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Thursday, February 20, 2014

THREE MARY'S - NYOBS 31.12

THREE MARY'S
The Virgin Mary – Mary sister of Martha – Mary Magdalene

First Word

There were certainly more than three Mary’s in scripture, but not a lot is written about them.
Women in general were considered second class in Biblical times because of the Gnostic mind set.  This tempered how women’s contribution to the work place and their thoughts were received. 
For that reason, I feel writers of the Holy Scriptures left out the contributions of women.
Because of the lack of scriptural references, there is a lot left to the imagination.


GNOSTIC – RABBIT TRAIL
This is how most men viewed women during the time of Jesus

  • Gnostics – “People in the know” – Taught secret revelations combined with a mixing of myths and rites drawn from a variety of religious traditions.  They believe we are all in a Time Continuum and that Jesus had taught secret teachings to the Apostles that moved them along this continuum.
  • The Gnostics maintained that this material world and all that’s in it is the result of a cosmic catastrophe; this world was created by an evil lesser god and our soul needs to escape this material world and return to the world of the spirit.
  • Salvation can not be obtained till ALL souls have returned to the spiritual realm.
  • But we can’t escape as long as “women” keep having babies. – So avoid procreation; - don’t participate.  A non-reproductive woman is “on her way” to becoming a “man” and thus entering the kingdom of heaven. Is this some messed up stuff or what?
  • If you can just comprehend the Gnostic thinking, that women were  part of a progressive  time continuum;  starting with plants, then bugs, then animals, then women, then men and finally a god.  So, ultimately as you progress along the continuum you would be just like a god
  • A “female” in the time continuum, was actually a “male” that had just “not yet arrived”. – So a female was considered a “second class” person. – An inferior human being – inferior to men.
  • This thought process had to do with domination.  The top denominates downward like a master over his slave.  The more powerful Male is supposed to dominate the less powerful female.  - FAR OUT STUFF
  • Perhaps now you can see why they wanted the Women to remain SILENT in Church and why they did not believe Mary Magdalene when she told them about the resurrection of Christ.

1 Cor 14:34 - Women should remain SILENT in the churches.
34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. NIV
Luke 24:10-11 - Their words seemed to them like NONSENSE.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. NIV

Wikipedia – The Virgin Mary
  • Wikipedia: Madonna - Italian title for “My Lady”
  • The Immaculate Conception should not be confused with the Virginity of Mary or the Virgin birth of Jesus; it refers to the conception of Mary by her (virgin) mother, Saint Anne. Although the belief was widely held since at least Late Antiquity, the doctrine was not formally proclaimed until December 8, 1854, by Pope Pius IX in his  paper bull Ineffablis Deus”. (The virgin birth of Saint Anne with Mary is not recorded in NewTestament scriptures)
  • “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin”. – (She was sinless)
  • Thus Mary was preserved from sin and is the “co-redeemer” of man along with Jesus.
v     This contradicts scripture All have sinned and there is NO co-redeemer; No one comes to the father except through Jesus Christ. – Don’t get upset now; it’s in the Book.
  • The name Mary comes from the name “Miriam” which means “rebellious” or “bitter”; this refers back to the days of Moses’ sister Miriam who became jealous of Moses. – Never the less; very little thought was given to that issue. - One out of every four Jewish women in the first century was named Mary; six are named in the New Testament. - The Mary’s documented in the NT were virtuous and selfless women.
  • This study is about Mary and not denominational doctrine. – Salvation is Jesus plus nothing.
John 14:6 - No one comes to the Father except through me
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
Rom 3:23 - ALL have SINNED including Mary
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, NIV
Num 12:1-2 – Miriam is JEALOUS of her brother Moses
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses
2 "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this. NIV

The Virgin Mary
  • I have given very little space in my thoughts to the Virgin Mary mainly because the scriptures say so little about her.  But now knowing the Gnostic mind set, I have set out to find out more about Mary, the mother of The Savior of the World.
  • Mary Writes - Some commentaries speculate that Mary may have written part of her own story that is reported in the first two chapters of Luke.  They are written in “the first person” with such details that only Mary would know. – Perhaps “the reporter” Luke interviewed her.
  • Mary the mother of Jesus stands apart from all the other women in literature and history even among unbelievers. – She embodies all that is noble and fine in womanhood and is timeless, honored and revered regardless of race or class. – Even the Angel Gabriel called her “Highly Favored”. – She is characterized by Faith, Humility and OBEDIENCE. – She is the ONLY woman to EVER conceive a child supernaturally.
  • Descendent of King David- The Gospel of Luke indicates Mary was a descendant of King David and the Gospel of Matthew indicates Joseph was too.
  • Mary was an unknown peasant girl that lived in Nazareth located on the southern plains of Lower Galilee who caught the eye of a Carpenter.  She obtained neither wealth nor fame and reared all of her children in obscurity becoming a widow at a relatively young age.
  • The reason Catholics say “Hail Mary” is because the Angel Gabriel said ”Hail” when addressing Mary for the first time. – The salutation “Hail” means to rejoice. - Ave Maria is Latin for Hail Mary – The phrase “Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” comes from her cousin Elizabeth when she greeted Mary.
  • DEBATE in Ephesus saying that Mary was the mother of Christ, but NOT the mother of God?  The people rioted it the street chanting; Mary, “Mother Of God, Mother Of God”
  • Mary SingsMary took a 90 mile trip to visit her cousin Elizabeth and composed a song referred to as “The Magnificat” which was praise and exaltation to God and it smacks of prophecy of the coming Messiah to help Israel. – She stayed with Elizabeth about three months till John the Baptist was about to be born. – Jesus and John would be cousins
  • I must admit I was always puzzled, as to why Mary was not more prominent in “The Way”, “the Jesus Movement”, but now I can understand that she was providing Food, Clothing, Shelter and Home Schooling for a good size family without the presence of a dad. - She was a SINGLE MOM. – Most of the “women” in the entourage of Christ either had a supporting husband or were already wealthy.
  • It had bothered me that Mary could lose her kid on a trip to the temple, but now I better understand the culture and that with so many kids in the extended families, she just thought he was probably with some of the relatives. - Just like a mother hen; she sure let Jesus know about her anxious concern. We’ve all been there with our kids or a lost puppy. – I can just feel the emotions that she had when she finally found Him that included a mixture of Anxiousness plus the Blessed Relief. SELAH
Luke 1:28 – HAIL MARY you are Highly Favored of God
28 And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord (is) with thee. ASV
Luke 1:42 – Blessed art thou among women
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. KJV
Luke 1:46-55 – Mary SINGS a song of PRAISE to God.
46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever." 
Luke 2:43-48 – Mary FUSSES at Jesus for staying behind
44 Thinking he (Jesus) was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
48 His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." NIV
Acts 24:14 – The Way – The Jesus Movement
14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.  NIV
Luke 3:23-31 – Mary descendant of the line of King David
23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, NKJV
Matt 1:1-16 – Joseph descendant of the line of King David
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
6 and Jesse begot David the king. - David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. NKJV

Mary’s Marriage
  • Scripture teaches that Mary was a virgin when she was betrothed to Joseph and when he went to Bethlehem for the Roman census; she was obligated as his wife to go with him although they had not been formally married. – Engagements were that binding, plus they were both descendents of King David.
  • The primary purpose of marriage in the ancient world was to reproduce rather than have a special cherished one for companionship. – A lot was to be considered; particularly, was the wife healthy and could she bare children; also the type of political alliance she would make. Selection – Usually the parents chose the mate for their son; one who would fit in with their clan and work “harmoniously” with her mother in law who would pick up the young girls training where her own mother left off; this often developed into a deep and lasting bond.
  • Courtship - Sometimes the son would suggest personal preferences, but never allowed to date or even do lunch. – Chances were good that he would not even see her face until the wedding day. The bride might see him, but she always had a veil covering her face.
  • Love – In Old Testament times you did not marry the one you loved; you loved the one you married. – Love began at marriage.
  • Age – Most people lived to a really old age; Issac did not marry till he was forth years old and Jacob was about Eighty. - The minimum age for boys to marry was thirteen and the daughters were Twelve. -  Based on the maturity and seriousness of Mary, I believe she was a teenager of high school age and Joseph was a much older man.
  • Engagement (Kiddushin) was for a year which was considered normal and constituted a part of their marriage.  Mary and Joseph being engaged were considered married although not living together; sexual intercourse could not take place till after the marriage vows.

Mary Ponders
·          We do not hear very much from Mary in scripture and although she is very young, she is God fearing, God seeking, serious and mature.  She quietly PONDERS all the things that are happening around her including;
·          The visit of the Gabriel, the angel of God – The social implications about her being pregnant before she was married - The 70 mile trip on a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem - The birth of Jesus - The arrival of shepherds - “Wise men” bringing gifts and money to finance their traveling - Warnings in dreams to GET OUT OF TOWN now. – The prophecies of Simon and Anna that Jesus would be a Savior.-  NYOBS 10.03 - THE PLAYERS
  • There were probably JOKES, GOSSIP and PUBLIC REACTION about Jesus who was “questionably” the son of Joseph. - Jesus had left his widowed mother and didn’t stay in the FAMILY Carpentry business and was acting like He was some sort of  BIG WIG PROPHET – Who did He think He was anyway; He was just the son  of a carpenter.
  • Still not fully understanding, Mary was still willing to place her womanhood at the disposal of God - What a whirlwind of emotions. Mary as well as the Disciples would not FULLY UNDERSTAND the implications of what was playing out till after the resurrectionNYOBS 17.06 – THREE WISE MEN - NYOBS 10.03 – THE PLAYERS

Her Life
·          Nazareth was a beautiful place to live, but it was still considered a wicked place and nothing good could come out of Nazareth. – God uses the simple things to confound the wise.
·          HOME SCHOOLING - Understand that Mary and Joseph taught Jesus the concepts of God straight from the Torah and I feel sure in my heart that they modeled the “God fearing” FAMILY life.  After the time of purification they consecrating Jesus with sacrifices to the Lord and made sure He accompanied them each time they made the journey to the Temple.
·          Twelve years later we find that Joseph is still alive, and is with Mary searching for Jesus finally finding Him in the Temple.  The sayings of Jesus were amazing everyone, but again Mary did not understand and just pondered all He had to say in her heart.
·          I like that word “Ponder” – A farmer would say his cow was chewing the cud – I like to pause for awhile and Chew the Cud; to chew on Stuff; to think; to  Ponder – As the psalmist would say; SELAH.-  Pause and ponder that.
Luke 2:19 – Mary pondered all the things she saw in her heart
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. NIV
Matt 2:13 – Warned in a dream
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." NIV
Luke 2:22-24 – Mary and Joseph consecrate Jesus to the Lord
22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"),
24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."  NIV
Luke 2:25-32 – Simon prophases to Mary about Jesus
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, just and devout he came by the Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus,
28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."  NKJV
Luke 2:36-38 – Anna prophases to Mary about Jesus
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess; this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. NKJV
Luke 2:48 – When Jesus is Twelve, Joseph is still alive.
48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." NIV
Luke 2:46-50 – Mary does not understand what Jesus says
46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.  NKJV
Luke 2:51-52 – Mary kept all these things in her heart
51 His mother kept all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. NKJV
John 1:46 - Can anything good come out of Nazareth
46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." NKJV
1 Cor 1:27 – God chooses the simple to confound the wise
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; KJV
Mary’s Family
  • Some believe Mary remained a virgin after the birth of Jesus. - Some commentaries “force” the issue by saying that Joseph had been married before and had a gaggle of children, but this just isn’t found in the Protestant Bible. - Scripture “implies” that Mary did not remain a virgin, but later did have sexual relations with Joseph. (“Before they came together” she was found with child) implying that they did come together. - There is no reason NOT to believe that Mary bore other children to Joseph.
  • Because God was the father of Jesus and not Joseph, Jesus’ siblings would then be considered half brothers and half sisters, not step brothers and sisters.
  • Mary and Joseph’s sons were James, Joseph, Judas and Simon and with the Gnostic mind set, of course the daughter’s names are not mentioned.
  • Scripture always list the oldest or most prominent first; that would be James - Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection and before He appeared to the other disciples.  This is probably when James was fully persuaded that Jesus was the Messiah and converted to Christianity. Just saying
Matt 1:18 – Implies that Mary later had relations with Joseph
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. NIV
Mark 6:3 – Half Brother of Jesus
3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. NIV
Matt 13:55 – Half Sisters too
55 "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
56 Aren't all his sisters with us? NIV
Plum Crazy
  • Joseph is dead - When we see Mary mentioned later in scripture, Joseph is not present and must already have died.
  • Jesus has gone plum CRAZY - Scripture usually depicts the family minus Joseph, standing far off in the distance, mainly because of the crowds.  Then at some point just after Jesus was casting out demons, the whole family went down to take charge and reason with him because they thought He was losing His mind.
  • Jesus did not acknowledge them, but said, “His mother and brothers and sisters are those that do the will of the Father”. – Knowing Mary, I’m sure she silently PONDERED all of what He said in her heart. -  Her son Jesus had come to “live the life of the spirit” and His love for God transcended that of family.
Luke 8:19-20 – Came to see Jesus without Joseph - DEAD
19 Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.
20 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." NIV
Mark 3:21 – The family thought Jesus was out of his mind
21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
NIV
Matt 12:47-49 – Who is my Mother and Brothers
47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 
48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. NIV
Matt 12:50 – Those that do the will of the Father
50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." NIV
Mary Believed
  • As Jesus was in anguish, being tortured on the cross, we see Mary silently watching her son’s life slip away. – If you have ever lost a loved one, you have some idea of the grief, sorrow and agony that had fallen upon her spirit. - I know the sorrow and pain of seeing my 21 year old grandson in his casket; I know the sorrow as I watched my puppy’s life slip away in my arms. - How much more sorrow when it’s your own flesh and blood SON.
  • Mary did not fully understand the Person, Purpose and Mission of Jesus until after His resurrection.
  • Believed: I firmly believe Mary and Joseph both believed that Jesus was the Messiah at birth, but because of the pressure of the times, the family just simply didn’t understand and were confused and intimated by the villagers to be seen around Jesus. – Just saying
  • I think Mary wanted to believe; and eventually the timidity of the family would be replaced with boldness because of the testimony of James His half brother who Jesus appeared to just after the resurrection.  Just saying”.
  • Tradition has James as an important leader in early church history; he was appointed as the first bishop of Jerusalem by the apostles and the Lord Himself. - James was not one of the Twelve
  • Mary and Jesus’ half brothers are numbered among the 120 believers gathered in the upper room waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. – I think his half sisters were there also, but as the “custom” of the NOSTIC thinking, their presence would go un-mentioned.
  • Jesus committed Mary to the care of His beloved friend John before He died..
  • After the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost, Mary sort of disappears out of the scriptures. – Other writings indicate that John moved back to his home in Ephesus and took Mary with him.
  • There is house in Ephesus called the “House of the Virgin” that dates back to her time.
  • There is no record of her death, but she lives on in the hearts of the believer for all time; regardless of denomination, race or class.
Acts 1:13-14 – Mary and the family numbered with the Believers
13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
NIV
John 19:26-27 – John takes Mary to his home
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"
27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  NIV

 

Mary; Sister of Martha
  • It’s hard to speak of Mary without mentioning Martha because of their close bond to each other and to Jesus. – The respect that Jesus had for women was something strikingly new.
  • Mary appears apparently to be single, living with her sister Martha and her brother Lazarus.
  • She lived on the Jericho Road in the small village of Bethany just outside of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives. – From there it was only a two mile trek over the mountain to the Temple in Jerusalem.
  • It seems that the home actually belonged to Martha who opened it often to Jesus when he was in town.  The family seems to be “well-to-do” and had given of their means and themselves to the community as well as to “The Way”; the Jesus movement. - The family was well respected and loved by the folks in the village.
  • Since Martha’s name is mentioned first, it can be surmised that she is the older sister and probably a widow; and for sure she “MOTHERED” the younger carefree, but sensitive Mary.
  • Martha was practical, unemotional and handled all the shopping and the tasks of the home while the younger Mary exuded a passionate and imaginative heart especially concerning Spiritual things and assisted with whatever was needed – Although they had totally different personalities, they certainly were both of ONE SPIRIT.
  • The traditional site of their home shows that it was a secluded two story stone house with access from the covered porch to the spare bedroom on the second floor. – It was a special place that overlooked a garden where you could have a glass of wine and chill out in a rocker. - SELAH
  • Jesus was very close with the whole family, especially with Lazarus whom He loved.  Some commentaries indicate Lazarus earned his living as a writer or scribe making copies of the TORAH; the Law, which certainly made for interesting discussions between the two of them
  • Their loving loyalty in opening their home to Him meant a lot, especially because from time to time He could experience loneliness. Yes He did, He experienced all emotions that are common to man.
  • Mary was quite devoted to Jesus and appears in three stories; one of which was the raising of Lazarus up from the dead.   
Acts 24:14 – Followers of THE WAY
14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, NIV
Luke 10:38 – Martha opened her home to Jesus
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened HER home to him.
Lazarus Dies
  • Jesus Himself said that Lazarus’s illness had come about for God’s glory and that the Son of God would be glorified through it. – Jesus said He was glad that He was not there because it made it possible for many others to come to believe in “THE WAY”. – With the delay of Jesus coming, many villagers began to collect, waiting to see what Jesus would do.
  • Martha told Jesus that after four days, Lazarus would surely “STINKITH”. – Her sister Mary was in seclusion, deep in grief for Lazarus and would not venture out of the house.
  • Jesus sent for Mary to be with Martha before this miracle would be performed. - You can see how God feels about DEATH as you picture Jesus groan in his Spirit and weep.
  • NOTE:  Jesus had waited for four days to go to Lazarus so that no one could possibly doubt that Lazarus was actually dead. – Jesus prayed aloud for the benefit of those who had put their Faith in Him as well as those who were just curious.   He specifically called out Lazarus’s name; “Lazarus come forth”; not wanting ALL the rest of the dead people to come out their graves.
  • There were a number of Jewish mourners who were also present and because of this miracle, they BELIEVED and became Christians and followers of “The Way”.
  • I would like to point out, that there were a number of resurrections mentioned in the Bible, but all of those resurrected would eventually die again. - Jesus is the only one that died and was resurrected that would never see death again. – Now; TODAY; this miracle is still available for those that would believe.
  • Martha would hear the famous words “Whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die” and Martha declares; “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God”. - WOW
  • The take away is; to “practicethe Love that Mary, Martha and Lazarus had for each other, the community and for our Lord.
John 11:39 – After four days Lazarus STINKETH
39 Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
John 11:1-45 – Mary sees Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead
1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.
3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." - Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
11 “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." -  So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead,
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
35 Jesus wept. - Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" - The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.  Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. NIV
John 11:25-26 – The Believer will not taste the second death.
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and
26 whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Rev 20:6 - The second death has no power over them
6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them,  NIV

The First Meal
  • Chairs were not very common in the homes, and folks just set on the floor around a long low table. - Jesus is there and Martha is busy with the preparations in the kitchen. - Mary has finished her chores and in deep humility is sitting at the feet of Jesus drinking in His ever word; unaware of the extra preparations that “Mother Hen” Martha was working on.
  • Jesus had sent a silent message that, Women had the same right as men, to listen and to be a part of Spiritual matters; the kingdom of God is for ALL that would listen and BELIEVE. Unintentionally this was sort of the beginnings of the Women’s Liberation Movement.
  • When Jesus is around; Mary becomes very quiet, pensive with deep thoughts which give evidence that she was “Spiritually Sensitive” to His words, His wisdom and His power.
  • You must picture “Mother” Martha as an attentive hostess, eager hearted and striving for perfection. – Martha, as a disciple of Christ had the gift of “Service” as mention in Acts with waiting on tables. – Her kindness corresponds to that of the office of Deacon.
  • Don’t get your pants all in a wad here - A Disciple is a pupil or follower of someone. – A Deacon or Deaconess is someone that helps the minister in things not related to worship.
  • Martha becomes frustrated that her younger sister Mary is sitting idly by and not helping her out with the extra preparations for the meal
  • Martha asked Jesus to send Mary into the kitchen to help her, but Jesus knowing Mary’s desire for “SPIRITUAL FOOD” tells Martha that the physical food can wait. – Jesus wants Martha to also come and share in the Spiritual Food. – SERVICE, programs and busyness should not become such a priority that it substitutes for sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42 – Tell Mary to help me
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  NIV
Acts 6:1-4 – The gift of Service – Feeding folks
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

The Second Meal
  • This time the meal is less than one week before Jesus would die – Mary and Martha had prepared a FEAST in gratitude; to honor and thank Jesus for bringing their brother Lazarus back to life. - Along with the disciples, many who had come to believe in Jesus were also there as well as those who had come out of curiosity to see Lazarus, the cool dude who had been raised from the dead.
  • This is reminiscent of the scripture from the Parable of The Prodigal Son. -We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again
Ø       NOTE:  The scriptures do not actually say the meal was served at Martha’s house, it said it was in Bethany where Lazarus lived. - Scholars disagree about was there two different meals or just one?
Ø       There is a similar story in Mark where Jesus was anointed with oil at a meal at “Simon the Lepers” house. – The presupposition is that the un-named “anointing” woman was Mary.
Ø       In scripture we find that Simon appears to be a Pharisee that had already recovered from leprosy; if not he would not have been allowed to associate with people.
Ø       I must admit it is possible that the meal was at Simon’s larger house in Bethany and not at Martha’s, but she was the one that had organized it and had honored Jesus by serving Him.
  • Martha showed her love for Jesus through her hospitality; the gift of Service.  Mary showed her love in a different way; by sitting at His feet and listening to Him. -  She seems to have the gift of encouragement.
  • It was the custom to take any traveler into the home and provide water to wash their feet.  This would be performed by a servant or the host if there was no servant present.  At a banquet, it was the custom to refresh guest by applying cool fragrant oil to their heads and occasionally they would also apply it to their feet.
  • As Jesus reclined at the table, Mary with her deep faith, came quietly up behind Him and sitting down at His feet, took a 12 ounce jar of Pure Nard, an expensive perfume and without a word, began to gently rub it on His feet and then proceeded to dry them with her long hair. – Mary now had the same aroma that Jesus had; this smell would make her aware of His presence long after He was gone.
  • Jesus knowing His death was imminent said that the Nard although unintentional, was poured out in preparation for His burial. – Mary has just let Jesus know that she has entered into His death with Him.
  • NOTE:  This Spikenard had been kept in an expensive Alabaster box from India.  It had been purchased and SAVED for HER funeral, her burial; but now she pours it all on the feet of Jesus who in just a few days would be crucified. – You must step back and wonder, PONDER; what did Mary know that no one else knew. – “chew the cud” on that; - SELAH
  • Judas the treasurer and THIEF of the group objected by saying the cost of” pure Nard” was equal to a year’s earnings ($60.00 then) and said it should have been sold and given to the poor. - I can just hear the loneliness in Jesus’ voice as He sighs; just "Leave her alone”.
  • Did you get it; Mary is symbolic of the LIGHT; Judas is symbolic of the DARK.
  • LIFE IS CHOICE DRIVEN and has eternal consequences.
Luke 15:32 - This brother of yours was dead and is alive again;
32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" NIV
John 12:1-5 – Mary anointed Jesus feet with perfume of.
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
3 Then Mary took about a pint pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."
John 12:7 – The Nard was saved for my burial.
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should SAVE this perfume for the day of my burial. NIV
Mark 14:3-9 – Home of Simon the Leper
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Rom 12:6-8 – Some of the gifts in the Body
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously NIV

We don’t need a miracle –The problem in not in the lack of evidence – The Problem is the unbelief of man. J. Vernon McGee
The Picture
  • The Home of Mary and Martha pictures the three essential elements of the Church today; Worship, Adoration and Service.
  • So many Churches especially on TV are preaching “The Feel Good” message with the essential elements of worship, adoration and service pushed somewhere in the background.
  • In the story of Lazarus we see the picture of Jesus weeping, but he is not weeping for Lazarus or for the dead, He is weeping for the living that WILL experience DEATH and never see “The Glory of God”.
John 11:40 – Those who believe will see the Glory of God
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? KJV

 



Mary Magdalene
Mary from Madala
  • Mary was from a town called Madala in the region of Galilee - It was primarily a Gentile City located on the southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee noted for their dye works and fine woolen textures. It was considered a resort community and was notorious for its moral corruption.
  • PROSTITUTION was the reputation of this city according to the “Talmud” Rabbinic writings
  • The word “Madala” is Hebrew for “Watchtower” and probably got this name because of the tower that guarded their city. 
  • It had about 4000 inhabitants, sported about 230 boats; had 80 weaver shops and some 300 shops that sold just pigeons for sacrifices.  This town was in the same region as Nazareth, but was much larger. 

Mentally ill
  • Guilt By Association – Because Mary was from Madala which was notorious for prostitution, students of the Word immediately jump to the conclusion that Mary was a Prostitute. – There were UN-NAMED women in scripture that were prostitutes assumed to be Mary.
  • Demons - Mary was said to have seven demons cast out of her by Jesus.
  • In scripture the number seven represents completeness.  It is reasonable to believe that Mary was completely taken over by demons and Jesus completely cast them ALL out and completely forgave ALL her sins.
  • We cannot limit Mary’s illness to one sphere alone, the physical, the mental or the moral, but it seems more Mentally Ill than Morally Dissolute.
  • This would account for her complete and profound devotion to Jesus.
Luke 8:1-2– Jesus cast out demons from Mary Magdalene
1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,
2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom SEVEN demons had come out;

Married to Jesus
  • Is it possible that Jesus was married to Mary?  YES… It is also possible that He was married to Martha or her sister Mary, or to one of the many women in the entourage.
  • It’s more possible that Mary was married to someone from her hometown, as was Joanna her co-worker; the canonized scripture (our Bible) does not tell us. 
  • Married - Obscure writing indicate that Mary was married to the Jew, Pappus ben Juda and divorced him to marry ”Panther” an officer of Herod Antipas entourage which aroused public indignation (sinful) - although this is widely circulated, the information is not deemed correct from a historical prospective.
  • Mary is always pictured with other women providing for the needs of the ministry.
  • No record in the Gospel, canonical or non-canonical is reported to show the relationship between Mary and Jesus as being married -  NONE
  • She is not mentioned during the lifetime of Jesus except at the end of His ministry.
  • Mary referred to Jesus as “Teacher”, not “Sweet Cheeks” or some other special term of endearment.


THE APOCALYPTCIST Mindset – This is who we are.
  • The belief that the Kingdom of God would soon arrive.  They were living in the end times when God would intervene and overthrow the forces of evil with a cataclysmic event.
  • Women’s Lib - The Apocalyptic mindset might have also been a “QUALITY” which drew women into the ministry; believing that they would be part of the kingdom in EQUALITY.  No more oppression based on gender or class.
  • The Essenes who are thought to have provided the Dead Sea scrolls were Apocalyptcist and so was Jesus.
  • The Essenes were celibate and had moved to the desert to devote themselves totally to God.  - They were ALL single men – John the Baptist was single - Paul was single – So just in case you were wondering did Jesus marry Mary Magdalene, it is more plausible that Jesus remained single than married.
  • In the kingdom of God we will have a sexless and marriage-less existence. – EQUALITY – We will certainly get to see our “believing” spouse in heaven, but we will just not married to them. – We will have a “different” sexless glorified body.
Mark 12:25 – Sexless in Heaven
25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
NIV
1 Cor 7:7 – Paul remained single
7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
NIV
Phil 3:21 – Our bodies will be transformed into a glorious body
21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. NIV
Gift of Service
  • Assets - You will also note that Mary had substance or assets as she helped provide for the ministry of Jesus out of her own means.  Other writing indicate Mary’s family was very wealthy and had died and left her a substantial inheritance.  It should be noted here that there was no “Middle Class” – Some had a lot of wealth, but the majority were scrape along poor. – NYOBS 05.02 MARY MAGDALENE
  • Service - The Greek term for “ministered” can be translated “served” and can be extended to mean – facilitate, promote, advance forward, and even underwrite - to “finance”.
Luke 8:1-3 – Many women gave money to support the ministry.
1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news
2….Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means NIV
Luke 8:3 – (NIV) - Mary had assets.
3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Luke 8:3 – (KJV) – Ministered, Served, facilitated and financed
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Female Disciple
  • Women were considered “Second Class” to their father, brothers and husband.  The message of Jesus was of freedom and equality of the sexes; liberation from the constraints, restrictions of Jewish Law concerning women.  This may be why so many women were attracted to the teachings of Christ.
  • Mary is always mentioned first among the women and thus by interpretation, she can be assumed to be the leader of the Women’s Ministry, and obviously had leadership qualities.
  • She was a female disciple. (a follower)
  • After all the Disciples had disappeared, Mary was still following.
  • Mary was present during the mock trial of Jesus; heard His death sentence; saw the beatings, felt His humiliation and stayed near even to his death and burial. - She was the last to leave the cross and the first to arrive at His tomb.
  • Mary had seen how the body of Jesus was laid; it was not a finished burial.  After the Sabbath, she had planned to anoint Him with more spices and perfume.  His resurrection occurred just before dawn and before she got there.
  • Why did Jesus appear to Mary first – God says in Proverbs that; “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
  • When He appeared to her she did not recognize Him until He spoke her name.
  • She called him "Rabboni" which means “Teacher”. (She didn’t call to Him with a term of endearment)
  • Here is how it all played out. – Mary watches everything that happens to Jesus. from a distance including the mock trial – Stood near the cross as Jesus died – Followed them to the tomb and saw WHERE and HOW he was laid – Was there when the stone closed the entrance – Went back after the Sabbath – Brought spices to anoint the body – Found the stone rolled away – Jesus appeared to her – Jesus commissioned her to go tell the Disciples – She did and they thought that what she said was nonsense. – She was among the 120 in the upper room on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
Mark 15:40-41 – Mary had followed Him
40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.  NIV
Matt 27:55-56 – Mary watches at first from a distance
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
NIV
John 19:25 – Mary stood near the cross
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  
NIV
Mark 15:46-47 – Mary saw WHERE Jesus was laid
46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw WHERE he was laid. NIV
Luke 23:55-56 – She saw HOW the body was laid
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and HOW his body was laid in it.
56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
NIV
Matt 27:59-61 – Mary was at the tomb when it was closed
59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. NIV
Matt 28:1 – Mary went to the tomb after the Sabbath
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
NIV
Mark 16:1 – Mary took spices to the tomb
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. NIV
John 20:1 – Mary found the stone removed from the tomb
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.
NIV
Prov 8:17 – Mary seeks Jesus and finds Him
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
NIV
John 20:15-16 – Mary called the resurrected Jesus – “Teacher”
15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
NIV
Luke 24:9-11 – Mary’s words were NONSENSE to Peter.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.
NIV
Acts 1:14 - Upper Room; Awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit
14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. NIV

The First Apostle –Beginning of Christianity
  • It is also thought that Mary was one of the women present in the upper room awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit.
  • At the resurrection of Christ, He first appeared to Mary at the empty tomb.
  • Mary Magdalene was commissioned to go and tell His Disciples what had happened.  That would make her the first apostle.
  • The Greek word “Apostle” means “One who has been sent” – Disciple means “follower”
  • God used a woman; deemed “second class”, to spread the Gospel - He used the weaker vessel, considered foolish, to confound those who think themselves wise.
  • I know that this is a stretch, but Mary Magdalene could be said to have established or originated “Christianity” as she was the first to believe that Jesus Christ was “raised from the dead” and went on and told others as none of the Twelve Disciples were present.
Mark 16:9 – Mary saw the Risen Lord first.
9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
NIV
Mark 16:6-7 – Mary commissioned to go and tell
6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, `
NIV
John 20:18 – Mary told the Disciples that she had seen the Lord
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. NIV


SUMMARY OF MARY MAGDALENE

  • Mary was from the town of Madala, a town located on the Southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee.  This town was notorious for its moral corruption. i.e.: Prostitution.
  • Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary – We believe seven symbolizes completeness and she was completely healed of her illness and completely forgiven of her sins.
  • Mary became a devoted follower of Jesus and used her wealth to provide for the needs of the ministry.  She embraced the apocalyptic mindset of Jesus and “Women’s Lib”.
  • She could have been married before she joined the ministry as other writings suggest.
  • She was not a prostitute – Did not anoint Jesus with Oil – was not His wife – bore Him no children. – And only referred to Him as”Teacher”.
  • She was the leader of the women apostles – “Women of the Church”
  • She was present at the mock trial, death sentence, beatings, humiliations, death & burial.
  • She was the first to see Jesus resurrected and was commissioned to “Go and Tell”.
  • I feel a need to point this out here, that Mary totally believed that Jesus was still dead; she did not go to the tomb looking for a risen Savior. – Unbelief causes Blindness to our Faith, that’s why she did not recognize Jesus; but she did know His voice; she recognized the voice of the Shepard and she followed Him.
  • God used Mary, the weaker vessel, considered foolish, to confound the mighty and wise.
I encourage you to read the more detailed version of Mary Magdalene in
NYOBS 05.02 MARY MAGDALENE

John 10:27 – My sheep know my voice
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me
NKJV
1 Cor 1:27 - God chose the foolish things
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. NIV


Unbelief causes Blindness to our Faith


I ENJOY WALKING THROUGH ALL THE COMMENTARIES;
CRAWLING INTO THE STORIES;
LOOKING AROUND;
BEING THERE JUST FOR THE MOMENT.



In the multitude of counselors,
 there is wisdom.
Prov 11:14


I am grateful for those that went before me providing concepts, ideas, historical information, and scripture verses.  Because of them I can stand on their shoulders and see further that I otherwise ever could have.


All the Women of the Bible – Edith Deen
Bible Almanac; The – Packer – Tenney – White
Dake’s Annotated Bible – F. Dake
Fascinating Bible Facts – Howard & Burger
Girls of the Bible – Harvey Albert Snyder
God’s Arithmetic – Don Kistler
Harpers Bible Dictionary – Harper & Row
Illustrated Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
New International Version Bible – NIV
New International Dictionary of Bible – Douglas - Tenney
New World College Dictionary- Webster’s
Theomatics – Jerry Lucas
Thru the Bible Commentary – J. Vernon McGee
Victor Journey through the Bible – Beers
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Who’s Who and Where’s Where – Stephen M. Miller
Why do Catholics do that? – Kevin Orlin Johnson




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