Released: Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 27:55-56

Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus’ disciples as his popularity reached its peak.  During his last year of ministry, she and the other women who followed Jesus witnessed the opposition against him grow to a deadly force.  It may very well be that we read Mary’s testimony to Luke about what occurred outside the tomb three days after Jesus was unjustly crucified .  Mary knew from personal experience that Jesus had the power to release one from cruel bondage; surely, she also knew how Jesus had released Lazarus from the bonds of death.  As she remained at Jesus’ side throughout his ordeal she might have been waiting to see if he could also release himself from those chains of death.  Jesus did not disappoint her (Luke 7:37-39).

I.  The Women Disciples of Jesus. Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 27:55-56

The New Testament writers openly discuss women who had a part in Jesus’ life and in the life of the early church. Most represent excellent examples of Christian living.  Mary was never mentioned in a negative light in Scripture. It is only a supposition that she is the un-named “Sinful Woman” who anointed Jesus (Luke 7:37-39).

1.  From Luke 8:1-3 and Matthew 27:55-56, list the women who followed of Jesus and, the description.
2.  What was their service to Jesus and what does this service imply about their resources?
3.  Fill in the blanks. In Luke 8:2, Mary is described as one ‘from whom seven demons had ____________   __________.’

The Greek for ‘went’ is exerchomai.  Another understanding of this wording is: to flow out from, to come forth, to cast out.

The Greek for ‘demons’ is diamonian is translated as ‘devil’ or ‘god’ and refers to a spiritual beings that  inferior to God, or ministers of the devil.

“The Devil, or Satan, is the chief enemy of Jesus and the establishing of the kingdom of God. In his ministry, especially in his exorcisms, Jesus engages in the first stage of the defeat of Satan in casting out his evil minions. Jesus’ complete defeat of the Devil and his demons is expected in the eschaton” (the end of history). (Green, McKnight & Marshall 163).

4. Explain the kind of oppression you think Mary Magdalene endured, and the relief that you think she would have experienced upon her release from the oppression from seven demons.

Speaking of Jesus, Paul writes:

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

When Jesus frees us, we are free indeed.