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By Mike Caton

John 20:1 – Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

John only tells us here about Mary Magdalene, but the other gospel writers mention different women coming to the tomb. Luke tells us about Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the others with them. Mark mentions Salome.

Matthew tells us the women went to look at the tomb, Mark and Luke tell us they have taken spices to use on Jesus’ body. Why would they bring more spices? Nicodemus has already bought an insane amount and he and Joseph have prepared Jesus’ body when they laid him in the tomb.

Maybe there were several reasons they are going. Perhaps they are simply visiting the tomb of their friend and loved one. That is something people do, even to this day. Some folks sense a closeness, a calmness, a peace when they are near the place their loved one rests. In bringing the spices, they are doing one last act of kindness, one last thing that they could do. They might realize it is not much, but it is the best they can do, they want to give what they have to Jesus. If you remember, in John 12, Mary had anointed Jesus with the perfume from her alabaster box, and when the disciples (especially Judas) protested, Jesus told them she was preparing him for his burial. Then Nicodemus and Joseph had wrapped his body with the linen and spices and now the women are coming to add their bit to it.

Do we give our all to Jesus? Do we give every bit of whatever we have to him? Mary, Joseph and Nicodemus have spent lavish amounts on Jesus here. But these ladies, ever how many they are, are probably bringing the more traditional amounts of spices, usually about five pounds. What do they thing their little bit will do after Nicodemus has bought 75 pounds? It is not about what anyone else does, has done, or is doing, it is about us bringing our best to Jesus. It is about us showing our love and commitment to him. It is about us expressing our gratitude for what he has done for us. There is nothing Jesus can do for these women now, he is dead. But they give still give him what they have.

Father, help me always give you my best. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works full time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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