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Week of May 29 - June 4, 2011 |
Week 3: iWitness – First Hand Encounters with the Risen Christ
This week we are going to focus on Mary Magdalene. She is called this as she was probably from Magdala in Galilee.There are several other Marys in the gospels aside from Mary the mother of Jesus. There is Mary the mother of James, Mary the sister of Martha from Bethany and Mary the wife of Clopas that was there at the crucifixion.
Day 1: Read Luke 8:1-3
What was wrong with Mary prior to Christ’s intervention? What did she do after her miraculous healing? Read also Mark 16:9-11. Is there anything new that is learned? Why do you think that the men did not believe her? What has God done in your life that you consider miraculous? What has been your response?
Day 2: Read Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:44-49; Luke 23:54-56; John 19:25-42
Who all was at the crucifixion according to these passages? What happened physically in John’s account that showed that Christ was actually dead? Where was Jesus’ body buried? What did Nicodemus contribute to the burial?
Day 3: Luke 24:1-12
Read this account of resurrection Sunday. Who went to the tomb first and why did they go? What did they find? Who was there at the tomb? What did they say to the first that were there? What was their response and how was it received? What did Peter do and what was his response?
Day 4: Read John 20:1-18
Read this account of the resurrection Sunday. Pay particular attention to verses 14-18. What happened during these verses? Who did Mary think that Jesus was? What was the message that Jesus sent via Mary to the disciples?
Day 5: Read Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8
Read the final two gospel resurrection accounts. What are new insights about the resurrection that are revealed in these gospel accounts? In your own words, outline a complete picture of the resurrection morning and all that happened. Remember, each gospel writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16-17), had a specific purpose and intended audience for recording specific facts and incidents surrounding the resurrection. There clearly are common elements – what are these? What are the unique elements for each gospel account?
To ponder...
Based on this week’s study, what are the character traits of Mary Magdalene that shows her as a true disciple of Christ? Her salvation account is not recorded, but it is assumed to have happened after her miraculous healing. What aspects of Mary’s devotion and dedication to Jesus should be emulated as a Christ follower? How is that Mary’s account was dismissed so readily in her first interactions with the disciples? How should this be different today? What type of personal testimony doe Mary’s actions portray? How could these be applied to our lives today? |
