Lesson 1: A Wealthy Woman

I often wonder what it would be like to speak directly with some of the great saints of the Bible. I want to ask Peter how it felt to walk on water. For Paul I wonder, what was the thorn in his flesh? Was it a physical ailment, mental struggle, or a spiritual battle? But of all the New Testament servants of Christ, Mary Magdalene is one who seems the most mysterious to me.

Not mysterious as in secretive. Mysterious because I want to know—where did she find the strength to do all she accomplished for Jesus? We are first introduced to Mary in the Luke 8.

Read Luke 8:1-3

We have no other background about Mary Magdalene, except that Jesus performed a great miracle in her life. What else is there to say? Christ dramatically changed her life when He cast the demons from her. Once Mary discovered her Savior, she was totally committed to Him with a servant’s heart. She became one of Jesus’ followers and part of His road crew, so to speak. She worked behind the scenes and provided financial support for His ministry. Gratitude obviously flowed from her soul as she expressed her love for Jesus.

The scriptures say the ladies who traveled with Jesus and his disciples helped support them financially. This indicates Mary was from a wealthy family. She was so in love with Jesus, that she gave to Christ’s ministry without question.

Which do you feel is more important and why?

Your financial support to God’s church, missions, and ministry—or your compassion, love and concern for others?

Read Matthew 23:23-24

In this passage of scripture, Jesus states that tithing is important, but He puts a greater emphasis on how the Pharisees treated others. Jesus points his finger at their hypocrisy. Jesus is also speaking to us in this scripture. We cannot give financially and neglect doing God’s work. Caring for others within the congregation, the community, and the world is what we are commissioned to do.

There are times in our lives when both tithing and compassion can be difficult for Christians. You may be financially strapped and wish you could support the ministry of the church more. Sometimes your mental state is overloaded due to the stress of life. Many also suffer from Christian burnout due to over commitment.

In those seasons of life when you feel you have nothing left to give, how do you recover? (Examples: Pray, a hobby, rest, focus on nature, you fill in the blank.)

Read Psalm 46:10

How does God tell you to recover?

Read Matthew 11:28-30

Where should you find the strength to serve again?

When you are in a season of financial difficulties, you often feel guilty because you are not able to support the church and missions as your heart desires.

Read Luke 21:1-4

What does this scripture tell you about tithing?

God calls you to tithe, but only if your tithe is with a gracious heart. It isn’t about your financial status or your ability to give large amounts of money. When it comes to serving Christ, and that includes tithing, everything you do is about the heart. There is a huge difference between giving financially and giving financially out of love. Financial giving and serving others—are both about the heart.

Yes, Mary Magdalene, was a wealthy woman, but she also possessed a servant’s heart. In the next lesson, we will dig deeper into Mary Magdalene’s servant heart and begin to understand exactly how she was able to serve others endlessly. 

Your Challenge

When you tithe, what is the condition of your heart? Spend time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal the condition of your heart when you give—financially, emotionally, and physically to God’s ministry