Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter
Mary Magdalene explained
Mary Magdalene recounts her first encounters with Jesus, describing how she was initially struck by his unique presence and later drawn to him.
What happens
Mary Magdalene recounts her first encounters with Jesus, describing how she was initially struck by his unique presence and later drawn to him. She confesses her past as a woman possessed by seven devils and explains how Jesus's profound love for her inner self, rather than her fading beauty, transformed her, making her feel truly seen and whole.
Themes in this chapter
Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
Mary is struck by Jesus's physical beauty and unique manner of walking, while his words and gaze reveal a profound, divine understanding of her soul.
Love and Forgiveness
Jesus's love is contrasted with that of other men; he loves Mary for her inner self, not for her fading beauty, offering a transformative and redemptive love.
Social Justice and the Marginalized
Mary's past as a woman possessed by seven devils and called a harlot highlights her marginalized status, which Jesus sees beyond, offering her dignity and a new identity.
Characters to notice
- Mary Magdalene
The narrator, reflecting on her transformation from a woman possessed by seven devils to a woman who found herself through Jesus's love.
- Jesus
The object of Mary's initial hatred and later devotion, whose unique walk and profound words reveal his divine nature and love for her unseen self.
Key passages
“I was a woman who had divorced her soul. I was living apart from this self which you now see. I belonged to all men, and to none.”
I was completely disconnected from my own true self, living a life that wasn't mine. I was with everyone but truly belonged to no one.
Mary describes her state of spiritual alienation and lack of identity before her encounter with Jesus.
“I alone love the unseen in you.”
I am the only one who loves the part of you that no one else can see.
Jesus articulates his unique love for Mary's inner being, as opposed to the superficial love she receives from others.