Hello, my sisters in Christ! I’m so excited to embark with you on a truly vital journey: our new 7-part series, ‘The Handmaiden of the LORD.’
This series is designed specifically for Christian women like you, who are longing for a deeper, more meaningful spiritual walk with God, especially as we navigate these challenging end times. We know that our Christian life will be tested as never before, and this series aims to equip and inspire you to stand firm.
In each episode, we’ll delve into the powerful stories of women in the Bible whose lives exemplify the characteristics of a true ‘handmaiden of the LORD.’ You’ll discover what it takes to embody these qualities in today’s world, encouraging you to commit to a worldview that truly aligns with God’s heart.
To help us explore these profound truths, I’ll be joined by my insightful digital assistant, Abby, in an engaging interview style. Her thoughtful questions will help us uncover even deeper understanding.
After each podcast, you’ll find the full interview transcript available here on my blog, along with a special journal prompt. These prompts are designed to encourage you to take time to meditate on the story of each handmaiden, allowing God’s truth to sink deep into your heart and transform your walk.
Join us as we uncover the timeless wisdom of these biblical women and embrace our calling as handmaidens of the LORD.
THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR DIAGNOSIS, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
TRANSCRIPT
From The Winepress Podcast
The Handmaiden of the LORD – Episode 1: Mary Magdalene
Dr. Buck: Hello, and welcome back to The Winepress podcast. I’m Dr. Mary Buck, your Christian life coach. We are embarking on a new journey in our series, ‘The Handmaiden of the LORD,’ designed specifically for Christian women who long for a deeper, more meaningful spiritual walk with God, especially as we navigate these end times. Today, we begin by exploring a powerful story of transformation. To help us delve into it, I’m joined by Abby, my digital assistant, who has some very interesting questions.”
Abby: Thank you, Dr. Buck. Our focus today is on Mary Magdalene, as presented in John chapter 20:1-18. Dr. Buck, Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ is profoundly captured in John 20:16. As a Christian life coach, what significance do you find in her singular, powerful cry, ‘Rabboni!’?
Dr. Buck: That’s such a crucial starting point, Abby. You see, Mary Magdalene’s cry of ‘Rabboni!’ which means Teacher, was far more than just a title. It was an exclamation of deep recognition, profound respect, and overwhelming emotion. This single word reveals her understanding of who Jesus was to her: the one who had healed her, transformed her life, and continually guided her. He was not just a miracle worker, for Msry Magdalene, but the ultimate Instructor, the source of divine wisdom and truth, who led her out of darkness into light. This immediate recognition, in such a pivotal moment, signifies that she truly knew Him as the one who imparted truth.
Abby: That depth of recognition, of knowing Jesus as the ultimate Teacher, is truly insightful. Dr. Buck, what impact did this understanding of Jesus as her ‘Rabboni’ have on Mary Magdalene in response to the radical command He gave next, which was ‘Go instead,’ as we see in John 20:17?
Dr. Buck: Her deep, personal knowledge of Jesus as her ‘Teacher’ is precisely what enabled her to respond in what some pastors call ‘radical faith.’ You see, her natural desire was to cling to His physical presence, especially after His resurrection. But because she knew Him as the one who led her into all truth, she could trust His redirection, even when it meant letting go of that natural desire. Her understanding of Him as ‘Teacher’ gave her the courage and inner strength to step into an unfamiliar role and proclaim the message that would change the world, as she did in John 20:18.
Abby: Based on what you described, it sounds like radical faith is a powerful handmaiden characteristic. Which brings us to the next question: For Christian women today seeking a closer walk with God, what lessons can be drawn from Mary Magdalene’s example of recognizing Jesus as her ‘Rabboni’?
Dr. Buck: The lessons we learn, Abby, is that Mary Magdalene’s response reminds us that a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus as our Teacher empowers us to follow His commands, even when they challenge our comfort zones, because we trust that He is leading us into His perfect will and deeper truth. It’s about letting go of our own understanding and embracing His divine instruction for our lives, especially in these end times. This is the heart of a handmaiden – to recognize and act on radical faith in Jesus and His direction.
Dr. Buck: My dear sisters in Christ, let’s take a moment to pray together now.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible example of Mary Magdalene. We pray for hearts as, eager to recognize Jesus as our ‘Rabboni,’ our ultimate Teacher of all things related to the God-kind of life and living. We ask for Your forgiveness for those times when we, as Christian women have turned away from your teachings, help us now, Your handmaidens, to desire that same deep thirst for your ways which are much higher than our own and empower us to show your ways of kindness and mercy. fill us with Your truly transformative riches: Your boundless love, Your healing peace, Your profound joy, and the eternal purpose found only in You. Empower us, Your handmaidens, to share this love and run boldly instead to proclaim Your goodness to all around us. Amen.
It is an incredible life that God has called us to through His son, Jesus, – a life so rich that the Bible tells us it is greater than jewels and diamonds, a life filled with love, joy, and true understanding of who we are in Him–His handmaidens.
My friend, If you are listening today and have never invited Jesus Christ into your heart, I want to invite you to do so right now. To simply open your heart, ask Him to come in, to forgive your sins, and to be your Lord and Savior. It is the most transformative decision you will ever make, and I promise you, you will not regret it. Just a simple prayer of invitation from your heart is all it takes.
Join us again next time on The Winepress podcast as we continue to explore the characteristics of The Handmaiden of the LORD. Until then, may God richly bless you.
Journal Prompt
My dear sister,
Thank you for joining us on this vital journey to discover the heart of a handmaiden. This episode with Mary Magdalene invites us to move from simply knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him as our “Rabboni”—our ultimate Teacher. Her story is a powerful reminder that our faith is rooted in this deep, personal knowledge of Him.
As you take time to meditate on Mary Magdalene’s example, use one or more of the following questions to guide your journaling and prayer time:
- Reflecting on “Rabboni”: Mary Magdalene’s cry of “Rabboni!” was a profound declaration of who Jesus was to her. Take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with Jesus. While you may know Him as your Savior and friend, do you truly know Him as your Teacher? What does it look like in your daily life to see Him as the ultimate Instructor, the source of divine wisdom and truth?
- Letting Go and Going Instead: We learned that Mary’s deep trust in Jesus as her Teacher gave her the courage to obey His command to “Go instead,” letting go of her natural desire to cling to His physical presence. When has God asked you to let go of your own understanding, desires, or comfort zones and “go instead” to a place of His choosing? Journal about that moment—what was your initial response, and how did trusting in His instruction ultimately lead you to a deeper place with Him?
- Living in Radical Faith Today: Consider one specific area in your life right now where you are clinging to your own understanding or way of doing things. Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you as your “Rabboni” in this situation. Write down what it would look like to fully surrender to His instruction, and what act of radical faith and obedience He is calling you to take this week.
May this time of meditation and journaling empower you to follow Mary Magdalene’s example and live with the courage and obedience of a true handmaiden of the LORD.
Living Life's Way 