MAGDALA BY THE SEA OF GALILEE

 

MAGDALA BY THE SEA OF GALILEE

          On our pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2018, our Lakes Church Lead Pastor Dr. Aaron D. Burgner shared with us that this first-century synagogue in Magdala marks the hometown of Mary Magdalene. It was uncovered by accident in 2009 when workers broke ground for a new hotel. When the excavator first struck dirt, it made contact with a rock that turned out to be an ornately carved stone, now called the Magdala Stone. This stone was positioned in the center of the synagogue, leading scholars to believe it was used as a podium or reading desk—the flat surface where rabbis would unroll the Torah scrolls for teaching. Outside the entrance, archaeologists found a stone wash basin. This type of basin is where Jews would wash their hands prior to entering the synagogue. Scripture tells us Jesus taught in this synagogue, which means He likely rolled out a scroll on the Magdala Stone. And as a law-abiding Jew, He would have washed His hands in this wash basin. The hands that formed these rocks washed in them, taught from them. Archeologists long denied the existence of the first-century synagogues that Scripture mentions, but buried underneath this soil for thousands of years, these stones testify to the truth of His Word.
            In the basement of one of the buildings at Magdala is the Encounter Chapel which is modeled after the synagogue that was excavated in Magdala. The seating is like the synagogue, and the stones on the floor are the actual stones on which Jesus would have walked 2,000 years ago. There is a mural on the wall of the woman touching Jesus’ robe. This was painted by now famous Daniel Cariola from Chile. It is a work of genius and capturing that moment, he painted the tip of her finger as healed, and the rest of the hand is still sickly. He did a lot of study on the hands of 20 elderly sick women to produce this hand. By painting the tip of her finger as healed, he captures that instant of the miracle when Jesus asks the question, “Who touched me?” The disciples push back and say, “You're crazy, everybody's pushing, look at all the people here, so close, all tight, all wanting to get close to Jesus. Jesus knew and he said, “Power went out from me, somebody touched me.” What Jesus is interested in is the relationship with this woman, the relationship with every person whom he heals. Jesus wants personal relationships with us, not just a chemical, biological, physical healing. He wants us to enter into relationship because there's probably a lot more to be healed. We could be physically well, but we could be in real bad trouble with a child, with a parent, with a sibling, with a neighbor. The healing of relationships is so important.
          Think of somebody today who needs healing—it could be cancer, it could be diabetes, it could be migraines, but it could also be relationships. It could be depression, it could be unhealthy aggressiveness, unhealthy relationships, we want healing, we ask the Lord for healing. Place your finger as though you’re touching Jesus’ robe and think of someone now for whom we pray: Lord Jesus, we come to you as though we are at Magdala by the Sea of Galilee, with our sick and broken people, as represented by this painting. Jesus, we believe in you, that's why we bring them. We know who you are. Jesus, we hope in you because so many thousands came to you here 2,000 years ago with great hope of healing. We hope in you with a great hope. Jesus, we come to you with our broken person. We can say his name now, her name. We come with great love. Love makes us patient. Patience is nothing more than pure love for people who are a big burden for us. Pure love for you, Lord. When we are going through very hard times for which we have zero understanding. Jesus, fill the heart of this broken person with your love so that this person can become a hero of patience until they're fully healed. Jesus, we believe in you. Jesus, we hope in you. Jesus, we love you. Thank you, Jesus. Jesus, we adore you, amen.
          When you feel outcast or in need of healing, cry out to Jesus. The woman with the issue of blood did in Luke 8:43-48. As her story shows, Jesus meets us where we are and reminds us of our belovedness. Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and Holy Spirit, meet us in this space, whatever space we find ourselves in. Help us to learn more about who You are through this woman. Help us to see Your image in the image-bearer we find in this story. Help us to sympathize, grow, and lean into her story. Give us wisdom and gentleness with ourselves today. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.

          The unnamed woman in this Gospel story is a woman who has suffered for 12 years from a certain kind of bleeding; it is often translated as “hemorrhaging.” She has visited many doctors and healers, and none of them has been able to heal her. It seems frenetic and like she is acting out in a last-ditch effort. Her very presence in a large crowd would be frowned upon in this society because she is considered “unclean.” Her normal existence would often have been spent watching people skirt around her to avoid the possibility of contact. No brushing or touching or sharing friendly gestures on the path. She lived in isolation and would have been known for her uncleanliness.
          This unnamed woman, whose story the text brings to light, not only suffered from continuous bleeding for many years, but also that dirty, unclean feeling resulting from being stigmatized and isolated. Hers was a continual existence of pain and being cast out. Jesus meets her in this space—or, rather, is met by her—and does the opposite of what is expected. Instead of being repulsed or disgusted by her, he responds with peace. He responds with acceptance and grace. He seems to respond with understanding. He calls her daughter. He accepts her. He offers her peace and heals her.
          This bleeding woman’s story interacts with all of our stories because we, like her, have been in need of healing at some point or another. We have been outcasts or have felt abandoned by our communities or our friends. We have been in need of a merciful touch by God and by the body of Christ incarnate in our sisters and brothers here with us.
          Know that you are beloved and known by God. Healing does not always look exactly like what we are hoping for, but sometimes healing looks like acceptance, belonging, and connection. Sometimes healing looks like not letting fear have a hold in your life. Love looks like a touch from a friend or loved one in a moment of shame, hopelessness, or deep pain to draw us out and remind us that we are loved and called children of God.
          Reach out and touch the robe of Jesus today and ask for the reminder, the grace, and the knowing that comes from Him. Let Christ find you wherever you are and meet you there—at your lowest lows and your highest heights. Ask for wisdom and pray for strength and courage this day.
          Lord Jesus, thank You for facing the same temptations and problems we do and for fully understanding our weaknesses. Thank You for pouring out your life on the cross, for rising again and reigning at the right hand of the Father. Your throne is a place of grace for Your children, where we can receive Your mercy and help when we most need it, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

          Look up – Meditate on Luke 8:43-48. Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.
          Look in – Meditate on Luke 8:43-48. Pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: “Because God is ______________, I will ______________.”
          Look out – Meditate on Luke 8:43-48. Pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.