Why Mary Clung to Christ
Apr 12, 2019 09:42:35 #
Why Mary Clung to Christ
By Ben Godwin - April 12, 2019
Only a handful of women dared to visit Jesus’ tomb as Easter Sunday dawned. The male disciples cowered in fear they’d be crucified next. Between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared multiple times to numerous people (Ac. 1:3, 1 Cor. 15:6). Surprisingly, His first post-resurrection appearance was to Mary Magdalene. Expecting to anoint a corpse, she had a face-to-face encounter with her risen Savior. When she realized it really was Jesus, she clung to Him. Do you blame her?
Magdalene was not Mary’s last name. It refers to Mary’s home town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee’s western shore. She is so designated to distinguish her from eight other women named Mary in the New Testament. Her name occurs only a dozen times in the Gospels, but as you piece the puzzle together, an inspiring three-part image emerges:
Mary’s Deliverance from Demons.
Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9 describe how Jesus delivered Mary from seven evil spirits. We are not told how the demons affected her life, body or behavior. Some commentators suggest she was epileptic and suffered from seizures. Others think she had a debilitating mental or physical illness. Whether those demons corrupted her mind or her morals or both is up for debate. The big question is, “Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?” The Talmud (a collection of ancient Rabbinical writings) states that Magdala had a reputation for prostitution. In a sermon in 591 A.D., Pope Gregory claimed she was the unidentified, uninvited “sinner” who crashed a dinner party Jesus attended (Lk. 7:37-39). That woman, believed to be a harlot, anointed Jesus’ feet with pricey perfume and washed them with tears of repentance. Simon the Pharisee, host of the dinner, objected that Jesus even allowed the tramp to touch Him. But there is no biblical proof that woman was Mary.
Others have tried to connect Mary with the Adulteress Woman in John 8 who was drug before Jesus to be stoned until He intervened. That again is purely speculation. The Bible does not say Mary was a prostitute. It simply says she was delivered from demons and became a devout disciple. Truth be told, all Christians have been delivered from something—“Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear son” (Col. 1:13). Maybe we weren’t bound by demon possession, but we were freed from demonic oppression to some degree or another. The good news is, when Christ comes in, Satan must leave!
After her dramatic deliverance, Mary, along with other wealthy women, “ministered unto Him of their substance” (Lk. 8:2-3). How did Mary become wealthy? Did she inherit it? Magdala was known for is textile industry, making fabric and dying cloth. Was she a business woman? Somehow, she had the means to help fund Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps she bought and cooked the disciple’s food, bought and/or washed their clothes or ran errands for the Prophet and His pupils. The fact that she was free from family obligations indicates she was probably unmarried and childless.
Mary’s Dedication to Discipleship.
Though a supporting cast member, Mary comes to the forefront in the Easter narrative. While male disciples fled, Mary devotedly followed Jesus to the bitter end. Consider the degree of dedication she displayed: she was close to the cross when Jesus died (Jn. 19:25), she participated in Jesus’ burial (Mt. 27:55-61), she was the first to discover the empty tomb (Jn. 20:1), then she ran to inform Peter and John that Jesus’ body was missing (Jn. 20:2). They, of course, doubted her story, “their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them” (Lk. 24:11), not that she made the most credible witness given her past problems.
Bible commentator Craig Keener notes, “Ancient Jewish men did not accept women as reliable witnesses for most legal purposes and this cultural tendency may have further moved John and Peter to look for themselves . . . The witness of women was worth little in Judaism; that Jesus first appears to a woman would not have been fabricated and shows us how Jesus’ values differ from those of His culture.”
Why, of all people, did Jesus appear first to Mary Magdalene? One answer is simply GRACE! One could argue that she was least deserving due to her track record. Jesus often sought out the downtrodden of society to express His love to. Another simple principle may apply—“Seek and you will find.” She was the first to the tomb, so her search was rewarded. God rewards those who diligently seek after Him (Heb. 11:6).
Mary’s Clinginess to Christ.
Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first, assuming He was the cemetery caretaker. When Jesus called her by name, she knew His voice and threw her arms around Him. Jesus restrained her saying, “Touch me not” (KJV). The Greek word translated “touch” here means, “to attach oneself to, to fasten to.” Other versions render that phrase, “Stop clinging to me” (NAS), “Do not hold onto me” (NIV). Do you blame her? She had just witnessed her Savior tortured and crucified and now He was ALIVE. Mary must have thought, “Lord, I lost You once, I don’t ever want to lose You again. I will never let You go!”
Skeptics use this passage to insist Jesus and Mary had a scandalous, romantic, even sexual, relationship. Modern novels and movies have made absurd claims that Mary became Jesus’ secret wife and they had a love child together. They also exploit an excerpt from fragments of the Gospel of Phillip that claims Jesus kissed Mary often. They fail to explain that kissing was a common way of greeting among Jews (1 Cor. 16:20). Parts of that document are missing so they gladly fill in the blanks with Hollywood hogwash. This recycled rumor was condemned as heresy by the early church fathers. The reason Mary clung to Jesus was not some sensual attraction, but a sincere gratitude for how He changed her life and pure elation that He was indeed alive again.
Mary Magdalene was almost certainly one of “the women” among the 120 disciples who received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Ac. 1:14). Catholics celebrate her as a saint; Protestants consider her a heroine of faith. Tradition claims she continued to be a bold witness for Christ, leading many idol worshippers to salvation then retiring to a life of seclusion after years of public preaching. Many other unproven legends of her abound. She was the first to proclaim the Easter message. She owed much, gave much, loved much and served much. Once inhabited and tormented by demon spirits, she was filled with and transformed by the Holy Spirit. No wonder Mary clung to Christ. We should too!
Ben Godwin is the author of four books and pastors the Goodsprings Full Gospel Church.
By Ben Godwin - April 12, 2019
Only a handful of women dared to visit Jesus’ tomb as Easter Sunday dawned. The male disciples cowered in fear they’d be crucified next. Between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared multiple times to numerous people (Ac. 1:3, 1 Cor. 15:6). Surprisingly, His first post-resurrection appearance was to Mary Magdalene. Expecting to anoint a corpse, she had a face-to-face encounter with her risen Savior. When she realized it really was Jesus, she clung to Him. Do you blame her?
Magdalene was not Mary’s last name. It refers to Mary’s home town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee’s western shore. She is so designated to distinguish her from eight other women named Mary in the New Testament. Her name occurs only a dozen times in the Gospels, but as you piece the puzzle together, an inspiring three-part image emerges:
Mary’s Deliverance from Demons.
Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9 describe how Jesus delivered Mary from seven evil spirits. We are not told how the demons affected her life, body or behavior. Some commentators suggest she was epileptic and suffered from seizures. Others think she had a debilitating mental or physical illness. Whether those demons corrupted her mind or her morals or both is up for debate. The big question is, “Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?” The Talmud (a collection of ancient Rabbinical writings) states that Magdala had a reputation for prostitution. In a sermon in 591 A.D., Pope Gregory claimed she was the unidentified, uninvited “sinner” who crashed a dinner party Jesus attended (Lk. 7:37-39). That woman, believed to be a harlot, anointed Jesus’ feet with pricey perfume and washed them with tears of repentance. Simon the Pharisee, host of the dinner, objected that Jesus even allowed the tramp to touch Him. But there is no biblical proof that woman was Mary.
Others have tried to connect Mary with the Adulteress Woman in John 8 who was drug before Jesus to be stoned until He intervened. That again is purely speculation. The Bible does not say Mary was a prostitute. It simply says she was delivered from demons and became a devout disciple. Truth be told, all Christians have been delivered from something—“Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear son” (Col. 1:13). Maybe we weren’t bound by demon possession, but we were freed from demonic oppression to some degree or another. The good news is, when Christ comes in, Satan must leave!
After her dramatic deliverance, Mary, along with other wealthy women, “ministered unto Him of their substance” (Lk. 8:2-3). How did Mary become wealthy? Did she inherit it? Magdala was known for is textile industry, making fabric and dying cloth. Was she a business woman? Somehow, she had the means to help fund Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps she bought and cooked the disciple’s food, bought and/or washed their clothes or ran errands for the Prophet and His pupils. The fact that she was free from family obligations indicates she was probably unmarried and childless.
Mary’s Dedication to Discipleship.
Though a supporting cast member, Mary comes to the forefront in the Easter narrative. While male disciples fled, Mary devotedly followed Jesus to the bitter end. Consider the degree of dedication she displayed: she was close to the cross when Jesus died (Jn. 19:25), she participated in Jesus’ burial (Mt. 27:55-61), she was the first to discover the empty tomb (Jn. 20:1), then she ran to inform Peter and John that Jesus’ body was missing (Jn. 20:2). They, of course, doubted her story, “their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them” (Lk. 24:11), not that she made the most credible witness given her past problems.
Bible commentator Craig Keener notes, “Ancient Jewish men did not accept women as reliable witnesses for most legal purposes and this cultural tendency may have further moved John and Peter to look for themselves . . . The witness of women was worth little in Judaism; that Jesus first appears to a woman would not have been fabricated and shows us how Jesus’ values differ from those of His culture.”
Why, of all people, did Jesus appear first to Mary Magdalene? One answer is simply GRACE! One could argue that she was least deserving due to her track record. Jesus often sought out the downtrodden of society to express His love to. Another simple principle may apply—“Seek and you will find.” She was the first to the tomb, so her search was rewarded. God rewards those who diligently seek after Him (Heb. 11:6).
Mary’s Clinginess to Christ.
Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first, assuming He was the cemetery caretaker. When Jesus called her by name, she knew His voice and threw her arms around Him. Jesus restrained her saying, “Touch me not” (KJV). The Greek word translated “touch” here means, “to attach oneself to, to fasten to.” Other versions render that phrase, “Stop clinging to me” (NAS), “Do not hold onto me” (NIV). Do you blame her? She had just witnessed her Savior tortured and crucified and now He was ALIVE. Mary must have thought, “Lord, I lost You once, I don’t ever want to lose You again. I will never let You go!”
Skeptics use this passage to insist Jesus and Mary had a scandalous, romantic, even sexual, relationship. Modern novels and movies have made absurd claims that Mary became Jesus’ secret wife and they had a love child together. They also exploit an excerpt from fragments of the Gospel of Phillip that claims Jesus kissed Mary often. They fail to explain that kissing was a common way of greeting among Jews (1 Cor. 16:20). Parts of that document are missing so they gladly fill in the blanks with Hollywood hogwash. This recycled rumor was condemned as heresy by the early church fathers. The reason Mary clung to Jesus was not some sensual attraction, but a sincere gratitude for how He changed her life and pure elation that He was indeed alive again.
Mary Magdalene was almost certainly one of “the women” among the 120 disciples who received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Ac. 1:14). Catholics celebrate her as a saint; Protestants consider her a heroine of faith. Tradition claims she continued to be a bold witness for Christ, leading many idol worshippers to salvation then retiring to a life of seclusion after years of public preaching. Many other unproven legends of her abound. She was the first to proclaim the Easter message. She owed much, gave much, loved much and served much. Once inhabited and tormented by demon spirits, she was filled with and transformed by the Holy Spirit. No wonder Mary clung to Christ. We should too!
Ben Godwin is the author of four books and pastors the Goodsprings Full Gospel Church.
Apr 12, 2019 18:23:45 #
Excellent editorial, bahmer, thank you for posting it.
During His three and one/half year public ministry, Jesus always made it a point to reach out to the down trodden in society, those who, until they encountered Him, had been outcasts in the eyes of the powerful elite.
He treated them with respect, and as equals, something they had never experienced.
"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
"They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority." (Luke 4:32)
“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. (John 7:46)
"Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11)
"Jesus answered, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the [self] righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'" (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus testified: "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” (Matthew 11:18-19)
Mary Magdalene understood that Jesus was from another place, that He was deity, not a mere mortal, for He had lifted the burden of guilt and sin from her shoulders and given her an inner peace she had never known before.
To equate the agape love she felt for Him as a mere sexual infatuation is demeaning to the individuals who would fail to understand who and what this man was, and so misjudge the situation.
During His three and one/half year public ministry, Jesus always made it a point to reach out to the down trodden in society, those who, until they encountered Him, had been outcasts in the eyes of the powerful elite.
He treated them with respect, and as equals, something they had never experienced.
"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
"They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority." (Luke 4:32)
“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. (John 7:46)
"Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11)
"Jesus answered, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the [self] righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'" (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus testified: "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” (Matthew 11:18-19)
Mary Magdalene understood that Jesus was from another place, that He was deity, not a mere mortal, for He had lifted the burden of guilt and sin from her shoulders and given her an inner peace she had never known before.
To equate the agape love she felt for Him as a mere sexual infatuation is demeaning to the individuals who would fail to understand who and what this man was, and so misjudge the situation.
bahmer wrote:
Why Mary Clung to Christ br By Ben Godwin - April ... (show quote)
Apr 13, 2019 09:24:32 #
Zemirah wrote:
Excellent editorial, bahmer, thank you for posting... (show quote)
Amen and Amen thanks for that you summed it up beautifully.
Apr 13, 2019 13:27:14 #
bahmer wrote:
Why Mary Clung to Christ br By Ben Godwin - April ... (show quote)
================
The author is a protestant sect who justifies their own narratives and interpretations thru the man-made Sola Scriptura. It lacks and denies the history of the real events that happened in the Virgin Mary's life. The Protestants attack and vilify the Virgin mother. I have been hearing these attacks since I was young to put credence to the their belief system. But Christ will decide and judge all these things that happened.
Catholics follow the history of Jesus for 2000 years.
The Angel of the Lord appear to Mary.
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38
https://biblehub.com/luke/1-38.htm
God chose Mary to be Jesus’ mother only because she was willing to submit to God. She had a close relationship with Him. She was ready to do anything for God without asking questions. She gave her womb, her life, everything to God not out of fear or duty, but of mere love towards God. Why is it that we are not able to surrender our lives like Mary?
One of Mary's sufferings. During the 4th Station of the Cross. The Mother Mary meets her Son, along the way to the Cross. His Cross became her Cross. His humiliation is her humiliation, and the public scorn on her shoulder
"And the sword will pierce through your soul also". These were the words spoken by Simeon when Jesus was 40 days old, are now fulfilled. And so, pierced by the invisible sword, Mary sets out towards her Son's Calvary, her own Calvary.
Luke 2:29 -35
https://medium.com/wholehearted/marys-grief-a-sword-will-pierce-your-heart-51d2bed70e01
so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Although the pain is hers, striking deep into her maternal heart, the full truth of this suffering can be expressed only in terms of shared suffering. "compassion". That word is part of the mystery; it expresses in some way her unity with the sufferings of her Son".
When Jesus was dying on the Cross: He said this.
"Woman, behold your son".
http://www.jesuswalk.com/7-last-words/3_woman.htm
The Mother Mary suffered all the pains that her Son Jesus had suffered.
Note: This I presented to reveal the facts of the history of the Mother of Jesus.
Apr 13, 2019 13:57:13 #
Radiance3 wrote:
================ br The author is a protestant sec... (show quote)
The post was about Mary Magdalene not the one who gave birth to Jesus. Two different women. This post was not an attack by any stretch of the imagination.
Apr 13, 2019 14:02:10 #
Rose42 wrote:
The post was about Mary Magdalene not the one who gave birth to Jesus. Two different women. This post was not an attack by any stretch of the imagination.
================
I agree, Mary Magdalene was important. But that does not replace the mother Mary's role to her son.
Apr 13, 2019 14:19:46 #
It is impossible for anyone to intelligently respond to a post they have not first read.
Your post blindly, if not willfully, bears false witness against the author.
In addition, Mary was not beaten with a whip, nor was Mary nailed to a wooden cross.
It was not Mary's death on a cross that paid-in-full every sin ever committed, if the perpetrator of that sin confesses that he/she has sinned, and repents of their sin, believing in faith that Jesus eternally freed them.
You spoke one truth.
God will indeed judge.
Your post blindly, if not willfully, bears false witness against the author.
In addition, Mary was not beaten with a whip, nor was Mary nailed to a wooden cross.
It was not Mary's death on a cross that paid-in-full every sin ever committed, if the perpetrator of that sin confesses that he/she has sinned, and repents of their sin, believing in faith that Jesus eternally freed them.
You spoke one truth.
God will indeed judge.
Radiance3 wrote:
================ br The author is a protestant sec... (show quote)
Apr 13, 2019 15:04:15 #
Zemirah wrote:
It is impossible for anyone to intelligently respo... (show quote)
=================
Again that is your narrative and justification. Freedom of speech.
Again, you are wrong. They were important in the Gospel, but those women could not replace the role of the Virgin Mother. Without obedient Virgin Mother Mary, there is NO Jesus Christ. She was the best chosen by God to bear the Son of God.
Why the role of Mary Magdalene was emphasized, but the role of Mother Mary ignored?
The whole objective of that narrative is to diminish the role of the Virgin Mother of Christ. I have haard this over and over since I was young. They don't respect the mother of God.
She had suffered more than enough.
Mary Magdalene was one of the women, Mary the mother of James, and Salome,who served Jesus.
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” Mark 15:40-41
But that does not replace the important role of the Mother Mary. She is the Mother of God.
The Catholics love the Gospel, and the Virgin Mother of God.. Let our God decide.
Apr 13, 2019 16:31:31 #
Radiance3 wrote:
================ br The author is a protestant sec... (show quote)
I didn't know that Joseph last name was Magdalene and where did you find that little tidbit there Radiance3? Because for Mary to have the last name of Magdalene then Josephs last name would have to be Magdalene would it not? Maybe you just read this wrong and that great big chip that you carry around must really ache from time to time maybe you should put it down and rest once in awhile.
Apr 13, 2019 17:34:56 #
bahmer wrote:
I didn't know that Joseph last name was Magdalene and where did you find that little tidbit there Radiance3? Because for Mary to have the last name of Magdalene then Josephs last name would have to be Magdalene would it not? Maybe you just read this wrong and that great big chip that you carry around must really ache from time to time maybe you should put it down and rest once in awhile.
===============
Read wrong bahmer? Here are the facts.
Mary the Mother of Jesus is NOT Mary Magdalene. Why do you equate the Mother of Jesus to Mary Magdalene? Why are you talking about the last name of Joseph Magdalene? You have different things in your mind. She is a different Mary. Jesus was born by the Holy 'spirit through Mary the Mother of Jesus.
https://biblehub.com/matthew/1-18.htm
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
https://bibleview.org/en/bible/birthofjesus/angeldream/
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'
Apr 13, 2019 18:04:08 #
Radiance3 wrote:
=============== br Read wrong bahmer? Here are the... (show quote)
Chill out there girl I was just yanking your chain a little is all. I was using your post where you went off on the author and claimed he was a protestant and using sola scriptura and all that rot. Whats a matter can't take a joke?
Apr 13, 2019 18:14:57 #
bahmer wrote:
Chill out there girl I was just yanking your chain a little is all. I was using your post where you went off on the author and claimed he was a protestant and using sola scriptura and all that rot. Whats a matter can't take a joke?
===============
The author was a Protestant pastor. You did not say that was a joke.
I don't want to argue with you anymore. I want to have peace this Holy Season. Peace be with you too.
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