We begin our new series, Friends, as a precursor to our next series, which will examine the people and systems that chose to become enemies of Jesus. In doing so, we cannot help but notice the contrast as we consider current circumstances.
Our companion devotional guide began with the profound comparison that “every follower of Jesus has a not-so-great ‘before.’” This is a time before meeting Jesus that, in some minds, should disqualify us from consideration.
Fortunately, Jesus sees through our brokenness. He sees who He created us to be and recognizes that we simply need help to overcome the burdens we carry and eventually get past our past.
It’s amazing how easy it is to reach a point where we believe we’re unredeemable. A place where we’re beyond the limits of grace. A lot of us faced situations too early in our lifetime that led us to the false conclusion that we’re unworthy of God’s love. Many of us learned that love must be earned only to discover we can’t afford it or can never quite make the grade.
We see this in some of our political leaders. Perhaps feeling like they had to earn love motivated them to seek the public respect that is often found in holding a position with power over others. Certainly, receiving more votes than someone else for a powerful position is a huge ego boost.
We can only guess at the motivations behind destructive behavior and a need to avenge anyone who dared question the capabilities of a public figure. But we know one thing for sure. Such behavior doesn’t reflect the teachings of Jesus.
God does not call us to support brokenness that does not reflect love and mercy. Nevertheless, as we’ll see in our next series, even some who claim faithfulness to God reflect the opposite in their actions.
The reality that we all fall short is comforting but doesn’t excuse us from returning the love and grace God offers us by treating others with compassion.
Jesus surrounded himself with a diverse group of individuals that reflected the community around Him. He saw through their differences and loved through their deficiencies.
Luke tells us that both men and women were among His closest followers. But He only names a few of the women, including Mary, Joanna, and Susanna.
The twelve disciples travelled with Jesus, as did some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases, including Mary (who was called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had been driven out.
Luke 8:1-3
Mary was known as Magdalene, likely since she came from the village of Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps she met Jesus on His way to Capernaum.
We’re told that Mary was possessed by seven demons, which Jesus helped her shed. The idea of demons was a catch-all for anything that couldn’t be explained. Demons were likely blamed for emotional challenges, including depression.
Demons had voices, according to scripture. We’re all familiar with the idea of hearing voices. Some of us hear voices cheering us on, while others hear condemnation. I suspect most of us hear a mixture of mostly familiar voices.
How we respond matters. Some voices lead otherwise good people toward destructive behavior, hate, or a lack of compassion. When people do destructive things, I often wonder if they are responding to inner voices of con demnation.
The gospel writers don’t tell us much about Mary from Magdala. Only Luke tells us she was an early follower. But they all mention her near the end of their stories. She was with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the cross when Jesus was executed. Mary was also the first to see Jesus after the resurrection.
The most powerful story about Mary from Magdala comes near the end of John’s Gospel. Mary went to the tomb by herself and saw that it was empty. Jesus appeared to Mary, but she didn’t recognize Him, mistaking Him for the groundskeeper.
However, when Jesus says her name, Mary realizes Jesus is alive.
Mary from Magdala continues to be a metaphor for the various ways that people come to believe the stories told by the gospel writers. Some hear Jesus call their name, and others feel a pull toward belief.
Whatever your story, Jesus knows your past. More importantly, Jesus knows who He created you to be and loves you, despite your past and whether or not you choose to love Him back.
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This is a reminder that we publish this newsletter called the Circuit Rider each week. You can request this publication by email. Send a request to FlintAsburyUMC@gmail.com or let us know when you send a message through our website. We post an archive of past editions on our website under the tab Connect – choose Newsletters.
Pastor Tommy
Parts of our series are inspired by The Reverand Adam Hamilton’s series “The People Jesus Loved.” © Church of the Resurrection, 2025. And by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks, and Dallas Jenkins. The Chosen: 40 Days with Jesus.© Savage, MN: BroadStreet Publishing, 2019.,