Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.
A common hesitation in sharing our faith is fear of how others will respond. More specifically, we fear rejection. As one of the first witnesses of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene shared what she had seen and experienced without hesitation. Even in a culture that did not value or listen to women, she shared with without delay.
Many of us can list the reasons we feel ill-equipped or unprepared to share our hope with others. We can easily tell God the circumstances that make it difficult to share, but when we realize the value of this good news we have been given, we will desire to share even when it means criticism and rejection. John 1:10-11 says, “[Jesus] was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him.” Because of Jesus, you are a child of one true God! Thank God that Jesus did not give up when He was rejected. Mary Magdalene was faithful to share the good news even when the people she told refused to believe it. May we hold onto the treasure of the good news and share our hope, seeking God’s desires and His delight over those of the world.
- Is it easy or difficult for you to share your faith? Why?
- Who are some people you are afraid of being rejected by because of your faith?
- Pray and ask God to help you share the hope of the gospel with others.
