Why Jesus Appeared to Mary Magdalene First

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 1, 2018

Series Title: “What are the Roots of our Troubles?”

Today’s Title: “A Troubled Witness”

Today’s Text: John 1:1-18  

 

Who is Mary Magdalene?

- from Magdala (Luke 8:2)

- 7 demons cast out (Luke 8:2)

- at the cross & at the tomb

 (Matt. 27:55, 28:1, Mark 15:40, 16:1, Luke 24:10, John 19:25, 20:1)

- first to see the risen Lord (John 20:11-16)

 

Who Mary Magdalene is NOT

- Martha & Lazarus sister (Luke 10 & John 11)

- Woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)

- Woman who anointed Jesus’ feet w/perfume (Luke 7:36-50)

- The wife or lover of Jesus

  (nowhere in scripture is this even suggested)

 

Why did Jesus choose her as the first witness?

- A woman (but why not a different woman?)

- A woman who followed & supported Him

- A woman, with a “reputation”?

- A woman, w/a reputation & formerly possessed by demons

- A woman, with a reputation, formerly possessed by

  demons seven demons. 

 

Who sees the risen Christ?

• The Oppressed
• The Labeled
• The Possessed
• The Most Deeply Afflicted
• THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM TO THE GRAVE