Relationship

VOTD.04.18.16 Intensity: Magdalene

So the disciples went away to their own homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying… Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Teacher.” Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:10-18

Sometimes the best way to understand something is to compare it to something just like it only different. Like comparing the anointing of Jesus by Magdalene to the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. Other times we can learn more from contrasting behaviors. John, Peter, and Magdalene are all at the tomb of Jesus on Sunday morning. Jesus showed Himself to Magdalene, but not John and Peter. Doesn’t that seem a little peculiar? All three were there…

To be honest, it is a mystery to me. But the more I’ve thought about this the more convinced I am that today’s verses give us a significant clue into the mystery…not only a clue to why Jesus appeared to Magdalene first, but a clue to what it was about her worship that made it “in Spirit and Truth” kind of worship— (more…)

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VOTD.03.22.16 Magdalene’s Devotion

The disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.  John 20:10,11

Last time I wrote about my interest in Mary who was call Magdalene. What was it about her that Jesus decided to appear to her first after His resurrection? He sent angels to appear to others, but He, Himself, appeared to her first.

And while we’re on the subject, don’t believe everything you see in the movies: the structure of the text where Magdalene is talked about in the Gospels makes it a near certainty that she was older than Jesus’ mother, Mary. Her relationship with Jesus wasn’t a youthful, romantic infatuation as some movies and dramas suggest. (more…)

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VOTD.03.01.16 Following

“Follow Me.”  Mark 1:17, 2:14

In the final analysis, walking in the presence of Jesus comes down to two simple little words: “Follow Me”. Those of us who want more of the presence of God have to be willing to be where He is, doing what He’s doing. To be with Him where He is, we must want His will and His plan for us.

This isn’t legalism. It’s simply the nature of all relationships. Being together and working toward similar goals is what greases the skids. There simply isn’t any other way… But the legitimate question is raised: What is His will? What is His plan?

Consider those two words “Follow Me” from Jesus. They answer almost every (more…)

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