James Nisbet Commentary - Mark 16:9 - 16:9

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James Nisbet Commentary - Mark 16:9 - 16:9


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE RISEN LORD

“He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.’

Mar_16:9

To Mary Magdalene, before all others of Adam’s children, was granted the privilege of being first to behold the risen Saviour. A woman who at one time had been possessed by seven devils was the first to whom Jesus showed Himself alive. The fact is full of instruction.

I. Our Lord meant to show us how much He values love and faithfulness.—Last at the Cross and first at the grave, last to confess her Master while living, and first to honour Him when dead, this warm-hearted disciple was allowed to be the first to see Him when the victory was won. It was intended to be a perpetual memorial to the Church that those who honour Christ He will honour, and that those who do much for Him upon earth shall find Him even upon earth doing much for them.

II. It was intended to comfort all who have become penitent believers, after having run into great excesses of sin. It was meant to show us that, however far we may have fallen, we are raised to entire peace with God if we repent and believe the Gospel. Though before far off, we are made nigh. Though before enemies, we are made dear children. ‘Old things are passed away, and all things are become new’ (2Co_5:17).

Bishop J. C. Ryle.

Illustration

‘There is nothing in the New Testament to justify the common notion that Mary Magdalene had been a sinner against the seventh commandment more than other commandments. There is no scriptural warrant for calling hospitals and asylums, intended for fallen women, “Magdalene Hospitals.” No better authority can be discovered for the common idea on the subject than tradition. At the same time it is only fair to say that there seems strong probability for supposing that the sins of Mary Magdalene had been very great. There was probably some grave cause for her being possessed by seven devils, though the nature of it has not been revealed to us.’