MARY MAGDALENE

She was loved by Jesus above the other women in His circle of friends. She was mentioned first (Matthew 27:56 & 61, 28:1; Mark 15:40 & 47, 16:1 & 9; Luke 8:2, 24:10; John 19:25, 20:1, & 18) and is the most prominent and outstanding leader among the women. Mary Magdalene was the first one Jesus appeared to after His resurrection. She was one of those who ministered of their substance to Him. Which means she was more than likey a wealthy woman. She was cleansed of seven demons, which some scholars say means she was a harlot. Demons consist of illness and disease of kinds, the question is are demons causing us to have immorality?

There is another Mary in the previous chapter who was a prostitute (Luke 7 36-50) and should not be confused with Mary Magdalene, who had an unblemished character. Surely Jesus would not have a common prostitute as the major woman leading of His group of women. Or would He?

In John 20:1-2 we find her and the other women at the tomb, joined there by Peter and John (Luke 24:12), who may have been staying at the home of John. Mary the mother of Jesus was staying at his home as well. Then the other women leave. Mary Magdalene was sitting alone, she thought, crying her heart out. She couldn't and didn't understand what Jesus had said about He would ARISE on the 3rd day. Her heart was breaking. She loved Him and His body was gone. Then Jesus appeared standing right beside her. He called her name and in that moment all the grief was gone. It was His voice. She knew that voice. Her beloved Jesus was alive. He had AROSE.

Now I ask you, was Mary Magdalene a harlot? I don't know and don't care. All I know is that Jesus has forgiven my sins, which in His eyes and the worlds eye, are just as bad as being a harlot. Is that the worst that happen's in a woman's life? I don't think so. If she was Jesus did forgive her and remembered no more what she was BEFORE she came to him. He loved her.

Why do we, as God's children, only want to go after the ones that have no sins? Or so they think. What is the purpose of trying to save only the good people? Shouldn't we be willing to go out after the ones walking around in all kinds of sin? To bring them to God's bosom, to give them love and understanding? Do we ever fall, fail or plain just don't do as we should to help others? Then why should we not realize that in others as well and be there for them?

Shouldn't this be foremost on what our minds, He forgave us, remembers no more and He loves us. How can we not give back to the ones needing it?

God's blessings on each of you,
LJG/rECj