Christ on Trial

A Lenten Service Series

Palm Sunday

"Witness: Mary Magdalene"

Prosecutor: The court calls Mary of Magdala. Do you swear to tell the truth....

Mary: I do.

Prosecutor: Now, Mary, just to get some background information, as we understand it, you came from the town of Magdala . This was a thriving rural community on the shores of the Sea of Galilee , between Capernaum and Tiberia. Is that correct? 

Mary: Yes.

Prosecutor: Also, as we understand it, you enjoyed some degree of wealth. At least, you weren't one of those peasant types always worrying where your next meal was coming from and attracted to a miracle worker who could supply a free lunch. Is that correct?

Mary: Yes, I came from a home with most of the comforts of life. But there are many kinds of hunger. You may note that my name is Mary. Today that name is associated with serenity and giftedness, but the true meaning of my name is "bitter, grieved." And bitter and grieved I was until I met Jesus. You see, I was possessed by seven demons. That is a way of saying I was severely afflicted. I had multiple problems. My life was a living hell. And all the wealth my family had could find no cure. Then I met Jesus. He was just beginning His ministry. He took pity on me and cured me. It was wonderful--to be healed, free at last. Why, you just...

Prosecutor: (cutting her off) Yes, well, we've already heard about Jesus' healing powers and how appreciated they were. The court is more interested in what happened after you were healed--the relationship between you and Jesus. We understand that you literally became one of His followers, one of the "camp women" who ... um ... saw to His and the disciples' needs.

Mary: Yes, I became one of Jesus' followers. But it was all very proper. Jesus preached love for one another, but it was a higher form of love, not a carnal one--a love like God has for each of us. Along with several other women--Joanna, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Salome, Suzanna, and others--we saw to Jesus' needs; cooking, and the like. Those of us who could, supported Him financially. We were privileged to learn from Him and share His teachings with others, often other women. We were disciples every bit as much as the men.

Prosecutor: A female disciple ... hmm. We note that, among the women, you were always mentioned first. So you were the leader of the women and had a special relationship with Jesus?

Mary: I did coordinate our part of the work. And since I was one of Jesus' first healings, and a major one at that, I did have a certain status among the women. As to a relationship with Jesus, after what he did for me I would have given my life for Him.

Prosecutor: Yes, now that gets us to the point in our inquiry tonight. You were there when Jesus was crucified and died. Is that true?

Mary: Yes, the soldiers kept most of the people at some distance. I guess they feared that the disciples might start a riot or try to save Jesus, but they allowed some of the women to come closer. It was terrible to see His suffering, but we wanted to offer what comfort we could. As it turned out, though, we were comforted and inspired.   

Prosecutor: Comforted and inspired? Watching a man beg for his life, curse his tormentors? (aside to jury) We warned you that this witness' mental balance might be fragile. It may be she was not completely cured in the first place. Surely no one in their right mind could find the trials of a criminal at the point of execution inspiring.

Mary: But that's just it. Jesus, who was innocent and had more right than any to curse, spoke words of comfort and blessing. Why, His very first words were a prayer for forgiveness to those who were doing this to Him. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Prosecutor: Well, it has been known that some criminals facing execution speak kindly to their executioners, even slip them bribes in hopes of being treated with some mercy ... even if it's just a swifter death.

Mary: But Jesus wasn't just praying for the soldiers. He was asking God to forgive all who made His suffering necessary. Even you and me. It is our sin as much as theirs that required Christ to make this sacrifice. That is why His next words were so important--the ones He spoke to the thief. You see, Jesus was crucified between two bandits. The one taunted Jesus. But the other thief acknowledged his sin, recognizing Jesus' innocence and divine origins. He asked Christ to intervene for him with God. He sought forgiveness and was promised eternal life. This is what the whole story of salvation is about. Christ came to die for our sins, whether criminal acts or everyday sins we're not aware of. It's God's gift to us so that we can live and die in peace--knowing we will always be with Christ and He with us. We need only accept the gift.

Prosecutor: Yes, well, that's very nice ... but let's get back to the facts and the testimony of what you heard. By the way, are there any corroborating witnesses, or were you the only one who heard Jesus speak?

Mary: Oh, yes, there were others nearby. In fact, Jesus' next words were to His mother and to His beloved disciple, John, I believe. He loved and cared for His mother right to the end. He gave her into the care of the disciple. They were to be family for each other. And thus, Christ set an example for us all. We are each to be fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers ... to each other. We are to take Jesus' place in caring for, comforting, and supporting each other.    

Prosecutor: This really isn't the appropriate time or place for a sermon on Christian fellowship. Could we please get back to what you saw and heard?

Mary: Well, there wasn't much more. It became dark like night, even though it was midday , and that lasted for 3 hours. Jesus suffered in silence for awhile and then He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He must have felt abandoned even by God. But that separation is what Jesus saved us from.

Prosecutor: You can't feel more alone than being abandoned by God. Was that all?

Mary: Almost. When Jesus knew the end was at hand, he said, "I thirst." A soldier got a sponge on a stick, dipped it in some cheap common wine, almost like vinegar, and let Him suck some of it. Then He said, "It is finished," and commended Himself into God's hands.

Prosecutor:       I'm sure you were all glad to see that Jesus' suffering was over. Of course, all your dreams and plans were over as well.

Mary: Some might have seen it that way, but Jesus and those who believed in Him knew that what was finished was not just Jesus' suffering. Much more importantly, God's plan of salvation was completed. Jesus had fulfilled God's righteousness, lived a holy life as none of us could, and taken the weight of our sins upon Himself. He could then give Himself over into God's care. Thanks to Him, we can too.

Prosecutor: Well, the point is it was finished. He died and that was the end of it. I think the jury has heard enough now. Thank you. You are dismissed.

Mary: But, but, that wasn't the end. (getting excited) Yes, He died, but that wasn't the end. Let me just tell you the rest of the story.

Prosecutor: This was what we feared. The stress has unhinged poor Mary. Ah, Mary, our time is up for today. Perhaps, we will recall you at another session to the court. For now, you are dismissed. You may go. Thank you for your testimony. Poor Mary, she's so sunk in her delusions. Next, I guess she would be telling us Jesus, this very human carpenter turned rabbi, rose from the dead, and if we believe in Him we will rise also. It's amazing what people are willing to believe.