The Vine and the FigTree: Magdala

Luke 8:1-3

"Afterward [Jesus] journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources."

Mary Magdalene; a woman whose life was completely transformed when she met Jesus. She followed Him during His ministry, she stood by during His crucifixion and she witnessed His resurrection! Such a testimony of how the Lord can turn us from our sinful ways and redeem the wasted years. Beauty for ashes. I am sure that most of us share this remarkable testimony. During our time in the Galilee, we stopped at the City of Magdala. It is where visitors can see the ruins of the 2,000 year old city where Jesus delivered Mary from the demons. Hidden beneath the soil completely unknown for centuries, it was not until a man named Father John Solana purchased the land to build a pilgrim centre that it was discovered. It is truly magnificent to see. So many artefacts were discovered, mosaics, coins and pottery; (lamps, lanterns, bowls and tiny glass vessels). There is Synagogue which Jesus would have visited and a room for study known as the Beit Midrash. Yet the most remarkable discovery was a unique stone which was a table with the oldest menorah carved in stone ever to be found in Israel. It depicted the scene of the temple and would have been used in the synagogue.

I was completely enthralled. I imagine that Magdala has this impression on all the women who visit here. Maybe in some way, we feel connected to Mary and her story of redemption and hope. I have such a fascination with archaeological sites and digs anyway, but this city was unique. I could have stayed there all day, taking pictures and imagining what this city would have been like back then. Jesus walked these streets. Jesus saw hope in this woman and knew that she wanted more with her life. She knew she was a sinner and in need of His power. How many others from there were also transformed that we do not know about?

While we were in the Galilee, someone we know who lives there, gave me a book to read; 'Magdala: God Really loves Women" by Father John Solana who was used to discover the ruins. I intend to read it because it looks interesting with a detailed account of this discovery. Imagine how they must have felt when they began to dig in order to build a centre for pilgrim's and instead, they found a city already built? Unfortunately, they do not need any help at this time with the excavations so we are looking into a few other possibilities. It has always been my desire to dig at an archeological site with the hopes of discovering something interesting!