Women at the tomb - Mary the mother of James

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke 24:10

The third woman at the tomb of Jesus was Mary the mother of James.  In other verses she is referred to as Mary the mother of James and Joses.  Her son is James the less, a disciple of Jesus.

Mary followed Jesus from Galilee ministering to him. Albert Barnes says, “Attending him and providing for his wants. While multitudes of people joined in the cry, “Crucify him!” and forsook him in his trying moments, it does not appear that any of his female followers were thus unfaithful.”

Mary was one of the faithful. She stood by the cross of Jesus and watched as he was crucified. (John 19:25) Mary was at the tomb with Mary Magdalene. (Matthew 28:1) She brought spices to anoint her Lord’s body (Mark 16:1)

Herbert Lockyer says of Mary in All the Women of the Bible, “Motivated by the inner urge of gratitude to Him for all He had done for her, she became generous, faithful, loving and true. Hers was a simple faith and a trusting love.”

As I look at the life of Mary the mother of James, I see a faithful follower of Jesus. She was faithful to Him to His very last breath on this earth. She was devoted to Him and served Him even after His death by taking spices to his tomb.

I want to be faithful to Jesus till my very last breath. Do you? The only way to be faithful to Jesus is by daily making a choice to follow Him.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: I Peter 2:21

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Women at the Tomb - Joanna

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke 24:10

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3  And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke 8:2-3

Here was a diverse group of women who ministered to the Lord. Joanna’s name is only mentioned in two verses. The one thing that stood out to me was Joanna was the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward.

The Greek word for steward is: a commissioner i.e. domestic manager, guardian… Chuza was one of the people who took care of King Herod. His wife was a Christian and followed the King of Kings and helped take care of Him. She along with Mary Magdalene and others took care of Jesus with their own possessions.

Herod was not a believer. Chuza worked for Herod and took care of the everyday details of the King’s life. Chuza is only mentioned one time in the Bible so very little is known about him.

What do we know about Joanna? We know that Joanna was healed of an infirmity. Infirmities from the Greek means feebleness (of body or mind) by implication malady; moral frailty: - disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness. Her sickness could be a wide variety of illnesses. Whatever the illness was Joanna was completely healed by the Ultimate Healer, Jesus. The second thing we know is that Joanna became a devoted follower of Jesus and ministered to him with all she had.

What I learned about Joanna is don’t ever underestimate where the Lord has placed you. I am where I am, doing what I’m doing, because God has put me here.

Joanna appears to be a faithful and diligent servant of the Lord. It did not matter what Joanna’s station or standing in life was, God healed and saved her.

God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). He loves each and every one (John 3:16)

As you travel on the path that the Lord has placed you on, remember God can and will use you, if you are willing to follow His lead. 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Women at the Tomb - Mary Magdalene

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke 24:10


Three women were named as the ones who brought spices to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body. There are more verses in the Bible about Mary Magdalene than the other two women.

Mary Magdalene was a woman “plagued” with evil spirits. We are told that she had seven devils living within. (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9) Seven devils that tormented her day and night imagine living in that type of anguish. Evil thoughts and actions overwhelmed her fragile body. Sleep was not common as the spirits stirred inside and wretched havoc with her mind. Her family probably stood back in horror wondering how they might help.

Then one day she heard of a Man coming to town. A Man who healed and cured people of diseases, crippled bodies and demented minds, maybe, this Man could help her. Traveling from the town of Magdala, she made the trip to see Jesus. She was healed and the demons were cast out.

What could she possibly do for the Man who gave her back her life? Mary immediately knew what she had to do, serve and minister to Him. It appears that this was her lifelong duty. We are told that she ministered to him (with others) using their own resources. (Luke 8:3)

She watched in horror as Jesus was hung on the cross. (John 19:25) The agony of the One who did so much for her was overwhelming. Her heart was breaking as she watched the situation unfold. (Matthew 27:55-56)

She quietly followed with some of the other women to the place where Jesus’ body was laid. (Matthew 27:55-56) Mary Magdalene was right by the tomb when Joseph placed His body inside. (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:40)

In the early light of the morning she was at the tomb to anoint His body with spices. (Mark 16:1) What a shocking surprise to find the grave empty and no body to prepare. (John 20:1) She was the very first person to see the empty tomb. She told others and they came to the grave to see “for themselves”. After the disciples left Mary stood, still in a state of shock and wept. Her heart was broken. (John 20:11)

Mary was also the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection (Mark 16:9) Mary Magdalene was so thankful to Jesus and all He did for her. She was not only made whole physically with a strong mind but also spiritually because Jesus had saved her soul.

As I look at the life of Mary I see someone who was grateful to Jesus for all He did for her. Take a moment to look at your own life, what are you grateful for?

Mary also ministered and served the Lord. How can we serve the Lord? Service will look different for each of us. Can you help at church? Can you prepare food for someone? Can you write a note? Can you …

Pray and ask the Lord what you can do? He will show you.

Here is a portion of scripture to meditate on:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:35-40

Have a blessed day, Donna