GPS Guide – June 19, 2019
LUKE: PART III – ALL TO GOD
Wednesday
Read: Luke 8:1-3
1 “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (NIV Luke 8:1-3)
Study: Considered unclean by those in her community, Mary Magdalene would have been marginalized both socially and spiritually. After encountering Jesus, Mary became one of His most devoted followers. In fact, mentioned in the Gospels more often than many of the twelve disciples, she’s the only one described by all four Gospel writers as the first person to bear witness to the resurrection. Mary was one of several women who supported Jesus with the financial resources she had, and she stuck with Him until the end: present at the cross, the tomb and—joyfully!—at Jesus’ resurrection. Like so many who encountered Jesus during His time on earth, Mary’s life was dramatically transformed. Having been touched by Him, her life and her resources were given over to Jesus’ ministry in the world. Encountering Jesus transformed the life of Mary Magdalene, and it is meant to transform lives today as well. Who were you, or would you be today, without Christ? How has Jesus transformed your life? In what ways is He still working to conform you to His image?
Pray: Like Mary, transform me into a new person. I devote my life to you almighty God. Change me from the inside out. Amen.