Digging Deeper: Curious and Confused

Avatar photo Larry Grays on March 3, 2025

 

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’”

John 3:1-2 (NLT)


CURIOUS AND CONFUSED

 

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, visited Jesus secretly at night, driven by genuine curiosity yet constrained by fear of public judgment. His covert approach reveals an inner conflict—a yearning for truth versus the burden of cultural expectations. Jesus’ miraculous signs and profound teachings challenged Nicodemus to rethink his understanding of faith. This encounter invites us to examine our own hesitations in pursuing spiritual truth and to approach Christ with sincerity, even when fear tempts us to remain in the shadows.

Pastor Tim Keller, in a 2018 sermon, humorously recounted a Sunday school boy who earnestly asked, “If Jesus lives in my heart, does that mean He’s got a VIP section?” The teacher’s witty reply—that Jesus must have a separate lounge—sparked laughter while revealing spiritual depth. This amusing anecdote reminds us that even simple questions can unlock profound truths. It challenges us to pursue our inquiries with both humility and humor, trusting that God welcomes our honest, childlike curiosity.

Examine your life for areas where fear keeps you from seeking deeper truth. Commit to spending quiet time with God, asking honest questions about your faith. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor so you can grow together.

Reflection:

  • Have you ever hesitated to ask spiritual questions? Why?
  • What area of your faith remains unexplored?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me seek truth boldly and overcome my fears to embrace You fully. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Tell Your Story

Avatar photo Phil Meade on February 28, 2025

 

28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him . . . 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:28-30, 39-42 (ESV)

 


TELL YOUR STORY

 

As the disciples return from their grocery shopping, the woman heads back to town, leaving her water jar behind (v. 28). I find this an interesting dichotomy. On one hand, she may have wished to lighten her load so she could quickly return to share the good news. On the other hand, if I were in her position—with what I assume was a not-so-stellar reputation around town—I wouldn’t be in a hurry to engage in conversation with the locals. Fortunately, I am not God, and Jesus had a precise plan already in motion.

The Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene (Matt. 28:7-8) have two things in common: both heard the good news about Jesus and quickly shared it with others. And although they were believed initially (which was unusual in their culture), those who heard them still had to see and hear for themselves (v. 39, 42; Lk. 24:10-12). No matter who plants the seed, God is the source, and His will is always done.

How did this Samaritan woman of questionable morals become such an influential messenger of the good news? She simply told her story. She met a man at a well who told her, “all I ever did” (v. 29, 39). She knew the Messiah had been promised long ago, and her heart was open to the possibility that this man was who He claimed to be. All her past sins and failures—though still a factual record—no longer defined her. Jesus defined her!

Barclay’s Study Bible notes:
“This very desire to tell others of her discovery killed in this woman the feeling of shame. She was no doubt an outcast; she was no doubt a byword; the very fact that she was drawing water from this distant well shows how she avoided her neighbors and how they avoided her. But now she ran to tell them of her discovery. A person may have some trouble which he is embarrassed to mention and which he tries to keep secret, but once he is cured, he is often so filled with wonder and gratitude that he tells everyone about it.”

Do you wish to quench your burning thirst? Seek the One who provides eternal living water. Do you know someone who is thirsty? Tell them about the Man you met—the One who knew all your faults, yet loved you still. Only He can satisfy a thirsty world.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Psalm 34:4-5; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 3:15

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Admit that You are Thirsty

Avatar photo Phil Meade on February 27, 2025

 

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband;’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true” . . .  25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

John 4:16-18, 25-26 (ESV)

 


ADMIT THAT YOU ARE THIRSTY

 

Most scholars believe that John’s account of this story is abridged; the entire conversation with Jesus is not included. The omitted parts likely contained more details about the woman’s past, providing Jesus with more of her story (this does not discount His divine ability to discern the contents of a person’s heart).

Jesus has just flipped the script. It would have been customary for a man engaged in private conversation with a woman to ask that her husband join them (v. 16). I am sure the woman had heard this request numerous times while she was unmarried, and her reaction was likely the same each time. The apostle John does not describe her facial expression, body language, or tone of voice, but we can infer from her terse four-word response that it was not a positive reaction. Guilt and shame were probably among the strongest emotions she felt. She did not join the other women of the town to draw water in the morning—there had to be a reason.

I have been divorced for over 25 years and have led numerous divorce recovery groups during my time at NorthStar. Scripture does not specifically state that divorce was the reason for the dissolution of all five of the woman’s marriages (v. 18), but it is safe to assume that at least some of her husbands did not die. One nearly universal experience among newly divorced individuals is the overwhelming sense of guilt and shame. While I encourage them to honestly look in the mirror and reflect on their role in the divorce (no matter how small it may seem) as a step toward healing, I also remind them that guilt and shame do not come from above but from the evil forces at work in this world.

All of us experience brokenness at times. We search for healing and thirst for something that truly satisfies. For Christ to quench that thirst and heal our brokenness, we must be honest with ourselves (v. 17) and, more importantly, with our Creator (confession = repentance = forgiveness = healing). “That Christ seeks all people, despite our former sins or our current circumstances, and wants to make us sincere disciples, is the great message of His conversation at the well” (bibleref.com).

One final point: This is the first recorded instance in Scripture where Jesus reveals His identity (v. 26). That He chooses to reveal Himself to a Samaritan woman of questionable character tells us everything we need to know about what our gracious Lord and Savior can do in our lives!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 147:3; 1 John 1:9.

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Confronting the Giant of Anxiety

Kevin Burrell on February 26, 2025

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace.

Philippians 4:6-7

 

CONFRONTING THE GIANT OF ANXIETY

 

Hitting a baseball is hard! Hitting it consistently is even more challenging. In my opinion, it’s the most difficult thing to do in sports.

As a Major League Baseball scout for the past 34 years, I believe that most hitters struggle with success at the plate due to excessive anxiety, which leads to poor decision-making and a lack of discipline. When hitters are too anxious, they chase pitches outside the strike zone—swinging at breaking balls in the dirt or above the zone—instead of waiting for a good pitch to hit. Their lack of zone awareness results in weak contact or frequent strikeouts, as they fail to recognize pitches they can drive.

Additionally, being too anxious causes hitters to react too quickly rather than staying calm, quiet, and composed—trusting their hitting approach and letting the game come to them. Without plate discipline, they give pitchers the advantage by expanding the zone, making it easier for pitchers to exploit their overly aggressive approach. In contrast, successful hitters maintain their composure, trust their approach, and wait for pitches they can do damage on, leading to more consistent, productive, and quality at-bats.

In a similar way, people today struggle with anxiety in a variety of areas. Below are ten of the most common sources of anxiety:

  • Work or Career
  • Finances
  • Health Crisis
  • Relationships
  • Public Speaking
  • The Future
  • Failure
  • Safety
  • Change or Transition
  • Perfectionism

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 not to be “anxious” about anything but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. He assures us that when we do this, God’s peace, which surpasses all earthly understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Paul emphasizes that God is in control and that He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Instead of worrying, we are called to trust in the Lord, knowing that He cares for us and will sustain us through every situation.

Listen closely: God is bigger than all your anxieties in life. During stressful times or when receiving bad news, remind yourself to trust in the Lord—He holds you in the palm of His mighty hands. As a child of God, remember that nothing can touch your life unless it is first sifted through the hands of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”

Allow God’s peace to rule and reign in your life today.

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is the Spring of Living Water

Avatar photo Phil Meade on February 26, 2025

 

13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

John 4:13-15 (ESV)

 


JESUS IS THE SPRING OF LIVING WATER

 

I want you to think of a time when your mouth was dry, your throat parched, and you felt like you would die without something to drink. Maybe you were mowing the lawn, exercising, or simply outside on a hot, sweltering Georgia summer day (just typing this is making me thirsty!). Now, think of the one beverage that would truly quench that thirst. It might be as simple as water (probably the best choice), or it might be something different (I believe someone in the audience just said ‘Diet Coke’). Whatever your beverage of choice is, ask yourself: How long did it satisfy my thirst? How soon until I was thirsty again? (v. 13).

The woman at the well came for water, likely to carry it back to her household—a task she had performed countless times. However, this visit to the well would be different. Marcus Dods comments, “The water of Jacob’s well had two defects: it quenched thirst only for a time, and it lay outside the town a weary distance . . . Christ offers water which will quench thirst lastingly, and which will be ‘in’ the person drinking.”

Yesterday, we saw how the woman initially misunderstood Jesus, thinking He was offering her water from the ground. He explained that what He was offering did not come from a well or a spring but from His Father. The water He offered would eternally quench her thirst and become a spring within her (v. 14). Jesus was offering her a gift she did not deserve and could not earn. This, by definition, is grace.

Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). Christ lovingly and graciously offers us access to this living water through His indwelling Holy Spirit. This spring will never run dry and will be our source of refreshment on life’s dry, dusty days. Nothing else can satisfy. Everything else eventually dries up or turns bitter.

As we saw yesterday, the woman’s response to Jesus’ offer of living water showed that she was still thinking in literal terms (v. 15). But Jesus was offering her so much more. Now, as the story continues, He puts her to the test. Their back-and-forth verbal sparring over literal versus figurative water is over.

All of us, at one time or another, have been challenged to decide. The Samaritan woman’s time is now. The next few moments in this encounter will determine her eternal destiny.

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 7:37-39; Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 21:6.

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: A Thirst Only Jesus Can Satisfy

Avatar photo Phil Meade on February 25, 2025

 

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” . . . 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

John 4:7-12, 15 (ESV)

 


A THIRST ONLY JESUS CAN SATISFY

 

A woman comes to a well to draw water, unaware that her life is about to change. Jesus, as He often does, breaks from the cultural norms of the day. He—a Rabbi—initiates a conversation in public with a woman (v. 7), something a self-respecting Jewish Rabbi would never do. I am sure the woman was taken aback at first, but her response to Jesus signifies her willingness to engage with this stranger. She knows the long history of disdain that Jews have for her people; nevertheless, she continues the conversation. She senses that the man speaking to her is no ordinary Jewish Rabbi.

Quite often, those who encountered Jesus interpreted His words through a temporal lens, while Jesus was speaking of the eternal. When the woman asks why Jesus would request a drink from her (v. 9), He redirects the conversation, beginning to open her eyes to who He is and what He has to offer (v. 10). However, she continues to misunderstand His meaning. She can only conceive of physical water, and her questions reflect that confusion. She notes that Jesus has no bucket with which to draw water and reminds Him that this well is special, built by Jacob. She knows of no other source of this living water (v. 12–13). Even after Jesus explains the true meaning of the living water He offers, she remains confused. She asks for the water, not as a pathway to eternity, but as a means to quench her thirst and relieve her from the daily burden of drawing water from the well.

Barclay’s Study Bible notes, “In every man there is this nameless unsatisfied longing; this vague discontent; this something lacking; this frustration.” The woman’s response is not unlike our own when we are thirsty—when things are not going our way, and we seek relief. We long for an ice-cold glass of water to soothe our parched throats, yet Jesus offers the only water that will truly satisfy. Even though the woman at the well is initially focused on her physical thirst, I believe her continued questioning reveals a deeper, spiritual thirst longing to be quenched. As we will see, Jesus is just beginning to transform her life.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Matthew 5:6; John 6:35; Revelation 7:16-17.

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Living Sent, with a Purpose

Avatar photo Phil Meade on February 24, 2025

 

3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water.

John 4:3-7a (ESV)

 


LIVING SENT, WITH A PURPOSE

 

Thus begins one of my favorite “Jesus encounters” in the Bible. As we continue in The Changemaker series, we see Jesus traveling to a specific place (living sent) to meet a specific person (with a purpose). Please indulge me for a few sentences as I set the stage for this Jesus encounter.

After the death of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom of Judah, founded by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (with Jerusalem as its capital), and the northern kingdom of Israel, founded by the remaining ten tribes (with Samaria as its capital). In the late 8th century BC, the Assyrians captured the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17:6). Many upper-class Israelites were exiled to Assyria, while foreigners were brought in to settle among the remaining lower-class Israelites (2 Kings 17:24). Centuries of intermarriage created a mixed race—the Samaritans—who existed at the time of our story. Deep religious differences led to hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews.

The most direct route from Jerusalem, in the region of Judea, to Galilee (where Jesus spent much of His ministry) passed through Samaria. Most religious Jews took a longer, more arduous path, crossing the Jordan River twice to avoid Samaria altogether, doubling their travel time. However, Scripture notes that Jesus “had to pass through Samaria” on His way to Galilee (John 4:4). He had a purpose.

As our story begins, Jesus stops at Jacob’s well near the town of Sychar, located between the city of Samaria and Mount Gerizim. This was not a random rest stop on the highway; it was intentional and purposeful. Jesus was seeking someone who needed Him—someone who likely did not even realize they were lost (Luke 19:10). The Samaritan woman is about to meet a Changemaker who will not only transform her life but also impact countless others.

We, too, are called to be changemakers in the lives of others. Just before His final ascension into heaven, Jesus reminds His followers: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). I find it significant that Samaria is specifically mentioned. Jesus is reminding us that no one is unworthy of His grace and mercy. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes and touch your heart to see your own “Samaritan.”

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Romans 10:15b, cf. Isaiah 52:7).

Diggin Deeper (er):

2 Kings 17; Luke 19:10; Rom 10:13-15.

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper – The Ultimate Changemaker

Avatar photo David Griffith on February 21, 2025

 

16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. 

John 20:11-18 (NLT)

 

THE ULTIMATE CHANGEMAKER

 

So, who is the ultimate changemaker in this story? Obviously, the One who initiated the change in Mary of Magdalene was Jesus.  He found Mary and made seven demons leave her in an instant. It was Jesus that took Mary out of darkness and placed her in the light. Jesus did that for Mary and she gladly submitted to the Saviors will and chose to serve who she knew was her Lord. She became devoted to an all powerful God that took her from the heights of joy and astonishment, to the depths of despair and fear; but all without wavering in her resolve to follow Him, even into a borrowed tomb. Jesus chose to appear to Mary first, and He chose Mary for a very important role as His voice to tell the disciples that He was alive and that He would meet them soon.  Yes, Mary was changed BY the changemaker, Jesus the Christ! Then Mary was all too glad to be used BY her Lord and her God for whatever He needed her to do, and He did not waste that service.   Some may say that Jesus appearing to Mary first and telling her to go and “tell the others” was not that big of a deal; and you would be wrong!  What if your boss came to you and shared their plans for a new direction that the company was going to be taking, and then told you to go and “tell the others” in the company that the new direction would be announced at a company retreat, in say…Galilee!  That would be kind of a big deal, wouldn’t it?  Mary was trusted by Jesus and that is kind of a big deal!

Jesus trusts you too! 

 He trusts us because He changed us, just like He did Mary. And now it is time for us to pass it on and introduce others to our Changemaker.  Whether it is through being transparent about our faith in the marketplace, or through joining or leading a Life Group and inviting neighbors to join, or by finally beginning to tithe consistently, or by making an uncomfortable commitment to Whatever it Takes; Jesus is calling us to be all-in for His glory. He wants us to meet Him in Galilee.

He loves you so much forever!

 

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!

Digging Deeper – Becoming a Voice for Jesus

Avatar photo David Griffith on February 20, 2025

 

11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. 

John 20:11-18 (NLT)

 

BECOMING A VOICE FOR JESUS

 

The second way that Jesus rewarded Mary’s devotion was by making her His voice in the most important message delivered to His disciples: “I have seen the Lord! He told me to tell you that He is going to be ascending to His Father and our Father, to His God and to our God. He is going to Galilee, and we are to meet Him there” (Mark 16:7; Matthew 28:6-10). Can you imagine the astonishment? Can you imagine the change of emotion for her then, and for the disciples when they heard? Total despair to a renewed sense of hope—all because Jesus had chosen Mary to deliver this message. How honoring is that? “Mary, go and tell the others, my brothers, that I have risen and will meet them in Galilee before I go home! Hurry, Mary! Go and tell my disciples, and Peter, that they will see me soon, just as you are seeing me now!”

Mary Magdalene was to be Jesus’ courier of a most important message.

And Jesus has given us the same job. If you are a child of the King, you too have seen the empty tomb and have been told, “Go and tell the others!” Our purpose is to SEE Jesus daily and get to know Him more intimately so that we can go and tell the others! The others are those who have not seen the empty tomb; they are the doubters, those in darkness, or those who have lost hope. Can you do that? Can we, as a church—meaning the individual parts of the body of Christ—be like Mary and live sent, carrying the light into a PERFECTLY dark world? I believe we can! I believe that when we are saved out of the darkness, we are compelled from deep within to go and tell the others: “He is alive; and He has gone to His Father and our Father, to His God and to our God! And because He lives, you too can walk in the light.”

Be God’s voice!

He loves you so much forever!

 

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!

Digging Deeper – Devoted to Jesus

Avatar photo David Griffith on February 19, 2025

 

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 

John 19:25 (NLT)

 

DEVOTED TO JESUS

 

What does it mean to be devoted? The American Heritage Dictionary defines devotion this way: Ardent affection and dedication, as to a person. Religious ardor or zeal, piety. The act of devoting or the state of being devoted.

Mary Magdalene personified this definition. After being set free from PERFECT darkness, she wanted only to live in the light that Jesus produced. She followed Him everywhere and provided for His ministry. She cooked and cleaned (I assume; it is not stated) and did what women did in the first century. She was devoted almost to a fault.

How, you might ask, did she show her devotion? Here we go!

Mary Magdalene was at the cross, watching her Lord and Savior being crucified to death (John 19:25; Mark 15:40-41; Matthew 27:55-56). There was no abandoning the one who had freed her from the darkness.

Mary followed Joseph of Arimathea to the grave he had provided for Jesus so that she knew where to go when the Sabbath was completed (Luke 23:55-56; Matthew 27:61). Though Mary had to wait for up to two days and three nights, she was already planning her anointing of Jesus’ body with spices as a sign of her devotion. She would not abandon her duty to Him, even in death.

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb the day after the Sabbath to anoint Jesus for proper burial according to Jewish law (John 20:1; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1-8). Mary had been preparing for this ritual since He was laid in the tomb and was following through devotedly for her King.

Personally, I am amazed at Mary’s devotion to Jesus. After all, her propitiation was dead and buried… or so she thought.

But God… is a rewarder of the devoted and of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

So, how did Jesus reward His devoted servant, Mary Magdalene? He rewarded Mary by allowing her to be the first one to see Him in His resurrected state! Mary Magdalene, former demon-possessed woman and probably a prostitute—the darkest of the dark when it came to hope and prospects—was the one whom Jesus shined His light upon. She was on stage for the most magnificent event in all of human history. Jesus gave Mary the greatest honor since the creator of her mother, Eve. That is what I call a reward. Jesus APPEARED to Mary first. Not to Peter. Not to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved (according to John!); not to James or to any of the other disciples. Jesus appeared to Mary and gave her an important task, a purpose: “GO AND TELL THE OTHERS…”

In tomorrow’s Digging Deeper, we will look at this additional blessing bestowed upon His devoted servant.

He loves you so much forever!

 

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!