HER STORY: Leaders in the Cause of Christ, Mary of Magdala, a Disciple of Jesus

Like the five men called to be disciples at the beginning of John's Gospel, and the woman at the well in Samaria in Chapter 4, Mary of Magdala's story includes all twelve elements unique to Jesus's call. #MaryMagdalene #John20 #WomanDisciple

HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Mary of Magdala

Throughout his ministry, Jesus gathered around him men and women who became a community of 120 people joined in their love for and faith in Jesus. And one of those women was Mary of Magdala. She is mentioned fourteen times, in all four Gospels, and her name is almost always placed first, seemingly implying she … Continue reading HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Mary of Magdala

Women Disciples: Jesus’s Call to Mary of Magdala

Though Mary of Magdala is a well-known figure in the gospels, she is not introduced by name until Jesusโ€™s crucifixion in Johnโ€™s Gospel (John 19:25). John doesnโ€™t explain who she is, or what her relationship is to Jesus or his family, but there she is, with John and Mary, Jesusโ€™s mother. That alone says how … Continue reading Women Disciples: Jesus’s Call to Mary of Magdala

Meditation for the Lenten Season: Joy Made Complete

Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, NRSV)

Magdala

As we walked through the chapel, we admired the frescoes of scenes from scripture, read the names of women disciples on the marble pillars, and stopped in the sanctuary to gaze at the replica of the Galilee Boat, thinking about Jesus and His ministry.

Eve, Part II

Women have been rightfully restored to the blessing and commission God has given to all humanity. Let us now reflect that truth, and live as equals in the liberty of love Jesus holds out to us. ย 

Gospel of John: Garden to Garden

John 20 moves backwards through Genesis 2-3, restoring each of the ruptured relationships caused by humankindโ€™s rejection of God: the reign of death, the rule of man over woman, and the broken bond between God and humanity.

Gospel of John: Mary of Magdala

All four Gospel accounts describe Maryโ€™s faithfulness and courage, a major financial supporter and patron of Jesusโ€™s ministry, one who remained with Jesus at the foot of his cross until his death, and the first to arrive at his tomb the morning of his resurrection.

Gospel of John: Resurrection Timeline

Though the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all synchronize with each other, and John seems to stand alone in what it recounts, all four gospels agree on the main events concerning Jesusโ€™s trials, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Many have sought to create a timeline of events, poring through these four eyewitness accounts, as I will also do, today.

Gospel of John: Weighing the Evidence

We accept the resurrection as attested to by not only these eye witnesses, but the hundreds of others who also saw Jesus and interacted with him in the month following his resurrection.