9/2/2015 0 Comments Lesson 4 - "Mary Magdalene"(an often misunderstood servant) Please answer question # 1 before reading the scripture references.
1. Who do I think Mary Magdalene is?(Please read: Matthew 27:56 & 61, 28:1; Mark 15:40 & 47, 16:1-19; Luke 8:2-3, 24:10; John 19:25, 20:1-18) If at all possible, please read it in at least two different translations for a clearer understanding. 2. After reading these references, do I still feel the answer I gave to question # 1 was correct? Explain: Mary "The Magdalene" was from the town of Magdala, a thriving town on the coast of Galilee about three miles from Capernaum (according to author Herbert Lockyer) and was always identified in scripture as Mary Magdalene, just as Christ was often referred to as Jesus, the Nazarene. It was a normal way of describing someone to 'tag on' their home town, or occupation. 3. Mark 16:9 and Luke 8:2 tell us what happened to Mary Magdalene when she met Jesus, describe: The number seven (in scripture) suggests 'completeness' (again, according to Lockyer)and implies that when the evil spirits dominated Mary, the suffering was extremely sever. We do not know what these spirits (or demons) were, or what symptoms exactly they caused, however we do know from other passages in scripture where possessios occurred, there were a lot of demented activities; ie: cutting oneself, throwing oneself into the flames, nakedness, violence, screaming, foaming at the mouth, just to name a few (see Matthew 8:28-34, Matthew 17:14-18, Luke 4:33-35, & Mark 9:14-27) 4. Out of her deepest gratitude to Jesus, what was her response? 5. Whenever she is named, it is usually with other women, however her name is most often listed first, what does this tell you about her? 6. Mary Magdalene was (it appears) always on the forefront of Jesus ministry, pouring out her support in several ways. After re-reading Luke 8:2-3, what ways do you see here support being shown? "Mary's home town had dye works and primitive textile factories which added to the wealth of the town. It may be that "The Magdalene" was connected with industry of the town for it would seem as if she was not without means, enabling her to serve the Lord with her substance." (Lockyer) HONEST REFLECTION: Do I, out of my gratitude for all that Christ has done for me, give back to Him my all? Or, do I say 'thanks' and go on living my own life (perhaps giving some, so I don't feel too guilty)? 7. Where was Mary Magdalene during the trial and crucifixion of her Lord? 8. Because of her faithful devotion to Jesus (before, during and even after His death), how was she rewarded? AFTERTHOUGHT: Am I 'faithfully devoted' like Mary Magdalene, or do I tend to run and deny, as Peter (see Mark 14:66-72)? How can I obtain a "servant's heart" like Mary Magdalene? 1. By reflecting on all He has done for me in my life, and in the life of my family (example: The Psalms of Assents - Psalms 120 - 134 - each year as the people headed for Jerusalem for the sacred feasts, they would sing these as a reminder) 2. By remembering His mercy to us and His healing of our past 'demons' (or hurts, sins, or whatever He has delivered us from). Romans 3:1-2, Romans 10:9-13 3. By remembering His greatest commandment: Matthew 22:37-40 4. By remembering His example: John 13:1-17 & 34-35
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Compiled by:Karin Lynn-Hill from various sources in 1998 - All the Women of the Bible, by Edith Deen, King James & NIV Bibles & Prayer, Living Bible, & All the Women of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer ArchivesCategories |
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