Strong Women of the Bible: Mary Magdalene

Rev. Debbie Cato
Luke 8:1-3,  John 20:1-19 and Psalm 51:1-12
Manitou Presbyterian Church Spokane
August 16, 2026

Strong Women of the Bible
Mary Magdalene

 

 

This is second sermon of my three-part series on strong women of the Bible.  If you were a couple of weeks ago, you heard me preach about the Samaritan Woman – a woman without a name.  Yet, this woman; this Samaritan woman, became an evangelizer to the Samaritans.  By engaging Jesus in a conversation, and questioning, even challenging what he was saying, this woman opened the door for the Messiah’s message of good news to begin the journey from the Jews to “throughout the world.”

As you could tell from today’s Scripture readings from both Luke and John, we are going to talk about Mary Magdalene, my second example of a strong woman in the New Testament.

The first time we specifically meet Mary Magdalene is in Luke 8.  Luke tells us that Mary, from whom seven demons had gone out, was among the women who accompanied Jesus and financially supported His ministry. Jesus’ healing not only restored Mary’s physical and mental well-being but also led to her unwavering loyalty to Jesus, integrating her into his community of disciples.  She was a leading and devoted follower of Jesus. While the Gospels do not provide a detailed account of the healing event itself, it is clear that this moment of being healed from her illnesses marked a significant turning point for Mary. Mary later became a key witness to Jesus' resurrection.

Maurice Casey, the author of Jesus of Nazareth, concludes that Mary must have suffered from severe emotional or psychological trauma to deem an exorcism necessary. She was battered and bruised, injured and in agony from the suffering that demon possession entailed. Mary had lost all control and dignity, along with everything she knew in her previous life. Beauty and wealth did not spare Mary from the maliciousness that overcame and attacked her every hour of every day.  “Seven is a mystic number suggesting ‘completeness,’ implying that when the evil spirits dominated Mary the suffering was extremely severe.” ^[1]  They completely took over. She did not have a moment of peace. Imagine the shame of being linked to physical or psychological illness as a cause of demon possession. Mary would have been sunned and probably mocked by her community because of her mental illness.

Casey goes on to say that Mary Magdalene’s faithful discipleship to Jesus speaks of her profound personal history with Him. Having endured the torment of seven demons, Jesus delivered Mary from a prison of possession to freedom. Such a radical redemption ignited in Mary an unshakable loyalty and deep gratitude to Jesus. That she chose to follow Jesus and support His ministry financially may indicate she was a woman of considerable means. According to All the Women of the Bible, the name “Magdala” means “tower” or “castle,” suggesting a heritage or status that may have placed her in a position of influence.[2]

Yet, regardless of her wealth and social standing, Mary had experienced the depths of suffering. How humbling it must have been for a woman of any station to be overtaken by spiritual torment. But how much more astounding, then, is her devotion to the One who healed her. She gave generously, not only out of her substance, but out of the abundance of her restored soul.[3]

Perhaps you struggle with mental health challenges or maybe someone you love struggles with their mental health.  Unfortunately, even today, more than 2,000 years later, mental health still carries a stigma.  It’s still an illness too often misunderstood; too often wrapped in shame.  Often, like Mary, we identify the person struggling with mental health as “that mentally ill person,” much like Mary was identified by her illness – the woman possessed by seven demons.  But just like anyone who suffers from mental illness, Mary was so much more than her illness.

In the 13^th century, Thomas Aquinas, a priest who is now considered a saint of the Catholic Church, declared Mary Magdalene “an apostle to the apostles.” An apostle to the apostles.

In the Scripture we read this morning, the evangelist John tells us it is Mary Magdalene to whom Jesus first appears after His resurrection. It is Mary who is the first to see Jesus after His resurrection. Wow. It is Mary Magdalene whom Jesus instructed to proclaim the Easter message to others.  It is Mary Magdalene whom Jesus commissions to “ go tell Peter and the others that I have gone before them into Galilee.”  It is Mary Magdalene who first proclaims the Easter message.  And then, Scripture emphatically says, “But Peter and John and the others did not believe her and they went to the tomb to see for themselves.” “But Peter and John and the others did not believe her and they went to the tomb to see for themselves.”

Two thousand years later, little or nothing has changed.  The voice of women proclaiming the presence of Christ goes largely unconfirmed.  The call of women to ministry goes largely unnoted.  The commission of women to the church goes largely mocked. 

June 11 of this year, two months ago, the Southern Baptist Conference voted to ban women from pastoral ministry.  Think about it.  Not discouraged.  Banned from ministry.  This ban could very well lead to further bans of women’s voices in the church, period.[4]  If I had a nickel for every time someone told me they didn’t believe women should be in ministry, I would have a lot more money than I do now. 

As followers of Christ, we can look up to Mary Magdalene as a remarkable role model. Her life was centered around Jesus, as she traveled with Him and witnessed His miraculous works. Her passionate support for Jesus demonstrates the importance of community in our faith journey. We should remember that following Jesus is not just a personal endeavor but also a shared experience. We can take inspiration from Mary as we deepen our relationships with others and encourage one another in faith. Like her, we are called to devote our lives to serving and uplifting our communities through love, just as we saw Mary Magdalene do throughout her journey alongside Jesus. 

Mary Magdalene’s devotion to Jesus teaches us about unwavering faith and love. After witnessing His crucifixion and the pain that followed, she remained steadfast. Her devotion reminds us of the strength of a heart committed to Christ. In times of trial, we can look to Mary for inspiration as she demonstrates resilience and courage in the face of uncertainty. Her story encourages us to remain dedicated in our walk with God, trusting in His promises. Just like Mary Magdalene, we are reminded to place our hope and devotion in Jesus even when circumstances seem heavy.

Mary’s experience of witnessing Jesus’ suffering teaches us about empathy and compassion. She observed not only His miracles but also His pain, which deepens her understanding of each person’s struggles. In our lives, we will come across others who carry cruel burdens, and Mary’s response can inspire us to do the same. Her journey teaches us to be present through sorrow, providing support and comfort to those who are hurting, similar to how Mary supported Jesus. Together in faith, we can be a light for one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world around us through our compassion and genuine care for others.

In spite of the immense grief and fear she must have felt that dark morning as she headed to the tomb, Mary Magdalene remained present and focused on anointing Jesus’ body for burial.  As a result, Mary Magdalene holds the incredible honor of being the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus. This special role reminds us of the importance of women in the biblical narrative and their contributions to the faith community. As the first one to announce the great news of His victory over death, Mary exemplifies the calling that we all share – to spread the good news of Jesus. This special moment shows us that we are all capable of sharing the message of hope and salvation. Just like Mary, we can carry that powerful message forward, bringing joy and faith to those around us.

Mary Magdalene played a pivotal role in the early church, serving as an example of both faith and action. After the resurrection of Christ, she became one of His first evangelists. Her proclaiming the resurrection to the disciples shows us the power of sharing our experiences of faith. Each of us can take on a similar role in our communities. Sharing our own testimonies and encouraging others are essential parts of our Christian journey. By being vocal about our faith, just as Mary was, we actively participate in the building of God’s Kingdom, allowing others to encounter the love of Christ through our actions and words.

Mary Magdalene’s story offers a portrait of faith during challenging times. Through her trials and heartaches, she reveals the strength that comes from trusting in God. We know that life can bring obstacles and pain, but Mary teaches us that holding onto faith can lead to triumph. In facing our hardships, we can stand firm in our belief, knowing that God walks with us through the storm. Mary Magdalene’s unwavering faith serves as a beacon of hope for all of us, encouraging us to keep pressing on even when the path is difficult.

The impact of Mary Magdalene in Christianity cannot be overstated. She shapes the understanding of Christ’s mission and the role of believers. Her influence invites us to ponder our own call in the Christian faith. By following her footsteps, we can understand our responsibility to evangelize and support one another. Mary’s example of faithfulness and zeal serves as motivation for us to become active participants in sharing God’s love. Just as she set forth to share the good news, we, too, can be inspired to spread hope within our communities.

In our reflection on the life of Mary Magdalene, we discover a tapestry woven with pain, hardship, faith, love, and resilience. Her story is a beautiful reminder that regardless of our past, we can embrace new beginnings in Christ. Mary’s journey inspires us to remain steadfast during trials and to positively impact those around us. As we continue to seek God and nurture our faith within community, we follow the example Mary set forth for us, to boldly share the good news, uplift others, and live out our purpose with joy. There is so much to learn from her life, and together, we can carry forth Mary’s legacy in today’s world.

There is no doubt that Mary Magdalene is an important icon for the twenty-first century church.  She calls women to listen to the call of Christ over the call of the church.  She calls men to listen for the call of Christ in the messages

of women.  She calls women to courage and men to humility.  She calls all of us to faith and fortitude, to unity and universalism, to a Christianity that rises about sexism, a religion that transcends the idolatry of maleness, and a commitment to the things of God that overcomes every obstacle and surpasses every human system.^[5]

May Magdalene is a shining light of hope, a disciple of Christ, a model of the wholeness in a world full of despair and in a church whose vision is even now, only partial.[6] When we explore the life of Mary Magdalene, we learn that she was not just an ordinary woman; she carried a remarkable story of transformation. Coming from a troubled past, she encountered Jesus and was delivered from seven demons This encounter marked a turning point in her life, leading her to be a dedicated disciple. Understanding Mary’s background helps us to appreciate the depth of her devotion. It reminds us that no matter our past, we too are capable of immense love and service especially in spreading the message of Jesus, just as Mary Magdalene did. We can embrace her story and allow it to inspire our own journeys of faith toward healing and purpose.

Let’s remember to cherish the inspirational lessons found in Mary Magdalene’s journey. Her experiences remind us of the profound impact that faith and love can forge in our lives, and in the lives of others. Each of us has the potential to be a light in the world, reflecting the love of Christ just as she did. The courage and hope portrayed in Mary’s story encourages us to forge ahead, spreading love and light, ensuring that we each play our part in this grand narrative of faith. May we draw strength from her life and mirror her dedication as we walk our own paths of faith.  Amen.

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[1] Casey, Maurice.  Jesus of Nazareth.  An Independent Historian’s Account of His Life and Teachingins.  T&T Clark. December 30, 2010.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Chittister, Joan.  A Passion for Life.
[5] Chittister, Joan.  A Passion for Life.
[6] Ibid.

Strong Women of the Bible - The Samaritan Woman

Rev. Debbie Cato
Manitou Presbyterian Church Spokane
Isaiah 12 and John 4:7-42
August 2, 2026

Strong Women of the Bible
The Samaritan Woman

 

 

One of the advantages of being pulpit supply is that you have some freedom to preach what you want!  When Pamela contacted me this spring to see if I could preach during the summer, she said, “Preach whatever you want.  If you have a series you like, preach that.”  Well, I don’t like to re-use sermons, so the first two Sundays that I preached here, I just chose passages that I like. (Selfish isn’t it!)  But I’ve always wanted to preach on the strong women of the Bible. and I realized this is my chance!  So for the last three Sundays that I I’m with you (including today), we are going to look at some of the strong women in the Bible.

There are SO many strong women in scripture.  It was hard to choose only three!  Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are full of examples of strong women.  It would be fun to preach on all of them.  But I had to choose.  I’ve decided to feature three strong women from the New Testament that I think have something to teach each one of us.  Today, I’m focusing on the Samaritan woman.

You won’t find this story in the first three gospels.  Neither Matthew, Mark, nor Luke feature this story.  Yet it’s so important.  Only the Gospel of John tells us about Jesus’ encounter with the woman from Samaria.  In fact, John devotes 42 verses to this exchange between Jesus and this woman from Samaria. Such a significant section of Scripture would not be given to this one episode unless the lessons it contained were important.  Jesus asks for a drink of water.  We would not expect this simple request to lead us to one of the most profound theological lessons in all the Bible.  But it does.

It’s interesting to me that the key character in this encounter, this Samaritan woman” has no name.  We only know her by her ethnicity; she is a foreigner. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because we don’t know her name she wasn’t significant.

Jesus was in Jerusalem for the pilgrimage feast.  Now he is on his way from Jerusalem back to Galilee.  On his travels back to Galilee, Jesus goes through Samaria.

If we looked at a map of ancient Palestine, we would see that geographically speaking, it is not necessary to go through Samaria when traveling between Jerusalem and Galilee.  A Jew would never travel through Samaria because of the risk of coming in contact with Samaritans who were considered unclean.  Instead, Jews traveling between Judea and Galilee would cross over the Jordan River and go up the other side to Galilee.[1]  They would travel out of their way just to avoid contact with a Samaritan.

The rift between the Jews and the Samaritans has a complex history.  Considered outsiders and even idolaters by the Jews, the Samaritans understood themselves to be descendants of the northern kingdom. The name means “keeper of the law,” and the Samaritans held to the Pentateuch, the first five books of our modern-day Bible, as their Scripture.  Their place of worship was Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem.  The proper place to worship, or the primary religious center, is the issue that maintained the schism between the two groups throughout the centuries, perhaps even as far back as the 5^th century B.C.B.  The contempt for the Samaritans was so intense by the first century, that most Jews refused to travel through Samaria, despite the importance the region was to their heritage.  So, as you can imagine, Samaria would be the last place we would expect Jesus to go to show God’s love for the world.[2]

 That Jesus “had to go” through Samaria is better translated “it was necessary for him” to go through Samaria.  It’s not a geological necessity but a theological necessity to travel through Samaria.  John 3:16 says, “So God so loved the world.”  The disciples need to know what and who the world is. That God so loved the world will be demonstrated by Jesus’ ministry in Samaria[3].  There is nothing in God’s creation that God does not love, even the least expected persons.

Jesus second encounter in the Gospel of John is with the woman at the well. It confirms that God’s love is for those on the outside of the religious center. Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you didn’t belong?  God loves you too.  You belong to Him.

It is significant that the woman meets Jesus at the well at noon, when the sun is at the highest in the sky and there is the most sunlight possible.  Many theologians interpret this odd time to draw water as a statement about the woman’s morality.  She arrives at noon because she does not want to be seen by others.  She’s embarrassed by her questionable past or maybe she has been ostracized by the other women in the community, so she comes to the well when no one else is around.  Another thought is that the time of day is a reference to the theological theme of light and darkness, with darkness representing the realm of disbelief and light representing the realm of belief.[4]  I fall in the second category. 

Jesus says to her, “You have had five husbands and are currently living with a man who is not your husband.”  Jesus is not condemning her.  He’s merely stating facts about her life.  But we like to read it as condemnation.  We assume that the woman has been divorced five times and she’s currently living in sin.  I have actually preached this passage this way.  It makes a scandalous encounter, even more scandalous.  It makes a better example.  A better story.  Not only does Jesus speak to a woman, but she’s a Samaritan woman, and oh, by the way, she’s also been married and divorced five times and now she’s living with someone she’s not married to. 

 We assume things about people that we don’t really know. But we seldom ask if our assumptions are correct.  We seldom bother to find out the truth.  How often the worst is assumed of a vulnerable person; a person of color, a foreigner, even a woman.  How often do we give some people the benefit of the doubt, and others we judge?

We must remember that in Jesus’ time, a man could divorce his wife over nothing.  He didn’t like dinner last night.  Gone.  She doesn’t clean the house the way he expects. Gone.  She hasn’t been able to have children.  Gone.  But you know, if in fact she has been divorced five times, why do we assume it’s her fault and allow it to tarnish her reputation?  It was the man that could divorce the wife. 

It’s possible she’s a five-time widow. Maybe she has loved five times but each time the man she loved and was married to, died.  What if she suffered all that loss and rather than compassion she was met with humiliation?

A woman had no way of earning her own living.  A woman couldn’t own property.  A woman could not survive on her own.  Maybe she’s been married five times out of necessity.  Maybe she married five times to survive. Regardless of the reason, the woman has had a hard life. And Jesus knows the most painful realities that she has lived and is now trying to survive.  This woman is a survivor.  She is a strong woman. 

To be at the well at noon is an inopportune time for Jesus as well.  Jesus is tired, a reminder of His humanity.  The trip between Jerusalem and Galilee would have taken about three days – of walking.  Jesus’ is worn out.  He needs water.  Like the Samaritan woman, Jesus is vulnerable; he’s in need.  There is a mutuality of need present before the two ever utter words to each other.[5] Jesus needs water and she has what he needs.  Jesus needs water and she will need the living water that Jesus offers her.  Jesus needs her to be witness, and she needs Jesus to invite her into this new identity.[6]

We are told that the disciples are not with Jesus.  They have gone into town looking for food for the remainder of their journey.  Jesus and the Samaritan woman are alone at the well.  The boundaries crossed in this encounter continue to build.  A man is speaking to a woman.  A rabbi is speaking to a woman.  A Jew is speaking to a Samaritan.  They are alone.  It is unfathomable that they would have the exchange that they do.[7]

Maybe it’s because of everything she’s been through and how everyone treats her, the woman is comfortable pushing and questioning Jesus.  As a result of her boldness, she has the longest recorded theological conversation than anyone else has with Jesus in the entire Bible.  She does not agree with Jesus just because He is a man with status who says things that make no sense to her.  She speaks her mind and stands her ground.[8]  This unnamed woman challenges Jesus from the very beginning.  How dare you ask me for a drink! Then, when Jesus offers her living water, she wants Him to prove it!  She asks him, “Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob?”

This question with her reference to “Jacob our ancestor” emphasizes the same ancestry for both Jews and Samaritans.  This woman understands where they are sitting and talking.  Jacob’s well.  She knows this well has provided for God’s people for centuries.

Jacob’s well, located on a plot of land, was a field that Jacob purchased so that he could pitch his tent in the land of Canaan.  He built an altar on the site and called it El Elohe Israel, meaning the God of Israel.  It is this very field that was the first inhabitable piece of real estate recorded in Scripture that any Israelite ever owned in the Promised land.  Abraham had purchased the field of Ephron, which contained a cave that became he and Sarah’s burial place.  But this property was actually Jacob’s home base. His family lived there.  The well he dug was very deep, accessible only by a very long rope.  The water was fresh, and pure, and cold.

So here they are, Jesus and this woman from Samaria having this strange encounter at Jacob’s well.  And now Jesus is talking about living water.  This Samarian woman is being invited to see that God is still providing for God’s people through Jesus Christ.

With this question, the woman dives into another uncomfortable conversation; their religious differences, disagreements, and history.   She says, “our ancestors worshipped on this mountain.”  The Samaritans didn’t worship on Mount Gerizim anymore, because the Jews destroyed the Samaritan temple.  It was an ugly and uncomfortable history between the Jews and the Samaritans.  Rather than politely avoiding the conflicts, the woman highlights them.

Jesus’ response is a whole speech about worshiping in “spirit and truth.”  Just like his talk about living water, it sounds good on the surface.  The woman could have just smiled and nodded.  But instead, she thinks about it and realizes that she does not know what Jesus is talking about.  He’s using words that sound good but don’t really mean anything – at least to her.  What courage she has!  How many times do we pretend we understand something out of pride?  Because we are too embarrassed to admit we don’t understand?

In her challenge, this woman responds to Jesus with a profound statement.  “When the Messiah comes, he will explain everything.”[9]  It’s amazing that this Samaritan woman, born and raised in a culture of what was considered corrupt religion, had the same messianic hope shared by every other godly woman in Scripture!

And this is when Jesus says it. Whether He planned to say it to her right there at the well or whether she pushed Jesus to say it by her refusal to just accept what he was saying, we don’t know.  But when she says, “when the Messiah comes,” Jesus responds, “I am He.  The One who is speaking to you.”   

This is the single most direct and explicit messianic claim Jesus every made, and he makes it to this woman from Samaria.  Never before in any of the biblical record, had Jesus said this so forthrightly to anyone.  Never again is it recorded that He declared Himself this plainly, until the night of His betrayal.[10] I am He.  The One who is speaking to you.

The Samaritan woman is not afraid to stay in conversation with Jesus. She’s unafraid to question Him; to challenge Him; to push Him. And look at the results of her courage!  Because of her testimony, many people in this Samaritan village believe in Jesus and go out to meet Him for themselves.  They believe a woman they had shunned. To witness to Jesus and tell others about their experience is one of the first marks of a disciple.  Hearing and telling.  Because of the Samaritan woman’s faith, many come to believe.  Through her words, many come to faith.  The Samaritan woman is no less a witness, no less an evangelizer, than John the Baptist, Andrew, and Phillip or any of the other named disciples. 

I am in awe of the confidence it takes this for woman from Samaria to have a serious theological conversation with a Jewish rabbi; to challenge and question him when it would have been so much easier to smile and nod and go back to her life with a full jug of water.  I wonder what it would take for us to have these kinds of conversations with Jesus – and with each other. I wonder what it would take to do more than just listen, but to question, to challenge, and to push until we really get it.  To go deeper in our understanding.  Deeper in our belief.  I wonder what it would take for us to be bold, and share what we believe with others.

This is the first time in John’s Gospel that Jesus tells someone directly that He is the Messiah.  It is absolutely astonishing that the very first time Jesus chose to reveal Himself as the Messiah, it was to a Samaritan woman.[11]

There is so much more to this story than what we see on the surface.  Jesus interaction with this Samaritan woman at the well is transforming.  She goes from hiding from people because she’s ashamed, to being an evangelizer for Christ.    The community goes from shunning her because of what they assume, to believing her. That, my friends, was quite an encounter!  May we be vigilant and pay attention.  We just might have an encounter with Christ that transforms us.  Amen.

 

 

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[1] Lew, Karoline M.  John.  A Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentary. Fortress Press.  2014. P 53.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Lew, Karoline M.  John.  A Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentary. Fortress Press.  2014. P 55.
[5] Lew, Karoline M.  John.  A Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentary. Fortress Press.  2014. P 56.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Harader, Joanna.  Prone to Wander.  A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness.  Herald Press.  2025.  P126
[9] Ibid.
[10] MacArthur, John.  Twelve Extraordinary Women.  How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You.  Thomason Nelson.  2005. P142
[11] MacArthur, John.  Twelve Extraordinary Women.  How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You.  Thomason Nelson.  2005. P148-150.

A Scary Call

Rev. Debbie Cato
Millwood Presbyterian Church
Acts 9:10-19  (Acts (;1-19)
July 26, 2026 

Holy, holy God.  We come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your word. Prepare our minds to understand the wisdom of Your teachings. Soften our hearts to be transformed by Your truth.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

A Scary Call

 

 

Today our scripture passage is what I will call “Part 2” of one of my favorite stories in the Book of Acts.  Sam preached on the first half of this story last week and she suggested three questions for you to consider as you listened to her sermon.  Sam asked:

 1.  What does this passage reveal about us?

2.  What does this passage reveal about God?

3.  and … How does God want us as a church to respond?

 I think these are great questions, so I’m plagiarizing Sam’s sermon! I want to encourage you to consider these same questions today.  What does this passage reveal about us?  What does this passage reveal about God?  And, how does God want us as a church to respond?

Last week, you heard how Saul was on his way to Damascus with a group of men looking for people who were part of The Way – the early believers.  Saul had letters from the high priest to the synagogues giving him permission to search out believers and bring them as captives to Jerusalem – both men and women.  Luke tells us that Saul “breathed threats and murder” against the disciples of the Lord. He meant business! Saul was not a nice man.

Now, in his defense, Saul was a committed Jew. He had been taught the Hebrew scriptures by one of the most highly regarded rabbis.  Saul believed that people of The Way – the followers of Jesus were blaspheming God. He did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah and so he believed that everything Jesus taught, and everything the people of The Way believed, was contrary to God.  It was blasphemy.  In Paul’s mind, he was protecting his faith – protecting the laws of God.  He was getting rid of early believers out of religious zeal.

But that wasn’t God’s heart.  It wasn’t what God wanted Saul to be doing.  So God stopped Paul in his tracks – literally.  Saul was blinded with a bright light. As he is lying on the ground, Saul hears a voice ask, “Why are you persecuting me?” Why are you persecuting me? “Who are you Lord?” Paul asks.  “I am Jesus.  The very one you are persecuting.”  Wow!  That would get your attention, wouldn’t it?!  I can imagine a booming voice, “I am Jesus.  The one you are persecuting.”  Luke tells us that Saul was blind for three days and he did not eat or drink during that time.  God had Saul’s full attention.

In today’s passage, we are introduced to Ananias and the plot thickens.  We don’t know anything about Anania except Luke tells us that Ananias’ is living in Damascus and he is praying. Later in the Book of Acts, Paul gives a speech as he is about to be jailed and he describes Ananias as "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews" that lived in Damascus. 

As Ananias prays one day – as he presumably does every day since we are told he is devout, God calls him to do what seems impossible.  While he is praying, God gives Ananias specific instructions. “Get up and go to the street called Straight. At the house of Judas, ask for a man of Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, and he has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so that he will regain his sight.”  Wow!  Now, that is a word from God.  That is a call to be bold.

Has God has ever prompted you during prayer?  Perhaps He’s put on your heart to reconcile a relationship; repair a broken friendship or a family relationship.  Maybe, like Ananias, God has asked you to do something hard; something you don’t want to do.  Something bold.

As I was finishing up seminary and presbytery approved me to seek a call, I was so excited.  I prayed that God would lead me to the right church; the church He wanted me to serve.  I’ll go wherever you send me, God. 

One day I got an email from a search committee in Casper, Wyoming.  They had read my PIF – my personal information form and they were interested in talking with me.  Casper, Wyoming.  I knew there was no way God was calling me to go to Casper, Wyoming – so far away from my daughters.  I replied with a “thank you for your interest but no thank you.”  Maybe three weeks later, my phone rang.  It was the chair of the search committee in Casper.  We really think you are the one God is calling to serve our church.  Could we just send you some information?  Sure, I said.  The information came and I half-heartedly looked at it.  Shoot.  I was drawn to it.  It was exactly the kind of church I had been praying God would call me to serve.  But it was Casper, Wyoming.  I could not be that far from my daughters.  I agreed to talk with them over skype – it was skype back then. 

Much to my dismay, I fell in love.  The prompting of the Holy Spirit was so strong, but I was still trying to resist.  It was so far to be from Jessica and Tracy. But, I agreed to go visit them and preach in a neutral pulpit.  It will be good experience, I told myself.  But I was sure I would not like it, that the sense of call I was feeling would go away.

 I landed at the Caspar airport and the whole search committee was waiting for me – full of big smiles.  I spent the day talking with them and laughing and feeling like I had known them forever.  I preached the next morning and – well, to make a long story short, the PNC called me to serve their church. 

God is asking Ananias to go to the place where a known terrorist of Jesus’ followers was, and lay hands on him!  Ask me anything God but not that!  Ananias pleads with God.  “Lord, I have heard about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. He has authority from the chief priests to bind up everyone who calls upon your name.” He’ll kill me, Ananias must have thought.  Anything but this!  Ananias tried to say no to God’s call.  But God doesn’t take no for an answer.  “Go and do this.  I have chosen Saul to carry my name to the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.”  God called Ananias out of his comfort zone to play a role in the conversion of Saul – Paul who would come to preach the gospel and start churches throughout the nations with as much zeal as he once persecuted those that believed and followed the very things that Paul becomes so passionate about.

Remember those questions I asked you to think about? What does this passage reveal about us?  What does this passage reveal about God?  How does God want us as a church to respond? 

I think the big question this text poses is how might God be calling you outside your comfort zone.  Maybe God is calling this church – Millwood Presbyterian Church outside our comfort zone. 

God called Ananias to be bold and courageous.  Ananias was called to walk down the street and turn Saul from persecuting God’s people to being God’s mouthpiece for the teachings of Christ.  Maybe God is calling you, calling us to be bold in some way.  To be courageous.  Maybe God is calling us to be bold for our faith in some way – to be God’s hands and feet.  Or maybe even his mouthpiece.

As I watch what is happening in our culture, in the world today, I wonder if God is calling us to correct the course; to bring kindness and justice and mercy back into vogue.  I wonder if he’s calling us to reach out to neighbors, to learn something about the immigrant members of our community, to lend a helping hand, to be generous to the needs we see all around us.  Maybe God is calling us to be generous with our money and generous with our time.  Maybe God is calling us to be these things.  These things that build the Kingdom of Heaven.  These things that reflect the values Jesus taught about over and over and over again. 

I wonder if God is calling us to bring people back to the right teachings of Christ. We have wandered far from the true teachings of Jesus.  Far from the true gospel message in scripture.  When Jesus stood up in the synagogue of Nazareth, he opened a scroll from the prophet Isaiah which speaks of hope, healing, and liberation. The world has turned upside down from Jesus’ teachings.  I wonder if God is calling us to be bold and speak truth?  To speak hope and healing and liberation in our community.

Author Toni O’Keefe recently said, “There are times we must speak.  Even if we are afraid, we must speak.  We must say, this is wrong.  This is broken.  This is hurting me.  This is hurting others.  I don’t believe in this.  I can’t accept this.  We have the right to remain silent, but should we?” 

In one of his devotionals, Henri Nouwen wrote, “We are not called to save the world, solve all problems, and help all people.  But we each have our own unique call, in our families, in our work, in our world.  We have to keep asking God to help us clearly see what our call is and to give us the strength to live out that call with trust.  Then we will discover that our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time.”

It was just an ordinary day when God calls Ananias to be bold and courageous.  All he has to do is go to a man who is “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” and lay hands on him.  As a disciple of The Way, Ananias is called to go to this man who is persecuting people just like him and lay hands on him because God is calling Saul to bring the truth of The Way to the gentiles and all of Israel and the kings.  Do you see that God is using Ananias to achieve his purpose for Saul?  This famous Damascus Road story is both a description of a transforming personal encounter with Christ and an introduction of Saul as a leading actor in the apostolic mission to the ends of the earth. 

But as I see it, this is also a story about an ordinary man called to do something scary.  A story about a faithful follower, not that different from you or I, who was obedient to God’s call.  (After he tried to say no of course!)  Because of Ananias’s obedience, one of the greatest threats to the new Christians becomes arguably the greatest apostle for Christ’s message.  Because of Ananias’s obedience, Paul goes on to take three missionary trips through modern-day Turkey, Greece, Syria, and Italy, planting more than 20 churches, preaching the gospel, and raising up new leaders.  Paul is credited with writing 14 of the 27 books of The New Testament.  Nine out of those 14 books are written to seven of the church communities Paul started on his journeys:  Romans, 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1^st and 2^nd Thessalonians.

I don’t think Ananias knew what the result of his visit to Saul would be - the vastness of God’s call on his life.  I don’t think Ananias knew how much this terrorist to The Way would end up expanding the outreach of Christ’s life and ministry.  Rather than capturing and murdering believers, Paul became a fervent believer himself. 

And how can we know what the outcome of our obedience to God’s call will be?  How can we know who might be turned around because of a conversation we have with them; or who might feel validated and supported because we speak up. How do we know who’s life might be changed because we are generous or kind. God lays before us opportunities to speak up for his truth.  We have to keep asking God to help us see clearly what our call is and to give us the strength to live out that call with trust God.  And then we have to be brave and courageous to follow that call.

Saul couldn’t see the truth until God blinded him and then used Ananias to lay hands on him and speak the truth into his life.

I bring us back to the questions Sam asked last week that are also good questions for this week.  What does this passage reveal about us?  What does this passage reveal about God?  How does God want us as a church to respond?  Who might God be bringing before us – calling us to respond by speaking the truth about what scripture teaches?  What opportunities might God be making available to us where we can demonstrate our faith, our beliefs, through our actions?  What unique call might God be calling you to; calling Millwood Presbyterian Church to?  It’s a question we should be asking ourselves.

In the name of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit – three-in-one.  Amen.