Mary of Nazareth
Seated on a donkey, swaying slightly with the movement of the animal, Mary rests with her eyes closed. She holds herself steady with one hand and cradles her swollen belly with the other, stroking it softly. She smiles to herself when she feels the wriggles and kicks of the baby she carries, the seed of hope that has been planted within her.
Despite the layers of blankets, her mount is uncomfortable, and she shifts her weight to find relief. Her back is aching and her body weary, but she does not complain. She is thankful for the ride. She could never make the journey by foot. At times, she has asked Joseph to lift her off the donkey so she could stretch her legs. Then she walked by his side for a short distance, but this, too, was difficult as she tread over the uneven ground, taking care not to stumble.
The journey has been long, many days long, longer than any she has ever taken. At first, she enjoyed seeing the changing landscape as she rode along, stimulated by the new surroundings. But now, she is too tired to be interested, and she often stares ahead without seeing the endless road before her. Along the way, her mind and heart are reflecting over the events of the past months, pondering all that has happened. She wonders if Joseph is doing the same as he walks ahead, leading the donkey.
The Dove and the Rock
A new day dawned, and the brightness of the morning sun awakened Dove even though she tried to ignore it. She screwed her eyes shut and tucked her head down by her shoulder. Wind blew through the tree branches overhead, rustling leaves as it passed. Then it came closer and blew softly around Dove, ruffling her feathers. The presence of Wind prodded Dove from her slumber. Reluctantly, she lifted her head and allowed sleep to leave her.
The morning shone bright and clear, as every morning had for months. The wide expanse of blue sky was broken only once by a single fluff of cloud passing high overhead. Already the sun shone warmly, promising another day of heat. The hard, dry land was desperate for the rain that rarely came.
Lessons from the Wilderness about the Kindness of God
Dove felt far from rested. She hadn’t slept well, huddled upon the large Rock that stood like an anchor at the base of the Tall Trees. Throughout the watches of the night, she wrestled with herself and her disappointments. Many months ago, Wind had swept her away from her cozy little home and carried her to this arid land. Ever since, she struggled to make sense of her life, and nighttime always seemed to bring her doubts and worries to the surface. Even upon waking, stray questions drifted into her thoughts: Why had Wind brought her here? Was there any purpose for her in this place? Was there any purpose for her at all?!
Mary at the Tomb
(Luke 24:1-11)
In a moment, the tragedy of the Cross became the miracle of the resurrection!
Imagine what it would have been like for one of Jesus’ closest followers to discover that all He had promised was true! Here is the story of Jesus’ resurrection from Mary Magdalene’s perspective.
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It was the beginning of another week. I could hardly bear to face it. My beloved Teacher and dearest friend, Jesus, had been executed - betrayed by our own people and crucified by the Romans. My heart was beyond broken. I was devastated with grief.
Jesus had been the first person to really see me. He saw past my afflictions and my brokenness. He loved me and saw my value, despite my shame. He miraculously delivered me from many demons, and I was completely set free from years of bondage. I received a new life by the power that flowed through Him. He gave me such joy and peace that I never wanted to be separated from Him. So, I stayed with Him and helped serve Him and the others who were with Him.