Wow for March: Mary Magdalene Lesson #5

 

Hello sisters!  I hope you are having an amazing day.  We left off yesterday talking about the women who were accompanying Jesus on His travels and helping to support his ministry financially. 

The Book of Luke is the only Gospel to give a narrative about Mary Magdeline outside of the last week of Jesus's life, so we will focus on his account for today. 

Luke starts by mentioning that she joins Jesus and the 12 as they traveled "from one town and village to another, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God".  The next paragraph mentions again that they visited "town after town" and more and more crowds gathered.  

Did Mary M hover the outskirts of the crowds with the other women?  Was she by Jesus' side? Did she talk about God with others? As we mentioned before, this was a time when women's opinions were not appreciated or respected.  Luke mentions in his account that Jesus' own mother and brothers could not break through the crowd to get near him. 

The two women that are attributed with being close to Mary during travel and through Jesus' death and burial are Johanna and Mary, the mother of James. 

Mary, mother of James is known as one of the "Three Mary's" along with Magdalene and Mary of Clopas. There was a Greek Bishop named Papias of Hierapolis who wrote that Mary, mother of James was Mother Mary's sister, which would make her Jesus' Aunt. This Greek Bishop was said to be a friend of John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. It is thought that Mary, mother of James was married to Alphaeus.  Her son James would be know as James the Younger or James the Less. 

Johanna was the wife of Chuza, who was the steward of Herrod Antipas. The same Herrod that was an integral part in the deaths of John the Baptist and Jesus. Joanna is one of the women who were cured of evil spirits and infirmities.  

All three women helped to support Jesus' ministry financially. 

OK! Well that is going to be it for today.  I have something really special for tomorrow! A new Bible study method that I came up with earlier today.  I'm excited to try it out! 

Until then, be blessed. 

Sherry