Will you hear the call and believe?

Mary had probably been up all night. More than likely, she hadn't slept for a minute since Jesus' crucifixion. In all likelihood, this probably was not her first visit back to the tomb where they had laid his body. Maybe she remembered the words of the Lord -- the prediction that he would rise from the dead on the third day?

We really know so little about Mary Magdalene. We have no hard evidence to prove that she was ever a prostitute, as we've been taught in Sunday School and through sermons. She had definitely experienced some serious problems, as indicated by the statement that "seven demons" had come out of her. But that is all we need to know.

Like each of us, she had been sinful, rebellious, confused and lost in this world. Meeting Jesus made a huge difference in her life, and her devotion to Christ caused her to stay with him even when the other disciples fled. And she came to the tomb while the other disciples tried to stay hidden from the authorities.

We do know that Mary came early to the garden tomb, probably to grieve and to complete the burial preparations.

And, we know that -- except for an angel at the tomb -- she was the very first one to proclaim the good news that Jesus had risen.

Like the disciples at first, many people find it hard to believe that the tomb was empty on that first Resurrection morning. But it is true. During this season of seasons, we celebrate the glorious truth that though Jesus died, he did not remain dead. Just as he had said, he arose on the third day. The grave, so real to so many and so foreboding to most, could not hold him. Death lost its battle with the Spirit of God -- that power which brought Christ forth from the tomb.

Even Mary did not expect to find Jesus alive. At first she assumed that his body had been taken, and ran back to the disciples to report the theft to the disciples. But when she finally returned to the gravesite, two angels confronted her.

"Woman, why are you weeping?" they asked.

"Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him."

At that moment she turned and saw Jesus himself. For an instant, she mistook him for a gardener. Again, the question came forth -- "Woman, why are you weeping?"

Perhaps she thought that this man was responsible for moving the body. She said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away."

Looking deep into her tear-filled eyes, Jesus said simply, "Mary."

And in that one word -- in the special way he called her name -- the woman of believed.

If you listen closely, I think you may also hear that voice -- the voice of the risen Savior -- calling your name.

Will you, like Mary, believe?