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Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. (Luke 8:1-3)
Wonderful Friday to you, dear Friend. My prayers are this find you well and ready to hear a word from the Lord through His word and through this devotional. May our spirits be blessed on this last day of the work week.
On Fridays for this season I have been devoting time for those who said yes to Jesus and HIs earthly ministry. We started with Peter, then Judas, and today the woman known as Mary Magdalene. She was an important person in Jesus' life and ministry and was the first of the resurrection witnesses. The Roman Catholic Church holds her as a Saint for her life's work and witness. Ironically, it was a Pope centuries later that associated her with "illicit acts," and many thought her to be a woman of ill repute. I have to point out that Mary Magdalene was not the sinful woman some have painted her to be, nor was she a prostitute. From the passage for today, we know her faith began out of gratitude for Jesus' power to deliver her from demon possession. Luke records that seven demons were driven out of her, and she joined the company of other female disciples who also received freedom and fullness of life through Jesus.
Mary, as you can imagine, was among the most popular names for first century Jewish women. Thus, her being named Mary Magdalene was a way to identify her by the gospel writers. We do know she was from the fishing village of Magdala, on the Sea of Galilee. We also know her to have been wealthy, and out of her own money she supported the ministry of Jesus and the twelve. She is mentioned by name 12 times in the synoptic gospels, more than some of the disciples.
We know Mary Magdalene was a witness to Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. All four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John list her being present for all of Jesus' passion. It was early on Sunday morning that the gospels share that she was present, either alone or in the company of other women, and find the tomb empty. It is the Gospel of John that has Jesus addressing Mary and telling her to share the good news with the disciples, thus making Mary the first apostle to the apostles.
Biblical professor and author Bart Ehrman states that "it appears virtually certain" that the stories of the empty tomb, regardless of whether or not they are accurate, can definitely be traced back to the historical Mary Magdalene, pointing out that, in Jewish society, women were regarded as unreliable witnesses and were forbidden from giving testimony in court, so early Christians would have had no motive to make up a story about a woman being the first to discover the empty tomb. In fact, if they had made the story up, they would have had strong motivation to make Peter, Jesus's closest disciple while he was alive, the discoverer of the tomb instead.He also points out that the story of Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb is independently attested in the Synoptics, the Gospel of John, and in the Gospel of Peter. Noted author and Bishop Dr. N. T. Wright states that "it is, frankly, impossible to imagine that [the women at the tomb] were inserted into the tradition after Paul's day."
What we can learn from Mary: We can sum it up by saying she was a woman of gratitude and generosity. A life of gratitude towards Jesus can open many doors of opportunity to grow in faith and witness. Walking with Jesus can result in a stronger faith and a certain boldness with which to face and enjoy life. She walked in darkness until she saw the light in Jesus, and He delivered her from it, as He has so many of us. The Lord still has the power to deliver us from whatever may be holding us back from fully serving Him. The Lord still opens doors for us to give and serve. Her blessing was to be the first to see Him resurrected and glorified. May others see Him that way in us.
PRAYER: Loving Father, for the faith of Mary of Magdala and all those who followed You, we thank You. May our faith be like theirs; may people see in us a spirit of gratitude and generosity. Bless this dear reader in all that is ahead for them; we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Walk in the Light!
Eradio Valverde
My prayers for a great weekend! Make it even greater by being in worship in the church of your choice! And, if you haven't been in some time, surprise your preacher! Blessings!
