Mary Magdalene was desperate. She came to Jesus' tomb at dawn because of her desperation. Jesus knows the desperation of Mary Magdalene. Even now, who does Jesus extend His saving hand to? Jesus is closest to those who, like Mary Magdalene, live as sinners while seeking His salvation, and to those who have been renewed by His salvation.
Mary went and told the disciples, but even after hearing from her that Jesus was alive and that she had seen Him, they did not believe. Despite her vivid testimony and hearing Jesus say many times during His life that He would rise after His death, the disciples could not believe in His resurrection. True faith comes from encountering Jesus personally.
A change by faith doesn't come from listening to sermons. Listening to sermons serves as motivation, and when this motivation turns one towards the Lord, that is when they meet Jesus.
Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, May 30, 2024.
Mar 16:9-11