Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene- A Story of Freedom

Opener:

Good morning to all our viewers here this morning. Please know that we are praying for you!

This week, we are continuing to study different characters from the bible. As you may recall, last week we talked about an Old Testament character named Mephibosheth. We learned how Mephibosheth was dropped as a child and suffered a life-long physical disability. Mephibosheth story does not end there though; we learned how King David sought out Mephibosheth and blessed him. As a result, Mephibosheth sat at the kings table the remainder of his life.

This morning we are going to be talking about a New Testament Character. This characters life was forever changed by an encounter that she had with Jesus. While the bible is filled with stories of men being used in a tremendous way by God, women too have an integral part of the gospel being spread throughout all the world. In fact, I would venture to say that without women, well none of us would be here!!!

The bible is filled with famous women such as: Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Mary the mother of Jesus, and many more. This morning we are going to talk about another famous Women named Mary Magdalene. There are a lot of unproven facts available about Mary Magdalene. Frequently, people identify Mary as a prostitute, while others say she is the one who put expensive ointment on Jesus feet and wiped it with her hair. At times, Mary Magdalene has been often confused with Lazarus sister Mary.

While little is known about Mary, we are able to gather some important information about her. The bible shares with us in the book of Luke chapter 8 (NKJV) 8 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

I. Mary was delivered

A. Mary’s name

a. We talked a bit last week about the importance of a name. We discussed how the name of the town LoDebar meant “No pasture” or “Not having”.

b. Just like our character last week, Mary’s name gives us some insight into her background.

c. While the name Mary appears to hold different meanings the second part of Mary’s name gives us some insight.

d. The name Magdalene, is not a surname, it is actually where Mary was from.

e. There was a tiny fishing village called Magdala. This village was located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee about five and half miles Southwest of Capernaum where Jesus ministered.

B. Town of Magdala

a. While the town of Magdala was small, they were famous because of their skill for processing fish and keeping them preserved. It is likely that they salted or smoked the fish.

b. Soon after Jesus time in 66AD, the city was decimated by the Roman army.

c. Josephus records that many of the Jewish people had fled by using their boats to get away. The Roman army pursued the people which resulted in thousands of Jewish men, women, and children losing their lives.

d. On a more positive note, today Magdala is a farming community and may be found in Migdal, Isreal.

C. Sin problem

a. Mary, like many of us had before coming to Jesus, had a sin problem. Mary was steep into her sin, so much so that she had been possessed by seven demons.

b. The number seven in an important number as it represents completeness.

c. In this case, we are told Mary had seven demons, which could be interpreted as she was totally possessed with demonic spirits.

d. Whether it was the actual number seven or complete possessed, the point being is that Mary had a real sin or spiritual problem on her hands.

D. Demonic oppression

a. Demon possession involves bondage of an evil spirit. One that indwells the afflicted individual.

b. The scripture teaches us that evil spirits would speak through their victims, and torment their victims.

c. People that are demon possessed suffer greatly at the hands of the evil spirit.

d. Satan used these seven demons no doubt to bring depression, anxiety, fear along with other ailments in Mary’s life

E. Lost

a. While in this lost state, Mary had no hope for a future.

b. There is no doubt that these demons made relationships hard for Mary to have and living a normal life in society would have been obsolete.

c. Mary had nothing to look forward to but a miserable existence in this life which would be followed by an eternity in hell.