DaVinci Decoded (2)

DaVinci Decoded (2)

2006027

Topic # 2634 (women)

Introduction:

A. Continue our series on TDVC.

B. The book/movie has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Christianity.

1. This morning we talked about and answered the claims the book makes concerning the deity of Christ.

2. Tonight: we wish to talk about whether or not Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and if the NT suppresses women.

I. TDVD claims:

A. p. 265: the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of the historical record….Jesus as a married man makes infinitely more sense than our standard biblical view of Jesus as a bachelor.

1. The social decorum during that time virtually forbids a Jewish man to be unmarried. According to Jewish custom, celibacy was condemned, and the obligation for a Jewish father was to find a suitable wife for his son. If Jesus were not married, at least one of the Bible’s gospels would have mentioned it and offered some explanation for His unnatural state of bachelorhood.

II. What is truth? Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?

A. Yes…marriage was the norm in Jewish culture. Strong social pressure to marry. BUT…celibacy not unheard of. Marriage was NOT compulsory.

1. Daniel, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist were single.

B. 1 Cor. 7:1 – Paul advocated celibacy for some – especially during trying times.

1. 1 Cor. 7:36-40 – marriage is left up to each person as a choice.

2. Mt. 19:12 – Jesus even taught that celibacy was a viable option and some were ordained by God for it.

C. Who was Mary Magdalene?

1. Mary is one of 7 in the bible w/this name.

2. Lk. 8:2 – she is from the city of Magdela – small city located near Sea of Galilee.

a) Lk. 8:1-3 – had a demon cast out of her by Jesus.

b) Note this passage carefully…she is introduced as a NEW bible character. No proof she is the “sinful” woman in 7:37-39.

3. Mt. 27:55-56 – was present at the cross w/Jesus’ mother; John & others.

4. Mt. 27:61 – was at the tomb as Jesus was buried.

5. Mt. 28:1 – was a witness of the resurrection.

6. John 20:11-18 – Mary clings to Jesus after He appears to her.

a) This is the only account of Jesus & Mary being alone together.

b) Absolutely nothing sexual about this encounter.

c) In fact, Jesus treated her no differently than any other woman, except His own mother.

d) What we have just read – is the entire inventory concerning Mary Magdalene in the biblical record.

D. So what about Mary in the Gnostic Gospels?

1. Gospel of Philip (3^rd century writing) – famous passage involving Jesus kissing Mary.

a) Before you think it is Philip the apostle from the 1^st century – it is not. Not from Philip the evangelist either. Appears 200 years after their death.

b) Book describes Mary M as a “companion” of Jesus. Famous passage:

c) PPT – blanks indicate broken spots in the manuscript because of damage. So scholars have inserted this…

d) PPT - rampant speculation!

1) Where else could the one doing the kissing have kissed Mary? Cheek? Forehead?

2. John 19:26-27 – Jesus leaves special instructions for the care of his mother after His death.

a) Mary M was there. If she was His wife, would He not have an obligation to leave instructions for the care of His wife after her death?

3. Nowhere is Mary associated w/a husband or any man. Instead she is associated w/the city of Magdela.

E. 1 Cor. 9:4-6 – best proof against Jesus being married. Paul is defending his liberty as an apostle, and the right for servants of the Lord to live off of the gospel…

1. 9:5 – if Jesus were married – Paul most certainly would have used Jesus as an example here. Perfect place.

2. Clear that the early church was not afraid so demonstrate that its early leaders were married.

III. TDVC claims Jesus intended Mary to take over the leadership of the church.

A. PPT – Da Vinci’s Last Supper

1. Zoom in

B. TDVC tells us that it is not John sitting next to Jesus in Da Vinci’s Last Supper but Mary Magdalene.

1. When you look at the painting – Jesus & Mary have a space between them that forms the shape of a “V”. “V” shape represents the sacred feminine.

2. p. 268 – Jesus suspects He will soon be captured and crucified. So He gives Mary Magdalene instructions on how to carry on His church after He is gone. As a result, Peter expresses his discontent over playing second fiddle to a woman. I daresay Peter was something of a sexist.

3. It was not Peter to whom Christ gave directions with which to establish the Christian Church – it was Mary Magdalene.

4. Jesus was the original feminist. He intended for the future of His church to be in the hands of Mary Magdalene, and Peter had a problem with that.

5. Peter’s hand in the painting is allegedly making a cutting motion across Mary’s throat.

a) some have claimed the knife here is more than a dagger

C. What is the truth?

1. If this is Mary….where is John?

2. Why would Mary & Jesus (if married) why would they be seated this way?

3. Da Vinci often represented the masculine form in a feminine manner. And it is thought that since John was probably the youngest of the disciples, that it would be natural for Da Vinci to represent him this way.

4. PPT – other paintings by Da Vinci – showing feminine presentation of masculine.

5. There is no biblical evidence to point to Mary M being present at last supper.

6. No biblical evidence pointing to Jesus choosing one person to be His successor…not Peter and certainly not Mary.

a) Eph. 2:19-20.

IV. TDVC claims that the Catholic Church has oppressed women to keep a secret about Mary being the true successor of Jesus.

A. TDVC claims that after death of Jesus, two parties rose against each other.

1. One was the “Mary” party – who viewed Jesus as a “Great teacher” but not divine. They worshipped a female goddess as well as a male god.

2. The other was the “Peter” party – who viewed Jesus as divine, and suppressed not only the worship of a female goddess, but also women in general.

3. With the help of Constantine, the “Peter” party won out. The teachers/writings of the “Mary” party were suppressed.

B. So…do the gospels argue for the suppression of women?

C. Luke’s gospel does a great job showing that they do not. Luke writes things no one would write if a key interest were to suppress women.

1. Lk. 1:41 – first person in NT to be filled w/the spirit was a woman – Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist)

2. Lk. 8:1-3 – it is women who helped support Jesus & the apostles.

3. Lk. 10:38-42 – Jesus praises Mary for sitting at his feet – learning spiritual truth, while chiding Martha for doing “woman’s work.”

4. Lk. 24:1-10 – women are the first to see the resurrected Jesus.

D. Acts account – written by Luke…gives us details of the early church…

1. Acts 16:11-15 – first convert in Europe is a woman – Lydia.

2. Acts 18:24-28 – Priscilla, a woman, helps to correct a powerful, influential gospel preacher – Apollos.

E. Other evidence:

1. Matthew 1 – lists 3 women (besides Mary) in the genealogy of Jesus. (Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.

2. Mark 12:41-44 – Jesus praised a poor woman for her sacrifice

3. John 4 – the story of the conversion of the Samaritan woman at the well.

F. Gospel teaching on this matter:

1. Gal. 3:27-29 – all the three classes of people are among the heirs of Christ.

2. Gal. 4:21-31; 1 Pet. 3:5-7 – Christians are true descendants of Abraham, and children of Sarah.

G. Rather than suppress women, the NT affords them great honor.

1. They can be children of God w/o meeting any requirements that men aren’t required to meet.

2. They will be rewarded on the basis of their faith in Jesus – just as men will be.

Conclusion:

A. 2 Thess. 2:11-12 – Many may fall prey to this deception. It is just another lie of the devil.

B. 2:14-15 – Let us hold fast the traditions of the apostles.

C. Do you need to obey the gospel? Do so tonight!

D. I N V I T A T I O N



DaVinci Decoded (2) 2006027 Topic # 2634 (women) Introduction: A. Continue our series on TDVC. B. The book/movie has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Christianity. 1. This morning we talked about and answered the claims the book makes concerning the deity of Christ. 2. Tonight: we wish to talk about whether or not Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and if the NT suppresses women. I. TDVD claims: A. p. 265: the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of the historical record….Jesus as a married man makes infinitely more sense than our standard biblical view of Jesus as a bachelor. 1. The social decorum during that time virtually forbids a Jewish man to be unmarried. According to Jewish custom, celibacy was condemned, and the obligation for a Jewish father was to find a suitable wife for his son. If Jesus were not married, at least one of the Bible’s gospels would have mentioned it and offered some explanation for His unnatural state of bachelorhood. II. What is truth? Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene? A. Yes…marriage was the norm in Jewish culture. Strong social pressure to marry. BUT…celibacy not unheard of. Marriage was NOT compulsory. 1. Daniel, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist were single. B. 1 Cor. 7:1 – Paul advocated celibacy for some – especially during trying times. 1. 1 Cor. 7:36-40 – marriage is left up to each person as a choice. 2. Mt. 19:12 – Jesus even taught that celibacy was a viable option and some were ordained by God for it. C. Who was Mary Magdalene? 1. Mary is one of 7 in the bible w/this name. 2. Lk. 8:2 – she is from the city of Magdela – small city located near Sea of Galilee. a) Lk. 8:1-3 – had a demon cast out of her by Jesus. b) Note this passage carefully…she is introduced as a NEW bible character. No proof she is the “sinful” woman in 7:37-39. 3. Mt. 27:55-56 – was present at the cross w/Jesus’ mother; John & others. 4. Mt. 27:61 – was at the tomb as Jesus was buried. 5. Mt. 28:1 – was a witness of the resurrection. 6. John 20:11-18 – Mary clings to Jesus after He appears to her. a) This is the only account of Jesus & Mary being alone together. b) Absolutely nothing sexual about this encounter. c) In fact, Jesus treated her no differently than any other woman, except His own mother. d) What we have just read – is the entire inventory concerning Mary Magdalene in the biblical record. D. So what about Mary in the Gnostic Gospels? 1. Gospel of Philip (3^rd century writing) – famous passage involving Jesus kissing Mary. a) Before you think it is Philip the apostle from the 1^st century – it is not. Not from Philip the evangelist either. Appears 200 years after their death. b) Book describes Mary M as a “companion” of Jesus. Famous passage: c) PPT – blanks indicate broken spots in the manuscript because of damage. So scholars have inserted this… d) PPT - rampant speculation! 1) Where else could the one doing the kissing have kissed Mary? Cheek? Forehead? 2. John 19:26-27 – Jesus leaves special instructions for the care of his mother after His death. a) Mary M was there. If she was His wife, would He not have an obligation to leave instructions for the care of His wife after her death? 3. Nowhere is Mary associated w/a husband or any man. Instead she is associated w/the city of Magdela. E. 1 Cor. 9:4-6 – best proof against Jesus being married. Paul is defending his liberty as an apostle, and the right for servants of the Lord to live off of the gospel… 1. 9:5 – if Jesus were married – Paul most certainly would have used Jesus as an example here. Perfect place. 2. Clear that the early church was not afraid so demonstrate that its early leaders were married. III. TDVC claims Jesus intended Mary to take over the leadership of the church. A. PPT – Da Vinci’s Last Supper 1. Zoom in B. TDVC tells us that it is not John sitting next to Jesus in Da Vinci’s Last Supper but Mary Magdalene. 1. When you look at the painting – Jesus & Mary have a space between them that forms the shape of a “V”. “V” shape represents the sacred feminine. 2. p. 268 – Jesus suspects He will soon be captured and crucified. So He gives Mary Magdalene instructions on how to carry on His church after He is gone. As a result, Peter expresses his discontent over playing second fiddle to a woman. I daresay Peter was something of a sexist. 3. It was not Peter to whom Christ gave directions with which to establish the Christian Church – it was Mary Magdalene. 4. Jesus was the original feminist. He intended for the future of His church to be in the hands of Mary Magdalene, and Peter had a problem with that. 5. Peter’s hand in the painting is allegedly making a cutting motion across Mary’s throat. a) some have claimed the knife here is more than a dagger C. What is the truth? 1. If this is Mary….where is John? 2. Why would Mary & Jesus (if married) why would they be seated this way? 3. Da Vinci often represented the masculine form in a feminine manner. And it is thought that since John was probably the youngest of the disciples, that it would be natural for Da Vinci to represent him this way. 4. PPT – other paintings by Da Vinci – showing feminine presentation of masculine. 5. There is no biblical evidence to point to Mary M being present at last supper. 6. No biblical evidence pointing to Jesus choosing one person to be His successor…not Peter and certainly not Mary. a) Eph. 2:19-20. IV. TDVC claims that the Catholic Church has oppressed women to keep a secret about Mary being the true successor of Jesus. A. TDVC claims that after death of Jesus, two parties rose against each other. 1. One was the “Mary” party – who viewed Jesus as a “Great teacher” but not divine. They worshipped a female goddess as well as a male god. 2. The other was the “Peter” party – who viewed Jesus as divine, and suppressed not only the worship of a female goddess, but also women in general. 3. With the help of Constantine, the “Peter” party won out. The teachers/writings of the “Mary” party were suppressed. B. So…do the gospels argue for the suppression of women? C. Luke’s gospel does a great job showing that they do not. Luke writes things no one would write if a key interest were to suppress women. 1. Lk. 1:41 – first person in NT to be filled w/the spirit was a woman – Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist) 2. Lk. 8:1-3 – it is women who helped support Jesus & the apostles. 3. Lk. 10:38-42 – Jesus praises Mary for sitting at his feet – learning spiritual truth, while chiding Martha for doing “woman’s work.” 4. Lk. 24:1-10 – women are the first to see the resurrected Jesus. D. Acts account – written by Luke…gives us details of the early church… 1. Acts 16:11-15 – first convert in Europe is a woman – Lydia. 2. Acts 18:24-28 – Priscilla, a woman, helps to correct a powerful, influential gospel preacher – Apollos. E. Other evidence: 1. Matthew 1 – lists 3 women (besides Mary) in the genealogy of Jesus. (Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. 2. Mark 12:41-44 – Jesus praised a poor woman for her sacrifice 3. John 4 – the story of the conversion of the Samaritan woman at the well. F. Gospel teaching on this matter: 1. Gal. 3:27-29 – all the three classes of people are among the heirs of Christ. 2. Gal. 4:21-31; 1 Pet. 3:5-7 – Christians are true descendants of Abraham, and children of Sarah. G. Rather than suppress women, the NT affords them great honor. 1. They can be children of God w/o meeting any requirements that men aren’t required to meet. 2. They will be rewarded on the basis of their faith in Jesus – just as men will be. Conclusion: A. 2 Thess. 2:11-12 – Many may fall prey to this deception. It is just another lie of the devil. B. 2:14-15 – Let us hold fast the traditions of the apostles. C. Do you need to obey the gospel? Do so tonight! D. I N V I T A T I O N