In John 20, we read the account of the
empty sepulchre, and the chapter is not extremely lengthy. However, what those select words mean to all
who consider themselves disciples of Christ is profound, to say the least.
The messages that stem from this
chapter are numerous, but one of the most significant I take from it is the
true value of women in the eyes of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. This is only my opinion, and I share it here
as such.
Verse 17 of this chapter begins with
this phrase, “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to
my Father,” and it is in these few words that I feel volumes are spoken as to
how much Jesus valued Mary Magdalene specifically and women overall. While He was in the midst of putting the
crowning touch on His life’s mission and to ascend to His Father to be
perfected, He arranged this short but very important and intimate meeting to
take place between Him and Mary. With
the foreknowledge that Peter and John would accompany Mary to the garden, He
carefully placed Himself somewhere that Peter and John would not see Him and
would hurry away in their haste so He could assure that the first person to
see Him is a woman, the very Mary Magdalene.
Even His simple words of “touch me not”
convey a deep and abiding respect for this woman – it was not an admonition to
forbid her but a reminder that He wanted to see her before He did even one more
thing and ascended to complete His mission.
In other words, the grand plan of the Father that had been set in motion
since millennia before could wait a few precious moments more so He could speak
with Mary, and Mary alone, to deliver His singular message of hope and
love.
In due time, the men of His life would
see Him again, but this woman – perhaps representing all women – was not to
wait any longer. And while the world
does not give this much thought or accord any importance, this moment in time
and in the eternities demonstrates the true value Jesus and the Father give to
women. They do not view women as less
than men or as subservient. Women are
equally powerful, important, and vital in the eyes of God. May the world see what He sees in women and
accord due respect and reverence!
