Qualified and Called
- SUSAN M DICK
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news:
“I have seen the Lord!”
John 20: 18
As I write this on Palm Sunday, I am brought back to the days when my elementary students and I would begin class with guided meditations that would walk us through Holy Week. Our lessons would include narrating, singing, and dressing in costumes to act out the Stations of the Cross. These school—and church-wide traditions would touch hearts for years to come.
Today, as I listened to the spiritual hymn, “Were You There,” I smiled and tears welled in my eyes as I remembered our son guarding the tomb with his plastic sword and shield, and our daughter in her long homemade dress with a towel over her head playing the role of a weeping woman as Jesus walked the road to Calvary.
Delving through the four gospel accounts, the heaviness leading to the ultimate victory of our Risen Savior brought new insights to mind. I pictured Jesus counseling his followers, conveying his love for the Father and His love for each of them as He addressed the world’s hatred and the work of the Holy Spirit yet to come. I wondered how they could even begin to comprehend the loss they would feel, let alone turn their grief to joy (John 16: 20).
Jesus’ friends had no idea that their tears would one day turn to joy as they scattered to grieve after the Lord’s death and crucifixion.
Reflecting on all four gospels, I turned to the steadfast presence of God’s precious daughters. Ordinary people like you and me who believed something others didn’t. Noting that Mary Magdalene was faithfully present in each scene, including the crucifixion and resurrection, I was reminded that she “had been cured of seven demons,” and “helped with other women to support Jesus and the twelve out of their own means” (Luke 8: 2-3).
With a broken heart full of gratitude and sorrow, it was only natural for her to feel compelled to be there.
Oftentimes, those who’ve overcome a troubled past sometimes have the biggest hearts of all. Mary of Magdala’s unyielding devotion to Jesus resulted from Jesus setting her free from Satan’s power that once had a hold on her life, and what she discovered as his follower.
Mary, who once felt unequipped and unqualified, encountered Jesus and was used by him in an extraordinary way.
Often attributed to L.C. Cheshire, or Mark Batterson, you may have heard the saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
Healed and made whole, Mary’s abiding love and steadfast devotion to Jesus were apparent. In his last days, we see her “near the cross of Jesus with his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas” (John 19: 25).
When Jesus died, “Some women were watching from a distance, among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome” (Mark 15: 37, 40).
After the stone was placed at Jesus’ burial, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb” (Matthew 27: 61).
In John 20: 1:2, early that first Easter morning, Mary saw how that very same stone was rolled away and she ran back to announce to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved that, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
A few verses later, Mary Magdalene replies the same way when the angels ask about her tears—only this time, Jesus speaks!
He asked her, “Woman, (a word indicating respect) why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20: 15).
Grief-stricken, thinking He was the gardener, all she wanted to know was where Jesus was (John 20:16).
What came next was music to her ears.
Jesus said to her, “Mary” (John 20: 16).
Called by name, in verse seventeen, she turned to Jesus and joyfully exclaimed, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
He then commissioned Mary with the privilege of sharing the most important message of all time, news that would change the trajectory of every life forever. “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God”’ (John 20: 17).
Yes, my beautiful friend, that’s my God and your God, too!
Like Mary Magdalene, you and I are called by name, and sent to be messengers of the Good News.
But like Mary, mistakenly thinking Jesus was the gardener, I got to thinking how you and I can miss out on so many God moments.
However, like Mary, we are worthy, called, and sent. God recognizes our struggles and loves us anyway. He knows the human condition of falling prey to the flesh and the hesitations you and I have, but He is always there to welcome each prodigal home.
Facing my own inadequacy, I have discovered that the more I welcome God’s presence in my life and rely on his strength rather than my own, the more secure I become.
With Jesus, you and I are more than enough. God qualifies the unqualified and calls us to share the gift of new life. He promises to equip and encourage us. All we have to do is let him in.
Thank you, my friend, for being here. May the joy of the Risen Lord shower you and yours with love and peace this Easter season.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you,
and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
With love and blessings.
It is my honor and privilege to pray for you. Please email your prayer requests to me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com.
Our Questions for Reflection are:
Think of ways God has called and qualified you.
What hope does the empty tomb give you?
Where are you being sent?
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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