Proclaim and Praise Lent Devotional - Book - Page 65
Proclaim and Praise: A Lenten Journey for Abiding in Christ
DAY 26
Jesus Dignifies Women
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had
driven seven demons.
Mark 16:9
T
he first witnesses of the resurrection were women, who
received the message and promptly went to tell the
men. This was important because, in the ancient world,
women were treated as nothing, especially if they did not bear
sons. They were not allowed to worship with the men. So, you
are right when you think the Scriptures appear chauvinistic.
That is why you must read past Genesis, Leviticus,
Deuteronomy, and the prophets. It was not accidental that of
all the people Jesus could have used to tell that message, it
was these women. You must know who they were. Some of
them had good reputations, but others were rather notorious.
The Scriptures remind us that God can use whomever He
wants, and He is not asking for permission. When Jesus
arose, He dignified these women, granting them the same
equality as men at that very moment.
On Easter morning, Jesus Christ dignified all of life by
appearing first to women. Some of these women had good
reputations, while others had rather notorious pasts. Mary
Magdalene herself had been delivered from seven demons.
Yet Jesus trusted them with the most important news in
