“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. And a great earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone [from the opening of the tomb], and sat on it. Matthew 28:1-2
Just because the woman was created second doesn’t mean she was an afterthought. The women in Jesus’ circle played an essential role in one of the most significant events of the crucifixion. This was in a time when women were little more esteemed than cattle. They were not background actors, nor were they there to check a demographic box. God has gifted us uniquely and provided unique heart perspectives. God chooses us all to do the works we are suited to. This week, I was so blessed to see the significance of the women in Jesus’ post-crucifixion events.
"The angel’s appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards shook, paralyzed with fear [at the sight] of him, and became like dead men [pale and immobile]. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified." Matthew 28:3-7
The Women of the Resurrection
The resurrection is one of the most defining events that sets our Jesus apart from every other religion. He fulfilled Messianic prophesies throughout His life. Who did He first entrust the news of His resurrection to? It was women. He knew women weren’t taken seriously; even the disciples initially doubted them. However, God using women to deliver the message of His resurrection is another way that He sends a message that women have clout equal to that of a man. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us. The angels appeared first to women, and then Jesus Himself appeared to them, commissioning them to tell the disciples. God could have done it any way, but He chose women first.
"So the women left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell [the good news to] the disciples. And as they went, suddenly, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” And they went to Him and took hold of His feet [in homage] and worshiped Him [as the Messiah]. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me [just as I promised].” Matthew 28:8-10 AMP
The Master Producer
I see God as a master producer. The way He set the laws of nature in place to ebb and flow and to exist symbiotically is genius. Science is just catching up. He could have set it up various scenes so the male disciples were the ones to find the empty tomb, but He didn’t. God specifically chose women to witness one of the most important events of the time. God specifically and intentionally chose women to be the first ones to find Him, to see Him, and to proclaim the first news of Him raising from the dead.
"And they remembered His words, and after returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven [apostles] and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna [the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward] and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But their report seemed to them like idle talk and nonsense, and they would not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. " Luke 24:8-10
The Need To Change
Sometimes, I think and feel that the person I am can prevent God’s will from taking place in my life, from me being of use to Him. I may not be Joyce Meyers, but God has a plan and places me to be used for His purposes as I seek Him. God knew the women would be at the tomb because that was their hearts and their roles. God can reach into our roles (even if we think they are menial) and infuse His calling into them. He handpicked women to see and hear from the angels, to first see Jesus after He had risen, and to also tell the disciples of the resurrection. He overcame all of the prejudices towards women of the day and sent a message down through the ages. He has chosen both women and men to work the works of His kingdom on earth. We only need to be there ready to play our part.
