowomen.org/ ——————————————————————————– |
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