Mary Magadlene the Shepherd

Counted among  the inner circle surrounding Jesus, Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-3) became one of the most misunderstood women in the Bible. As part of His inner circle, Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus and experienced a rich and satisfying life as a teacher to Christ's followers. Prior to encountering Jesus, she fell victim to seven demons. After encountering Jesus she dedicated her life to serving Him. In ancient times being possessed was an indication of physical or spiritual illness.

Mary Magdalene was present with Jesus at the cross along with a few other women, and was at the tomb for His burial. She is famous for being the first person to see the resurrected Christ. Her illness was severe enough that it may have involved setbacks (Luke 11:26). However, she was a healed invalid and became a living example of the healing power of Christ.

Pondering: What are the characteristics of a women teacher or leader? What can women do in today's liberal culture to be a teacher for Christ? Does age or gender matter? Do we have to live a perfect Christian life to lead others? Why did Christ pick a woman to be the first person to see Him resurrected in a culture that viewed women as property with few civil or legal rights?

"Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons" (Mark 16:9 NASB).

Coaching: Jesus knows His sheep by recognizing a true heart. He provides them a real safety and assurance (Psalms 23). He gave His life for everyone (Psalms 22) and He will return for the faithful. Jesus saw in Mary Magdalene the characteristics of a true leader to His flock because her heart was pure, and her countenance exuded peace. She outwardly showed the world that she shared the true joy of God with the highest of problem-solving devices... contentment, through Christ. He chose her to be the first to see Him after death. Her pure heart and devotion to Jesus was evident and it was revolutionary to honor a woman with such a distinction in ancient days.

God shares His joy for our benefit; joy is the sister to contentment and a characteristic of knowing God intimately. Mary knew her Savior and that her life-purpose was to follow Jesus. A believer's thinking becomes stable by the Word; not destabilized by circumstances. Viewed in the light of God's purpose our life transforms from lack of self-confidence to contentment. Mary's healing may have happened over a period-of-time but her with her spirit-cured she became free to pursue her purpose.

We inherit God's virtuous-love that brings into being a personal love for Him and a motivation to love all people with gracious-love, that allows us to function at maximum capacity in both categories. That is what being occupied with the person of Christ mean (Philippians 1:21). He knows we are not perfect no matter our age or gender. His universal purpose is for us to know and love Him. Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, we metabolize His divine knowledge and deepen our relationship with Him as we grow. The next step after deepening our spiritual growth is to serve Him. 

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity in any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11-13 NASB).

To be Occupied with Christ:

• A believer must stabilize her thinking by studying the Word conscientiously.
• A believers' heart is evident through contentment given by God.
• A believer receives joy through the stages of spiritual maturity.
• A believer knows God intimately by loving Him back.
• A believer gains divine knowledge and spiritual growth.
• A believer receives virtuous-love for Him, and gracious-love for others.
• A believer grows in knowledge and want to serves God.

Challenge: Staying in spiritual childhood causes us to stagnate. The beginning of spiritual maturity is putting God first. Are you content digging into the Word? Are you thinking in a stabilized manner or is your thinking destabilized? Do you understand how virtuous-love for God intensifies? Do you have gracious-love for others? Do you know what purpose God has designed for you? A you a leader in God's kingdom?

If you are not experiencing these characteristics... there is still hope. One of the many reasons our God is so gracious is He waits until you are ready. He does not force anyone to submit to Him. He does not want slaves, He wants children who love Him back. Can you do that? Can you let go of pride, release stubborn thinking, and quit handling life all alone. Satan's big deception is making us feel like we do not need God to handle the details of life. Mary Magdalene's life turned around completely, she spent the rest of her life in peace and contentment.

I challenge you to take a good look inside your soul. Are you still in spiritual childhood? If so, you know what to do. So... just do it. It is your choice.