Mary Magdalene 4

MARY MAGDALENE Mary Magdalene teaches us that are past, no matter how dark it was, does not have to hinder us on our path to discipleship. Mary was originally from a village called “Magdala” located on the northwest shore of the sea of Galilee. Her actions were predominately “Gentile.” The fact that she was demon-possessed reflected her pagan mannerisms. Though we do not know how she became demon possessed we do know a little about the society in which she mingled in. It was Greco-Roman and highly superstitious. The fact that “seven demons were cast out of her” shows that she must have been highly involved in the powers of darkness (Mark 16:9 and Luke 8:2). She was a woman who traveled with Jesus and the 12 disciples. In this time period, a woman traveling with a rabbi was a new thing. Never had women had a chance to be discipled in such close relationship to a rabbi before this. Mary Magdalene showed her womanhood by supporting Jesus and the other disciples with her own money (Luke 8:3). She not only learned spiritual things from Christ and grew in her walk with Him, but she also was hospitable to the Lord and the 12 Apostles. Mary Magdalene (along with the other women disciples) was not only assuming their new discipleship roles but also resumed their traditional roles. Yet, this time their traditional roles were for a new purpose. That purpose was to serve the family of Christ. Mary Magdalene was a great example of a servant to those within her life. She gave to them, provided for them, and did not think it was above herself to serve them daily. The book of Luke highlighted Mary, Joanna and Susannah (as he did with Peter, James and John). Perhaps, Luke was highlighting them for the same reason that he was Peter, James and John. They could have been known for their outstanding leadership skills among the other women around them. In almost all the Gospels, whenever the women are mentioned, it is Mary Magdalene’s name that was mentioned first (like Peter’s). Later, she was the first one to see the risen Christ (John 20:18). She also knew her Lord so well that when He called her by name, she recognized His voice (John 10). Her proclamation to the others was that she had seen the Lord. This remark could mean many things. Some have the opinion that her “seeing’ the Lord makes her an Apostle among the other Apostles. Mary Magdalene was the first person to be sent with the Good News (Gospel). Jesus sent the news first through a woman to the Apostles before He came to them Himself (John 20:21). She was the first to be entrusted with the Gospel and also the first one to proclaim it. Mary Magdalene teaches us to let go of our shame. She teaches us to push through into an intimate life with Christ. She teaches us to weep at His feet and receive our freedom, forgiveness and purpose. She reminds us that we must grow spiritually while excelling in the natural gifts of hospitality and serving. Above all, she was an excellent example of a faithful witness…a witness that is more than a verbal proclamation. We must have a witness that is characterized by service and devotion to others believers and above all Jesus…