Scripture
> Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
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> — Mark 16:9 (ESV)
Devotional
Jesus “appeared first to Mary Magdalene,” probably not only on account of her great love and persevering seeking, but because, as the context intimates,she had been a special trophy of Christ’s delivering power. Learn from this, that the greatness of our sin before conversion should not make us imagine that we may not be specially favoured with the very highest grade of fellowship. She was one who had left all to become a constant attendant on the Saviour. He was her first, her chief object. Many who were on Christ’s side did not take up Christ’s cross; she did. She spent her substance in relieving his wants. If we would see much of Christ, let us serve him. Tell me who they are that sit oftenest under the banner of his love, and drink deepest draughts from the cup of communion, and I am sure they will be those who give most, who serve best, and who abide closest to the bleeding heart of their dear Lord. But notice how Christ revealed himself to this sorrowing one—by a word, “Mary.” It needed but one word in his voice, and at once she knew him, and her heart owned allegiance by another word, her heart was too full to say more. That one word would naturally be the most fitting for the occasion. It implies obedience. She said, “Master.” There is no state of mind in which this confession of allegiance will be too cold. No, when your spirit glows most with the heavenly fire, then you will say, “I am thy servant, thou hast loosed my bonds.” If you can say, “Master,” if you feel that his will is your will, then you stand in a happy, holy place. He must have said, “Mary,” or else you could not have said, “Rabboni.” See, then, from all this, how Christ honours those who honour him, how love draws our Beloved, how it needs but one word of his to turn our weeping to rejoicing, how his presence makes the heart’s sunshine.
Reflection
Spurgeon draws from Mary Magdalene’s example: she loved much, served much, sought early, boldly, faithfully, earnestly, and only Jesus. Because she loved much, Christ revealed Himself to her first. The one who gives most, serves best, and abides closest to the Lord’s heart sees most of His glory.
What we might miss is that her great sin before conversion did not disqualify her from the highest fellowship; rather, it made her a special trophy of grace.
Goad
Are you abiding closest to the bleeding heart of your dear Lord through much love and service, or have other things crowded Him out? What would it look like to seek Him early, boldly, faithfully, earnestly, and exclusively today?
Tie-In
The morning calls us to keep the altar of private prayer and the heart’s love burning without ceasing. The evening shows that those who love much and serve much are the ones to whom Christ reveals Himself most intimately. Both point to the centrality of a burning, devoted heart: the fire on the altar must never go out, and the one who keeps that fire alive through love and service will see the risen Lord in special ways.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with AI-assisted reflection and formatting to maintain daily consistency and reach.
If these words have stirred something in your heart today, we invite you to sit with it. Share how God met you in the comments or reach out to us.
As we build out the deeper tables of Milk, Solid Food, and Meat for every stage of the journey, know that you are welcome here.
NewGrapes Ministries
Making disciples, not pew-fillers.
Soli Deo Gloria.