Mary Magdalene is one of my favorite people in the Bible, and I dare say Jesus thought she was a pretty cool (fantastic) sister in His Father’s Kingdom also. There is no doubt in my mind that God hand-picked her to be the first New Testament female apostle[1], and to stand in representation of all of God’s royal daughters – His redeemed Eve[2]. I wonder if Jesus knew this beforehand or did He find out as things progressed?

Delivered of seven demons through the ministry of Jesus[3], she became one of the team of women who traveled with Jesus[4]. Christ’s twelve disciples were called by name on a three-year journey to be discipled by Him, while this team of women faithful to His ministry traveled with the sole purpose of ministering to Him[5]. Through the unfathomable crucifixion, to the ascension, and beyond Mary of Magdala was loyal to this call.

The Passover Lamb

The Passover Lamb was passing through the valley of death. His journey of three days was in motion. Mary’s courageous character infused her desire to take care of the body of Jesus after the Sabbath. Still reeling from the crucifixion, the city had not rested. She herself yet in agony, made her way to the garden tomb[6]. Stunned to find the stone rolled away, she begged Golgotha’s gardener to tell her where He had moved her Messiah.

Two who did not recognize Him, and more.

There are only two people mentioned by name in the New Testament’s narration of the Passover Lamb and His ascension, who met Him in His glorified state and could not recognize Him. Mary at the Garden in Jerusalem, and John amidst the garden of God in heaven. Both were some of the closest followers of the Messiah. Covered in different realms of glory His past identity was concealed from them.

With Mary and John, it is understood that the men walking on the Emmaus road were disciples, and to them them also, His previous identity was concealed. The eyes of their heart had yet not be refocused to know who this One was who walked with them.

Back to Mary

Only when Mary heard the sound of His voice did she recognize her teacher. Calling out to Him, “Rabboni.,” she reached out to cling to Him. His response to her was deeper than the English language portrays.

Jesus said to her,

“Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father;

but go to My brethren and say to them,

‘I ascend to My Father and your Father,

and My God and your God.’”

John 20:17

“Stop clinging to Me.”

In the culture of the day family was so important. To embrace a family member would have been the expected thing to do. After experiencing the most non-earthly experience which no words can accurately describe, are we not sure that Jesus would have joyfully hugged His followers and family? I do think so, but heaven’s wisdom and clock stopped Him.

The word “cling” in His statement is the Greek word “haptō”, and as a verb carries the meaning of, “to fasten – to set on fire: to kindle light. A more practical way of saying this as stated in the Thayer’s dictionary is “to fasten fire to a thing, kindle, set on fire.”

Jesus could not touch anything of earth or flesh, for He had already taken into His body all powers of darkness. Taking full blame for the simplest and vilest of offenses, He was on His way to present Himself before the One whose Love was being fulfilled and whose wrath had been poured out on the powers of darkness.

Mary wanted to pour her love upon the one she loved but, Jesus could not receive the strength of one’s fire of love lite for Him. Neither could He reciprocate allowing anyone to be kindled with comfort, light, nor fire through His emotion during this “forever moment as The Sacrifice.” He stood alone in this eternal space of time, on His way to a critical appointment. Audience of one with the One He knew as Father. Sealed was the sacrifice and forever torn open was the veil, making accessible the Highway of Holiness to all of humankind. This highway leading into the heart of Father.

He Yearns for us to Cling to Him

That eternal moment has passed accomplished over two thousand years ago. Jesus yearns for us to draw near to Him and be kindled with holy fire. He yet yearns to be ministered to by those who love Him.

Along with uniting with Him, Christ yearns for humanity to also unite igniting the fires of Godhead’s union. This being accomplished through the consuming of His flesh and blood – His bread and wine.

A Message from Momma Lilo

I was communicating with Momma Lilo Keller this morning. Her sharing was a powerful confirmation that the table of communion is on the Lords heart. This is what she wrote.

“The Lord spoke to me many weeks ago about Revelation 3:20-22, ‘Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear My voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with Me. 21 And to the one who conquers I will give the privilege of sitting with Me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 The one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is saying now to the churches.’”

So much to ponder and write about Mary. But for now, I am sure Mary received the embrace she needed just a few days later, and with it the empowering force needed to carry her through her personal lifetime of transfiguration of spirit and soul. According to the mandate of Revelation 3, it is clear this was a woman who heeded His invitation; and in so doing, walked powerfully in authoriy.

Lilo’s meditative question regarding Mary and her Redeemer was this, “How can I comprehend this holy mystery?”

Emmaus Road
Those who loved Him so dearly, as they walked the Emmaus road with the resurrected Christ could not recognize Him. He gifted them with a conversation of such depths, that we wish we had all of what He deposited into them. Even with that level of anointing spilling forth they did not realize they had shared a journey with their Lord. No, even though their spirits burned within them, they could not UNTIL they broke bread.
The Open Door is the Gate of the Overcomer

Christ made it clear to us just a few days ago. Jon West received a vision of a door opening and angels bringing in the silver plates for communion. As they walked in the Lord said that He desired to release understanding of His unity. Heavy rains were coming to assist the people of God in uprooting bitter roots which had caused them to feel separated from Him.

Mary was delivered of strongholds too large for her to rescue herself, as she opened the door of her garden making room for the One who knocked requesting entrance. She allowed Him to guide her to His table, together partaking of the food of His Father. She ate her fill and in so doing found that the food of darkness had been abolished from her presence. Mary became a friend of Christ and key witness in His life. She was a woman of great authority.

We are in the becoming moment in time.
Two Marys and one John in heart, Momma Lilo of Switzerland, Emil (my husband) and Briskilla

👑🍷🥖👑

During this Passover Season, we are excited to commune of Him together with you at His table.

Looking forward to being together on Facebook Live, tonight at 7:30pm Central. Look for priscilla zananiri on Facebook and click on the live feed.

Link to previous “8 Days of Communion”: https://visualeast.org/2019/04/14/8-days-of-communion-his-triumphant-entry-into-the-highest-heavens/

Footnotes:

[1]NASV John 20:17, He sent her as the first person to testify of His resurrection.

[2]What took place in the Garden of Eden was covered in the blood and here in the garden of resurrection restoration was experienced (John 19:41). Mary embraced the Tree of Life. The doubt of “Hath God said?” had not seeded in her mind. She trusted and believed in the One who was the Word made flesh. She feasted upon His words of life. She was sent out by Him, representing His Bride and daughters of His Father.

[3]Mark 16:19

[4]Mark 15:40

[5]Matthew 27:55,56

[6]Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:1-8, Luke 24:1-10