Grace Found Her a Maniac--and Made Her a Minister!
The sermon tells the story of Mary Magdalene's transformation from a desperate, demon-possessed woman to a devoted follower and minister of Jesus Christ.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the transformative power of grace through the story of Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by seven demons and found deliverance in Jesus. Her hopeless condition was changed to one of joy and purpose as she became a devoted follower and supporter of Christ. Spurgeon highlights her unwavering faithfulness, being present at the crucifixion and the resurrection, showcasing her deep connection to Jesus. The sermon illustrates how grace can turn despair into hope and make a minister out of a maniac. Spurgeon calls for others to seek such miraculous grace in their own lives.
Text
"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene--out of whom He had cast seven devils." Mark 16:9
Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only--but seven. These dreadful inhabitants caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case! She could not help herself, neither could any human support avail. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power--and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the saving power of Jesus.
What a blessed deliverance!
What a happy change!
From delirium--to delight,
from despair--to peace,
from hell--to heaven!
At once, she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became His generous helper, first among that band of saved and grateful women--who ministered unto Him of their substance.
When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame--we find her drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus--but she stood as near to it as she could. She was the faithful and watchful believer--last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept; first at the grave whence He arose!
Thus, grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!
Grace delivered her from Satan--and united her forever to the Lord Jesus!
May I also be such a miracle of grace!
Sermon Outline
- I. Mary Magdalene's Desperate Condition
- A. Possessed by seven devils
- B. Hopeless and helpless
- C. A hopeless, horrible case
- II. Jesus' Deliverance
- A. The word of power
- B. A blessed deliverance
- C. A happy change
- III. Mary's Transformation
- A. From delirium to delight
- B. From despair to peace
- C. From hell to heaven
- IV. Mary's Ministry
- A. A constant follower of Jesus
- B. A generous helper
- C. A sharer of His shame
Key Quotes
“What a blessed deliverance!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“What a happy change!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Thus, grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can see the power of God's grace to transform even the most desperate of situations.
- We should be grateful for the deliverance we have received and seek to serve God with our lives.
- We can learn from Mary Magdalene's example and strive to be faithful followers of Jesus, even in the midst of trials and challenges.