“Garden Gate”

This week’s study is of Mary Magdalene. We know that Mary had lived in the prosperous seaside town of Magdala, and must not have been married as she was always referred to simply as Mary Magdalene and not “Mary, wife of…” or “Mary, mother of…” as Jesus’ other female followers were. She lived in a dark, dreary world, being possessed of seven demons, of which Jesus had healed her. (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2) Mary then followed Him loyally, providing for Him from her own purse, learning from Him, loving Him. She witnessed His torturous crucifixion (Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49; John 19:25), and followed Joseph and Nicodemus to the garden where they would lay Jesus’ body (Mark 15:47). At the end of the Sabbath, still dark outside, Mary Magdalene and others purchased spices to take to the sepulcher to further serve Jesus by anointing His body. (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1-18) What she found was the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Sad, scared, startled, she goes to get Peter and John, and they too find the tomb empty. As Mary sits outside the sepulcher crying, she sees two angels, who question her reason for weeping. It should be a time of joy and triumph, right? But she still doesn’t understand what has happened, and the grief and sorrow over Jesus’ missing body overcome her. So much so, that she did not even recognize Jesus through her tears as He approaches her. First mistaking Him for the gardener, she called Him Rabboni meaning Master as He called her name. Mary then became the “apostle to the apostles” and Jesus sent her forth to go and tell that Jesus has arisen.

C. Aus­tin Miles wrote a song in March 1912. It is what this week’s quilt block is based on. You can hear the music here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/g/itgarden.htm Get the tissues ready.

IN THE GARDEN

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

Refrain

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Refrain