Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Demystifying Mary Magdalene: She was not a prostitute Demystifying Mary Magdalene: She was not a prostitute Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Demystifying Mary Magdalene: She was not a prostitute She was not Jesus’ wife Demystifying Mary Magdalene: She was not a prostitute She was not Jesus’ wife Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

“The Gospel of Mary records alleged revelations of Jesus to his disciples during his post-resurrection appearances….Peter and Andrew question Mary’s recounting of the Savior’s “strange” words, distrusting that he would speak with her in private about these things. This causes Mary to weep, but Levi defends her, saying, ‘Surely the Savior knows her very well. This is why he loved her more than us.’” Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

“The Gospel of Mary records unique sayings and stories that lack historical value due to the manuscript’s late date. There is no reason to conclude that the manuscript contains any credible independent historical Jesus traditions or eyewitness accounts.” –Lexham Bible Dictionary, Jeffrey E. Miller Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Jesus is worth pursuing Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

10 So the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary replied, “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!” John 20:10-15 (NET Bible)

14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Because she thought he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him.” John 20:10-15 (NET Bible)

Truths about Mary Magdalene: She was a follower of Christ She had 7 demons removed by Jesus She was wealthy She witnessed Jesus’ death She witnessed Jesus’ burial She discovered the empty tomb She was the first Christ appeared to She was the first evangelist Truths about Mary Magdalene: She was a follower of Christ She had 7 demons removed by Jesus She was wealthy She witnessed Jesus’ death She witnessed Jesus’ burial She discovered the empty tomb She was the first Christ appeared to She was the first evangelist Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Jesus is worth pursuing Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Jesus is worth pursuing Jesus is worth proclaiming Jesus is worth pursuing Jesus is worth proclaiming Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her. John 20:16-18 (NET Bible)

Mary had witnessed Jesus’ death and burial. Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

“That a woman would be the first to see Him is an evidence of Jesus’ electing love as well as a mark of the narrative’s historicity. No Jewish author in the ancient world would have invented a story with a woman as the first witness to this most important event.” –BKC Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

8 So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” Matthew 28:8-10 (NET Bible)

“Don’t touch me.” Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

“Don’t touch me.” “Don’t hold on to me.” “Don’t touch me.” “Don’t hold on to me.” Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

“Because she is charged in all four Gospels to share the first revelation of the good news of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene is often called the first evangelist.” –LBD “Because she is charged in all four Gospels to share the first revelation of the good news of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene is often called the first evangelist.” –LBD Eyewitness Testimony of Mary Magdalene

Read/study John 20. Do you pursue Jesus with Mary’s passion? Does your life reflect your gratitude for all that God has done for you in Christ? Do you believe in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus? Do you proclaim Jesus boldly? Read/study John 20. Do you pursue Jesus with Mary’s passion? Does your life reflect your gratitude for all that God has done for you in Christ? Do you believe in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus? Do you proclaim Jesus boldly? Application