The Chosen + BibleProject | Season 1 Reading PlanSýnishorn

No Such Thing as Too Tainted

Does it ever feel like God is disappointed with you because you’re not perfect like him? In a world that loves labeling people “bad” or “dirty” or “broken,” it’s easy to think less of ourselves and even feel threatened by the presence of a holy, perfect God.

Mary’s neighbors labeled her as perpetually “unclean,” rejecting her for being “too tainted.” They even call her “Lilith,” a traditional label to mark a woman as demonic or sinful. What’s worse is that many assumed God would destroy “bad,” “dirty,” or “broken” people in order to cleanse his world. But the prophet Isaiah confronts those common assumptions by predicting that the Messiah would care for—not do away with—those who had lost their way. Rather than condemning and throwing people away, God heals and restores. Isaiah said renewal would begin through a humble person who would love everyone with gentleness. Ignoring the fake label “Lilith,” Jesus calls her “Mary,” and that dose of truth begins to open her eyes.

Mary had been crushed by the world, and when talking about the Messiah, Isaiah said, “A crushed reed he will not break.” Isaiah also said, “A dim wick he will not extinguish.” Mary’s life was slipping into darkness, growing dim, but Jesus did not condemn her. He filled Mary with love and light; he did not break or extinguish her.

Jesus saw Mary as a beloved and infinite miracle of God, not “damaged goods” to throw away. You, too, are a beloved and infinite miracle of God, created within his unending love. He does not crush us or snuff us out. We can trust that Jesus treats us in the same gentle, loving way that he treats Mary of Magdala.

It is God, not the world, who names us. May we embody the same life-giving way of life every day with everyone we meet.

Reflection Questions

1. Isaiah talked about a kind of person who would treat everyone gently (Isa. 42:1-3). When Jesus meets lost and hurting people like Mary in this scene, he never tears them down. Instead, he builds them up. How might Mary have responded if Jesus had blamed her for spiritual evil beyond her control or if he had rejected her for being unclean? Does Jesus’ approach teach us how to engage with others (and even ourselves)? If so, how?
2. 2)In Matthew 18:10-14, Jesus tells a story (parable) about a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, suggesting that every person is infinitely valuable to God. How do you think Mary felt after Jesus’ interaction with her? Who in our world might be experiencing shame and isolation similar to Mary’s? For you, what does it feel like to recognize that you are known by God and infinitely valuable to God?
3. After watching the BibleProject Messiah video and considering the scene where Jesus heals Mary, what would you say are the most important things you’ve learned about Jesus’ character?