If you were to ask someone to name five biblical women, Mary Magdalene would almost certainly make it to the list. Her name appears 12 times in the gospels, and her story has taken on mythical proportions.
Mary Magdalene deserves top billing—not in fictionalized accounts of her life but among the ranks of women who sincerely followed Jesus. It’s time to separate (more…)
In biblical days, pouring oil on someone—known as an anointing—designated that person was set apart by God. This was common among prophets, priests and kings. It’s not surprising that Messiah, a title assigned to Jesus, means “Anointed One.” He is, after all, the ultimate prophet, priest and king.
The gospels tell the stories of three different women who demonstrate their worship by (more…)
You have been a pariah for more than a decade. Cries of “unclean!” and stares of condemnation follow you everywhere. The social isolation and loneliness add insult to injury. You’ve been bleeding for 12 years, and doctors have done nothing more than bleed your pocket dry.
You’re weak. You’re broken. You’re desperate. You have no money and have earned no sympathy.
But then (more…)
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, (more…)
Widows in ancient Israel faced lives of hardship and dependence. Without husbands, they became vulnerable to poverty, isolation and oppression. Their options were slim: Remarry or depend upon other family members and gifts from temple tithes.
Their precarious situation made them morally vulnerable as well, prone to yielding to passions that would lead them astray spiritually.
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, (more…)
In the eyes of the world, Mary was a nobody living in a nowhere town. She expected her life to take the traditional trajectory. She would marry young, have children, and live a quiet life of servitude, eventually fading into obscurity.
But the Lord foresaw a different trajectory for her life. He would grant her the highest honor among women. She, a (more…)