This February, as we celebrate the month of love, we’re diving deep into the heart of Jesus’ ministry by looking at the specific people he loved. While we may have been taught that Jesus loves everyone—and that’s absolutely true—this series will highlight some of the individuals and groups Jesus showed love to in profound and often unexpected ways. This short-blog series supplements this year in worship with Jesus at UMCG, as we explore how Jesus’ personal, transformative, and boundary-breaking love invites us to reach out to others in meaningful ways.
This week’s blog will focus on Mary Magdalene and the Centurion’s servant.
Mary Magdalene: Redeemed and Restored by Love
I think Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant figures in the gospels. When we meet her, we learn that her story begins with pain and brokenness. Luke 8:2 tells us that she was healed by Jesus, freed from seven demons that tormented her. While we don’t know the details of her affliction, this might not be an important detail. For this moment signifies Jesus’ power to transform lives, no matter how dire the circumstances.
We learn that Mary Magdalene’s transformation wasn’t the end of her story—it was the beginning of her role as one of the most devoted followers of Jesus. She supported his ministry, stood by the cross during his crucifixion, and was the first to witness the resurrection (John 20:1-18). Jesus not only healed her, but he also entrusted her with the profound task of proclaiming the good news of his resurrection. This act defied cultural norms, as women were not regarded as credible witnesses in that time, but Jesus’ love for Mary affirmed her value and gave her a voice in his mission.
Jesus showed love to Mary by seeing her as more than her past or affliction, offering her redemption, and empowering her to step into a new identity.
The Centurion’s Servant: A Faith That Surprised Jesus
In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion, a figure of power and authority, approaches Jesus with an unusual request: to heal his servant. This act alone was remarkable. A Roman officer, part of the oppressive force occupying Israel, sought help from a Jewish rabbi—a testament to his humility and respect for Jesus’ power.
What stands out to me is the centurion’s faith. He believed that Jesus didn’t even need to come to his house to heal the servant; his word alone would be enough. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, saying, “Truly I tell you; I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (Matthew 8:10). Jesus healed the servant, showing that his love extends across social, cultural, and national boundaries.
This story reminds us that Jesus saw value in the servant, someone who may have low status in society, and in the centurion, someone outside of the Jewish faith. Jesus’ love crossed boundaries, transforming not only the servant’s life but also affirming the faith of the centurion.
A Call to Action: Loving the Overlooked and the Outsider
Both Mary Magdalene and the centurion’s servant remind us of Jesus’ ability to love deeply and inclusively. Mary’s story shows us the power of redemption and restoration, while the centurion’s story challenges us to recognize faith and dignity in unexpected places.
Today, we are called to love like Jesus by seeing the potential in those with unknown afflictions and extending kindness to those who may be outside our immediate circles. Who in your life might need Jesus’ redemption and restoration? Who serves quietly in the background but could be uplifted by an act of gratitude or kindness?
Take time this week to reflect on these questions:
- How can we offer hope to those who carry pain or shame?
- How can we affirm and value the faith and service of those we might overlook?
Remember, the love Jesus showed to Mary Magdalene and the centurion’s servant is the same love that redeems and restores us. May we embody this love so that Jesus brings healing, hope, and faith to the lives of those around us.
