The Prodigal Daughter: Mary of Magdala – A Study of Grace

The Prodigal Daughter unites the lives of Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, and Mary of Magdala. Following a family tragedy that resulted in the death of her beloved father, Mary spirals into depression. In her attempt to regain her footing, she embarks on a desperate, ill-advised adventure and that ultimately sends her into harlotry. In her desperate state, she turns to Benjamin who helps her escape prostitution. Complete restoration follows when Mary meets Jesus, receives forgiveness from him, and then is reconciled with her family. Jesus’ visit to Bethany result in an important friendship and relationship between the family and the Messiah. The book leads us to see Jesus as Jewish people at the time viewed him, suffer with the sisters as they futilely seek to comfort their brother as he dies of pneumonia, and share their wonder and joy when Jesus resurrects Lazarus. We share with them the agony of watching Jesus die on Golgotha, and the ecstasy of Jesus’ resurrection. We experience Pentacost and then journey with the family as they move to Joppa in response to Jesus’ commission, but then we are caught up in their fear when Mary is kidnapped by the pimps in Joppa try to again turn her back to prostitution. Finally, we share their relief with her rescue and the culmination of her courtship with Benjamin.