Good evening ladies! Ugh, I am so excited to go over this incredible woman with you. There are so many things to talk about in these passages, but we will keep the focus on Mary Magdalene. There are a few passages to read so get comfortable, get your coffee, and read Matthew 27:55-61; 28:1-10; Mark 15-16; Luke 8:1-3; 24:1-12; John 19:25; 20:1-18.
Mary is most famous for following Jesus and being the first person who Jesus revealed Himself to after the resurrection. She is mentioned in all four Gospels for a reason. You could say for such a time as this.
In Luke 8, we learn that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. Her life was full of darkness, shame, and regret- but Jesus used her. Mary clung to Jesus because He delivered her. The priests certainly looked down upon Jesus for allowing women to follow Him, especially women who they considered outcasts. If you have ever watched The Chosen you know exactly what I mean. Mary is the first character we are introduced to and we get a glimpse of what her life was before Jesus. Now, I am not saying The Chosen is one hundred percent accurate, but it does gives us a visual of Jesus’ time on earth (you should definitely watch it though!).
Now, we know that Mary was the first one Jesus revealed Himself to after the resurrection- why? Jesus could’ve chosen any of His other disciples to reveal Himself to but He chose Mary. I believe it was because of how devoted she was not only to Jesus but also His mother. It says in scripture that Mary was with Jesus’ mother during the crucifixion. After everything Jesus did for her, she would have done anything to rescue Him. Mary didn’t understand at the time, but Jesus was saving her. When Jesus was placed in the tomb, Mary was there. She came back early in the morning to anoint his body. She was completely devoted to Jesus.
It seems as if the other disciples believed in Jesus’ death, stayed home, and wept. But Mary was there when He was buried. She went home, she prepared spices she needed, and she went to Jesus’ tomb as soon as she woke up. When Mary got to the tomb, she was heartbroken to think that they had removed His body. A man appeared before her, she did not recognize Him until He said her name.
When I think about Mary’s story I am filled with love for my Savior. How patient He is with His beloved children. How often do we crumble when we receive bad news? How easy is it to believe that the worst has happened and it will not get better? The disciples did and for a moment, Mary did too. Mary had no idea what God had in store for her. She had no idea that she would be the first to witness the resurrection and spread the news. She didn’t know that Jesus would come back to save them in the way that He did- she just wept and mourned His death. Thankfully, because of Jesus’ love for us, death has lost it’s sting!
Let’s discuss what we just read. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below we can discuss them together!
1. What did we learn about God and His character in the life of Mary Magdalene?
2. What character qualities, positive or negative, do we see in Mary Magdalene’s life?
3. What can I learn from Mary Magdalene’s story and apply it to my own life?
Mary’s life reminds us that God uses people from every walk of life. This woman had been posseted by seven demons! No one thought there was hope for her, let alone that she would be the one to witness the resurrection. But Jesus saw her. He knew that a woman who had been redeemed by His mercy and grace was just exactly the type of person to proclaim who He is and what He has done. He used a woman who had pain, and sorrow, and whose life was filled with darkness and He redeemed her. Jesus uses women who are courageous enough to follow Him. He uses women who have tasted the goodness of the Lord and have seen the power of His love and say “I will follow you”. He uses women like us. I am broken, I am dirty, and I have sinned, but… I have tasted His goodness. I have seen the power of His love and I have seen His mercy. I am courageous enough to proclaim that He is my God and I will follow Him wherever He leads me.
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we’ll start with Lydia and see how God moved in her life. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.