Women's Ministry - F.I.T.S.

Witnesses to the Gospel

Study Passages: Mary the Mother of Jesus. Read / Matthew 1:18-2:23; Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-52, 8:19-21; John 2:1-12, 19:25-27 to study about Mary Magdalene: Read /  Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40, 16:9; Luke 8:2-3; John 20:11-18.

1. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all four Gospels, but only in John does she get the leading role in announcing that Jesus has Resurrected.  As we saw in the study of Mary and Martha of Bethany, women are important in the first and last signs that Jesus performs in the Gospel of John: the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11).  And we noted that in the Resurrection of Jesus a woman's voice and her presence are at front and center again.

In the verses where Mary interacts with the risen Jesus, John 20:11-18. NOTE:  Jesus speaks to her three (3) times.  1) What are the three things He says to her? 2) How does she answer Him? 3) Why do you think Jesus ask her not to touch Him?

2. We have seen motherhood play an important part in the stories of Sarah, Hagar, Rachel, Leah, Hannah, and even Ruth.  Motherhood in the Bible is a way of looking forward to the next generation and to the future of Israel.  When looking at the Mother of Jesus (Mary) how does she fulfill that idea of motherhood?  How does she change it in any way?

3. Luke 1:26-28 provides some insight.  What does  she call herself?  By calling herself "the Lord's servant," to which biblical mother whom we've studies could she be referring?  What would be the meaning of this similarity?

4. What do you notice about both of these passages?  Mary and her cousin Zechariah both utter songs of praise about the miracle of the children that is born to them.  In what ways are they different and in what ways are they the same. Is it significant that Mary signs her song of praise before the birth of her child and that Zechariah sings his after he birth of his child?  Do you undersand the reason for this?

5. Look at Luke 1:51 and Look 1:52.  What are some events in the Bible that Mary may have in mind when she says, "He has performed mighty deeds with his arm".  What do you think she had in mind when she says that He "has lifted up the humble".

Can you now see the importance of being available to be a witness to what the Lord would have for you in ministry?  Or, do you still question where you fit?  Or, can you fit?