2.14.21 Sunday School
Unit 3: The Call of Women
Mary Magdalene: A Faithful Disciple | Bible Background • MARK 15:40, 16:1-9, LUKE 8:1-3, JOHN 20:10-18 Printed Text •LUKE8:1-3, MARK15:40. JOHN 20:10-18 | Devotional Reading •ROMANS 4:13-25
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will DISCERN Mary Magdalene’s motivations for committing her life to Jesus, APPRECIATE the sacrifices Mary Magdalene made in order to follow Jesus, and EMBRACE a lifestyle of wholehearted discipleship.
By the end of this lesson, we will DISCERN Mary Magdalene’s motivations for committing her life to Jesus, APPRECIATE the sacrifices Mary Magdalene made in order to follow Jesus, and EMBRACE a lifestyle of wholehearted discipleship.
IN FOCUS
It was a wearying plane ride from San Diego to the military hospital overseas, but Jackie got no rest; she was too anxious. This was not the reunion she wanted for her and her husband Bruce, a lifelong Army officer whose career had taken him to deployments across the United States and around the world.
Every time Bruce was reassigned, they dutifully made the moves, understanding that they were together in marriage no matter where it took them. They packed everything they had and she took on the challenges of settling into new housing, making new friends, and supporting him, even as their family grew from two to three, then four. But the family wasn’t allowed to follow when Bruce was stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, which meant Jackie leaned harder on her faith that her husband would be safe. Before Bruce left, he gave her a bracelet engraved with the Mizpah: “The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” For months, that carried her through. Then came word that Bruce was injured in a vehicle crash. Now Jackie stood in a hospital corridor being told Bruce had been moved just before her arrival, but it wasn’t clear where. As an Army chaplain and an administrator tried to sort out the confusion, a kind charge nurse saw Jackie’s distress. “Don’t let worry overtake you now,” she said with a smile. “Believe me, with a loving partner like you in his corner, he’ll be fine.”
Can we trust God to care for those we love, wherever they are?
Keep in Mind
” The twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called
Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils” (from Luke 8:1-2, KJV)
Focal Verses
Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing
the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of
whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of
their substance.
Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the
mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; John 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their
own home.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the
sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus
had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my
LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the
gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take
him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say
unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these
things unto her.
the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of
whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of
their substance.
Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the
mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; John 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their
own home.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the
sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus
had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my
LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the
gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take
him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say
unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these
things unto her.
The People, Places, and Times
Demonic Possession. Demons are evil spiritual beings (Matthew 8:16; 12:43-45) who are enemies of God and
have certain power over people (James 2:19; Revelation 16:14). They belong to the number of fallen angels that
“kept not their first estate” (Jude 6). Demonic possession is mentioned quite often in the New Testament, with a
variety of effects such as muteness (Luke 11:14) and epilepsy (Mark 9:17f). The child’s posture in Mark 9 is
evidence of the physical exhaustion caused by the intense nervous strain of demonic possession. The Gospel
records clearly show that Christ distinguished between ordinary sickness and demon possession. Jesus generally
healed sick people by the laying on of hands or anointing. The demon-possessed were delivered when the spirits
were commanded to depart (for example, see Matthew 10:8; Mark 6:13; Acts 8:7). Sometimes multiple spirits
possess a single person, such as the legion of demons who possessed the man in Gennesaret or Mary of
Magdala.
have certain power over people (James 2:19; Revelation 16:14). They belong to the number of fallen angels that
“kept not their first estate” (Jude 6). Demonic possession is mentioned quite often in the New Testament, with a
variety of effects such as muteness (Luke 11:14) and epilepsy (Mark 9:17f). The child’s posture in Mark 9 is
evidence of the physical exhaustion caused by the intense nervous strain of demonic possession. The Gospel
records clearly show that Christ distinguished between ordinary sickness and demon possession. Jesus generally
healed sick people by the laying on of hands or anointing. The demon-possessed were delivered when the spirits
were commanded to depart (for example, see Matthew 10:8; Mark 6:13; Acts 8:7). Sometimes multiple spirits
possess a single person, such as the legion of demons who possessed the man in Gennesaret or Mary of
Magdala.
Background
Although some traditions have historically advanced the idea that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, more
recent Biblical scholars have debunked that claim because Scripture does not support it. Possibly the link began
with scholars assuming Mary Magdalene (who is first named in Luke 8:2) is the same “sinful woman” who
anointed Jesus in Simon’s house (Luke 7). In Luke 8:2, what we really learn about Mary Magdalene is that she
was a woman from whom seven demons had gone out and she was a close follower and friend of Jesus. In Mark
15:40, we learn that when Jesus was crucified, Mary was among the group of women who looked on from a
distance. When the Sabbath was over, she was also one of the three women who brought spices to anoint Jesus’
body. Mary’s consistent presence with Jesus and His appearance to her after His Resurrection points to the
value Jesus placed on the contributions of women to the spread of the Gospel.
recent Biblical scholars have debunked that claim because Scripture does not support it. Possibly the link began
with scholars assuming Mary Magdalene (who is first named in Luke 8:2) is the same “sinful woman” who
anointed Jesus in Simon’s house (Luke 7). In Luke 8:2, what we really learn about Mary Magdalene is that she
was a woman from whom seven demons had gone out and she was a close follower and friend of Jesus. In Mark
15:40, we learn that when Jesus was crucified, Mary was among the group of women who looked on from a
distance. When the Sabbath was over, she was also one of the three women who brought spices to anoint Jesus’
body. Mary’s consistent presence with Jesus and His appearance to her after His Resurrection points to the
value Jesus placed on the contributions of women to the spread of the Gospel.
What transforming life experiences have shaped your relationship with Jesus?
At-A-Glance
1. The Twelve and Some Women (Luke 8:1-3)
2. Refusing to Leave the Scene (Mark 15:40)
3. Looking for Signs of Resurrection (John 20:10-18)
1. The Twelve and Some Women (Luke 8:1-3)
2. Refusing to Leave the Scene (Mark 15:40)
3. Looking for Signs of Resurrection (John 20:10-18)
In Depth
1. The Twelve and Some Women (Luke 8:1-3) Jesus’ earthly ministry would not have been possible without
the support of disciples and friends who traveled with Him as He proclaimed the Gospel. As seen in the Gospel
of Luke, Jesus’ ministry takes Him all over Galilee. He traveled with twelve disciples to represent the twelve
tribes of Israel. However, Jesus did not travel with only His disciples. A group of women also accompanied
Jesus. Each of the women who traveled with Jesus had been cured of evil spirits or diseases. Mary was called
Magdalene because she was from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Joanna also
traveled with them. She was the wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza. Her faithfulness to Jesus possibly indicates her
opposition to Herod’s rule. Luke also records Joanna as being one of the women (along with Mary Magdalene)
who first discovered Jesus’ tomb was empty (Luke 24:10). Another woman named Susanna also traveled with
them. The women who traveled with Jesus and the disciples provided resources such as food and other support
for the group.
What unique resources do you provide to contribute to ongoing Christian ministry?
the support of disciples and friends who traveled with Him as He proclaimed the Gospel. As seen in the Gospel
of Luke, Jesus’ ministry takes Him all over Galilee. He traveled with twelve disciples to represent the twelve
tribes of Israel. However, Jesus did not travel with only His disciples. A group of women also accompanied
Jesus. Each of the women who traveled with Jesus had been cured of evil spirits or diseases. Mary was called
Magdalene because she was from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Joanna also
traveled with them. She was the wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza. Her faithfulness to Jesus possibly indicates her
opposition to Herod’s rule. Luke also records Joanna as being one of the women (along with Mary Magdalene)
who first discovered Jesus’ tomb was empty (Luke 24:10). Another woman named Susanna also traveled with
them. The women who traveled with Jesus and the disciples provided resources such as food and other support
for the group.
What unique resources do you provide to contribute to ongoing Christian ministry?
2. Refusing to Leave the Scene (Mark 15:40) The women who traveled with Jesus supported Him in life and
death. Each of the Gospels presents slightly different details of Jesus’ death and resurrection, but the account is
briefest in the Gospel of Mark which was the earliest of the four Gospels written. Mark does not indicate that
the disciples remained at the foot of Jesus’ Cross, but he does note that there were women who looked on from
a distance (Mark 15:40). These women included Mary Magdalene. Crucifixion was meant to be a humiliating
and shameful execution. People would not normally associate themselves with such a person. Crucifixion also
demonstrated the total power of the Roman Empire. People who were crucified served as an example to Roman
citizens of what happens when one crosses Rome. These women associated themselves with someone who was
a threat to the Empire—Jesus. Though they are not right at the feet of the Cross (where John records himself
and Jesus’ mother), they do not fully desert their master as the other disciples did. These three women stay with
their Master through His death and are the first to come planning to anoint His body on the morning of His
resurrection.
When was the last time you supported someone or something until the end even knowing that you would not
receive the result for which you had hoped and prayed?
3. Looking for Signs of Resurrection (John 20:10-18) Mary is the first to find the empty tomb. She then alerts
the Apostles (John 20:1–2). When Peter and John went to Jesus’ empty tomb, they thought that someone had
taken His body. The two returned home. Like Peter and John, Mary feared that someone had taken the body
also, but she was unwilling to leave the tomb without trying to determine where the thieves placed Him. Mary
remained at the tomb only because of her devotion to Jesus. Mary’s grief prevented her from immediately
recognizing Jesus when He appeared to her in His resurrected body. When Mary finally recognized Him, she
knew Jesus because of the distinct way He spoke to her. The miraculous had happened and Mary was the first
of Jesus’ friends to bear witness to the fact that Jesus had risen with all power in His hands. Mary could not wait
to share the Good News!
When you receive unexpectedly good news, whom do you tell first?
Search the Scriptures
1. Why did Jesus travel with such a large group of followers? Why did those followers include women? (Luke
8:1-3)
2. Why did Mary Magdalene and others go to the tomb after Jesus’ death? (Mark 6:1-2; Luke 23:56; John 20:3-
9)
Discuss the Meaning
1. What might these women, especially Mary Magdalene, reveal about what it means to be a faithful disciple of
Jesus Christ?
2. What risks did Mary take to support Jesus’ ministry?
Liberating Lesson
Crises of conscience plague contemporary society. Mary Magdalene’s example to us as individuals is two-fold.
First, she reminds us to allow God to transform our lives. Second, she shows us what it means to be a faithful
follower and friend. In a world where so much seems temporary and fleeting, Mary teaches the contemporary
reader to stay plugged into our relationship with Jesus. Mary’s example to our churches is not to be hasty and
walk away from the empty tomb. Today’s churches often find that they are bombarded with statistics of how
people in younger generations are less likely to attend church. These statistics sometimes lead us to change or
dilute our message to suit changing times. Mary reminds the church to remain steadfast. There is yet hope.
Application for Activation
Think of someone you know who has experienced a liberating transformation because of Jesus. (Maybe you
have yourself.) Ask the person to share their testimony with you. Consider asking the person if you may record
their story to share with others in your small group.
Follow the Spirit
What God wants me to do:
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Remember Your Thoughts
Special insights I have learned:
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