Called to Follow

Being called by Jesus is not just about being seen; it’s about being sent. When Jesus rose from the dead, the first person He appeared to was Mary Magdalene. Brokenhearted and weeping outside the empty tomb, she didn’t recognize Him at first. But then Jesus spoke to her–met her. And everything changed. Her mourning turned to joy, her despair changed to hope and her misery… into mission.

What Jesus said next was just as transformative: “Go [...] to my brothers and tell them…” (John 20:17). Mary Magdalene wasn’t just comforted—she was commissioned. Jesus entrusted her with the most important message in history: the news of His resurrection. In that instant, Mary went from being a follower to being the first witness of the risen Christ.

Often, we think of being called as something grand and dramatic. But for Mary Magdalene, the call came in a moment of personal sorrow. She wasn’t looking for purpose—she was looking for Jesus. And in that place of longing, Jesus himself gave her a mission.

It’s significant that Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first to proclaim the good news. In a world where women’s voices were often dismissed, Jesus gave her a voice and a purpose. He didn’t wait for society’s approval. He didn’t follow convention. He called her, entrusted her, and sent her out with the message of new life.

Maybe you feel just as sidetracked as Mary Magdalene did. But her ability of always being as near to Jesus as she could, paid off in a profound way. You and I can adopt that same mind and heartset. Today, reflect on how Jesus might be calling you to share His story. You may feel unqualified or uncertain, but just as He called and sent Mary Magdalene by name, He is out to call and send you out as well.

Reflect: how is Jesus sending you out today? What message is yours to share?