In her shoes ANNETTE OSBORNE | Children and Families Consultant, SUNZ
‘…he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others…’ Luke 8:1-3
Job:2008782 SUNZ Adventure Magazine
M
ary Magdalene is one of the few women in the gospels who is named. She appears in only a handful of verses. We know little about her, but she was important enough to the gospel writers to record her name, especially in a period when women were rarely mentioned.
Here in Luke she becomes one of Jesus’ followers. We don’t know what happened when Mary and Jesus met. But the reflection that follows illustrates how Scripture Union NZ explores the Bible with people of all ages. Imagine the scene… Grey stone houses of a small village sit on the edge of the Lake Galilee. Can you smell fish drying on the roofs and hear the sound of fishermen on the shore mending their nets?
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Olive grove are swaying in the breeze.
Today, a crowd is gathering. The village is buzzing with news that Jesus, is coming this way While they know of his miracles and teaching, it is the latest story that has everyone talking. Jesus was sharing a meal with friends, when a woman burst into the room and fell at his feet in tears. The religious leaders were appalled at this. Instead of having her thrown out, Jesus took her side. Since then the word has spread that this teacher, Jesus, cares about the people that society rejects. There is a village family whose daughter Mary is said to be possessed by evil spirits. That huge shame has excluded them from village life. But today they have hope that Jesus will welcome their daughter.
