16 March 2015

Sunset

Jesus tells parables, controls nature and raises another dead person back to life

Click here to read Luke 8

Discussion Questions

  •  Why did Jesus often use parables (v 10)?
  • How easy would it have been to be Jairus and not tell anyone what had happened?

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Going Deeper –  from 'Words of Life'

M ary Magdalene had a reputation. She was often referred to as having a ‘past’. A sinful woman. A prostitute perhaps in former years. For certain, she had been possessed by seven demons – which were now gone.

She had been a tormented woman, but she was set free. Forgiven. Changed.

We’ve read that Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, had poured expensive perfume on Jesus. Mary of Magdela did likewise:

…she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them (Luke 7:37, 38).

Mary of Magdela was weeping because of the complete transformation that had taken place in her life. It was no doubt overwhelming to believe that God had truly forgiven her – of everything  – and here she was, in his presence.

The Twelve were with Jesus, but so was she – along with a few other women. In fact, she was the first woman mentioned. Growing up in a society where women weren’t thought of as really counting at all – this was huge.

And it meant so much to Mary Magdalene. A woman lifted from a life of sin, to a life of freedom in Christ. A life that now had meaning and purpose. Saved, to serve!

Mary of Magdela was at the Cross. She probably thought it was the end. Yet she would continue on, and not turn back. She was changed for ever.

Mary Magdalene was devoted to the one who transformed her life, from darkness to light.

Beverly Ivany
Photo courtesy of freebibleimages.org

Tags: Luke