DaVinci Decoded (2)

Introduction:

Continue our series on TDVC. The book/movie has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Christianity.

I. TDVC claims: the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of the historical record

II. What is truth? Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?

A.    Marriage was NOT compulsory in Jewish culture.

B.    1 Cor. 7:1 – Paul advocated celibacy for some – especially during trying times.

1.     1 Cor. 7:36-40 – marriage if left up to each person as a choice.

2.     Mt. 19:12 – Jesus even taught that celibacy was a viable option and some were ordained by God for it.

C.    Who was Mary Magdalene? Mary is one of 7 in the bible w/this name.

1.     Lk. 8:2 – she is from the city of Magdela – small city located near Sea of Galilee; Mt. 27:55-56 – was present at the cross w/Jesus’ mother; John & others; Mt. 27:61 – was at the tomb as Jesus was buried; Mt. 28:1 – was a witness of the resurrection; John 20:11-18 – Mary clings to Jesus after He appears to her.

D.    So what about Mary in the Gnostic Gospels?

E.    If this Gnostic gospels are true, why in John 19:26-27 does Jesus just leave special instructions for the care of his mother after His death? What about his wife?

F.     1 Cor. 9:4-6 – best proof against Jesus being married.

1.     9:5 – if Jesus were married – Paul most certainly would have used Jesus as an example here.  Perfect place.

III. TDVC claims Jesus intended Mary to take over the leadership of the church.

A.     TDVC tells us that it is not John sitting next to Jesus in Da Vinci’s Last Supper but Mary Magdalene.

B.     What is the truth?

1.     If this is Mary….where is John?

2.     Why would Mary & Jesus (if married) why would they be seated this way?

3.     Da Vinci often represented the masculine form in a feminine manner.

4.     There is no biblical evidence to point to Mary M being present at last supper.

5.     No biblical evidence pointing to Jesus choosing 1 person to be His successor…not Peter and certainly not Mary. Eph. 2:19-20.

IV. TDVC claims that the Catholic Church has oppressed women to keep a secret about Mary being the true successor of Jesus.

A.     TDVC claims that after death of Jesus, two parties rose against each other.

1.     “Mary” party vs. the “Peter” party. “Peter’s” party suppresses women.

B.     So…do the gospels argue for the suppression of women?

1.     Lk. 1:41 – first person in NT to be filled w/the spirit was a woman

2.     Lk. 8:1-3 – it is women who helped support Jesus & the apostles.

3.     Lk. 10:38-42 – Mary/Martha

4.     Lk. 24:1-10 – women are the first to see the resurrected Jesus.

5.      Acts 16:11-15 – first convert in Europe is a woman – Lydia.

6.     Acts 18:24-28 – Priscilla, a woman, helps to correct a powerful, influential gospel preacher – Apollos.

C.    Other evidence is seen in Mt. 1; Mk. 12: and John 4.

D.    See also Gal. 3:27-29; 4:21-31; 1 Pet. 3:5-7.

E.     Rather than suppress women, the NT affords them great honor.

Conclusion:

A.     2 Thess. 2:11-12 – Many may fall prey to the deception of TDVC.

B.     2:14-17 – Let us hold fast the traditions of the apostles.