9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. (Mark 16:9-11 KJV)
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
We have here Christ’s appearance to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, and the little credit which the report of it gained with the disciples.
Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, first in the garden (John 20:14). It was she out of whom he had cast seven demons; much was forgiven her, much was done for her, and she loved much. This honor Christ gave her—that she was the first to see him after his resurrection. The closer we stay to Christ, the sooner we may expect to see him, and the more we will see of him.
She brought news of what she had seen to the disciples, not only to the eleven, but to the rest who followed him, as they mourned and wept (Mark 16:10). Now was the time Jesus had told them about, that they would mourn and lament (John 16:20). Their tears showed their great love for Christ and how deeply they felt his loss. But when their weeping had lasted a night or two, comfort returned, as Christ had promised: “I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice.” No better news could be brought to grieving disciples than the news of Christ’s resurrection. We should strive to comfort mourning disciples by sharing our experiences and what we have seen of Christ.
They could not believe the report she brought. They heard that he was alive and had been seen by her. The story sounded reasonable, yet they did not believe it. They didn’t accuse her of lying or trying to deceive them, but they feared she had been mistaken and that it was only a vision. Had they believed the repeated predictions from Christ himself, they would not have been so slow to believe the report.