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At Jesus' Feet: The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene
Someone to love me. That's all she wanted--all anyone really wants. We are addicts, "sinaholics," says the author, trying to fill with various addictions a gaping void in our hearts designed for God. Take Mary Magdalene,. She was a prosperous prostitute, but her life was one sad sordid story--until she met Someone who loved her with a pure, unconditional love. Ever afterward the shame of her past was eclipsed by her absolute devotion to the One who set her free. Doug Batchelor unveils the beauty of the gospel with original insights through the eyes of Jesus' most dedicated disciple. This imaginative yet biblical retelling of Mary's experience clarifies several significant biblical teachings with a kaleidoscope of vivid illustrations. Discover a fresh picture of the gentle, loving Savior who without condemning or condoning our past offers us a new future as we, like Mary, linger at Jesus' feet.
152 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 7, 2017
Well, let's start with the premise. Doug Batchelor's At Jesus' Feet is a hybrid narrative/devotional/study about the biblical character Mary Magdelene. The overarching theme is that one so humble as Mary - a prostitute who learns to love Jesus - can be exalted to a major role in the salvation story. There are major problems with this premise, however. For instance, the Bible never says Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. There is a passage in John 8 that tells the famous story of Jesus forgiving an unnamed woman caught in the act of adultery. It should be obvious that adultery and prostitution are not the same thing. Mary Magdelene is named elsewhere in John, but not in that passage. It happens to be a great story (one of Jesus' finest moments, in my opinion), but wasn't even part of the original text. The earliest and best manuscripts of John do not include John 7:53-8:11, and the story is not told in any of the other gospels, so it is considered a later interpolation (and noted as such in many Bibles). Funny enough, it was Pope Gregory (540-604) who popularized/legitimized this idea of Mary-Magdalene-as-prostitute (funny because Batchelor is part of an organization that considers the Vatican to be the Beast/Antichrist of prophecy, so he shouldn't be repeating a pope's scriptural errors).
Batchelor continues to flesh out Mary Magdalene's scant role by conflating her with Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Again, this is never supported in the Bible itself. In fact, that Mary is from Bethany, not Magdala. Batchelor concocts a story surrounding Mary's prostitution work in Magdala, and fills his narrative with little derisive sneers from Martha and others about Mary's seedy past.
A more understandable conflation is that of Mary of Bethany with the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. Batchelor's narrative seeks to smooth out the wrinkles of scriptural disagreement by telling a story in which all of the conflicting accounts are simultaneously true. All three synoptic gospels just say "a woman" anointed Jesus (though they all mention Mary by name elsewhere). Luke calls her a woman with a sinful past, but John identifies her as Mary of Bethany. Matthew and Mark say the oil was poured on his head, whereas Luke and John have it poured on his feet (and wiped with the woman's hair). Matthew and Mark say this all took place at the home of Simon the Leper, and Luke paints Simon the Pharisee as the host. Doug Batchelor coalesces these details with his previous assumptions into a unified story: Mary Magdalene, a former sinner, wipes the oil on Jesus' feet with her hair and then dumps the rest on his head, all at the house of Simon the Pharisee, who happens to have been healed of leprosy. Tada!
In another example of reconciling conflict, Batchelor occasionally substitutes the word "tree" for cross, because both Acts and 1 Peter oddly say Jesus was nailed to a tree. The differing accounts of the "King of the Jews" sign above Jesus' head? No problem. Batchelor says they were all just reporting different languages from the multilingual sign. Three different "final phrases" accounted for in the gospels? Just have Jesus say all three in quick succession.
I've got to say, Batchelor's argument about what happens after we die was pretty interesting and somewhat convincing. His premise there is that when we die our spirits just sit, unconscious and waiting, until the day of judgment. He argues against common interpretations of phrases like, "today you will be with me in paradise" (misplaced comma) or "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (perceptually but not literally true). Of course, he's assuming again that all the biblical authors agreed with each other perfectly. I somehow doubt that. I'd be interested to see how he explains Samuel's spirit appearing in the Witch of Endor story.
Batchelor really had his work cut out for him when it came to the resurrection. The gospels are notoriously divergent in their descriptions of who showed up at the tomb, what they saw, and when it happened. He bends over backwards to make these consistent, with Mary lingering around from group-to-group and moment-to-moment to awkwardly have the same revelations multiple times in order to reconcile the text.
In summary, Mary Magdalene's minor role in the Bible is greatly exaggerated and conflated in this book. The Bible only briefly mentions that she had seven demons cast out of her, and then she later shows up at the crucifixion and resurrection. That's IT. Batchelor composites some of the Bible's many Marys and multiple unnamed women into a single, major character. In the process, he commits what might be called pious fraud (all while saying he was praying to God to grant him visions of what really happened).
Batchelor continues to flesh out Mary Magdalene's scant role by conflating her with Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Again, this is never supported in the Bible itself. In fact, that Mary is from Bethany, not Magdala. Batchelor concocts a story surrounding Mary's prostitution work in Magdala, and fills his narrative with little derisive sneers from Martha and others about Mary's seedy past.
A more understandable conflation is that of Mary of Bethany with the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. Batchelor's narrative seeks to smooth out the wrinkles of scriptural disagreement by telling a story in which all of the conflicting accounts are simultaneously true. All three synoptic gospels just say "a woman" anointed Jesus (though they all mention Mary by name elsewhere). Luke calls her a woman with a sinful past, but John identifies her as Mary of Bethany. Matthew and Mark say the oil was poured on his head, whereas Luke and John have it poured on his feet (and wiped with the woman's hair). Matthew and Mark say this all took place at the home of Simon the Leper, and Luke paints Simon the Pharisee as the host. Doug Batchelor coalesces these details with his previous assumptions into a unified story: Mary Magdalene, a former sinner, wipes the oil on Jesus' feet with her hair and then dumps the rest on his head, all at the house of Simon the Pharisee, who happens to have been healed of leprosy. Tada!
In another example of reconciling conflict, Batchelor occasionally substitutes the word "tree" for cross, because both Acts and 1 Peter oddly say Jesus was nailed to a tree. The differing accounts of the "King of the Jews" sign above Jesus' head? No problem. Batchelor says they were all just reporting different languages from the multilingual sign. Three different "final phrases" accounted for in the gospels? Just have Jesus say all three in quick succession.
I've got to say, Batchelor's argument about what happens after we die was pretty interesting and somewhat convincing. His premise there is that when we die our spirits just sit, unconscious and waiting, until the day of judgment. He argues against common interpretations of phrases like, "today you will be with me in paradise" (misplaced comma) or "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (perceptually but not literally true). Of course, he's assuming again that all the biblical authors agreed with each other perfectly. I somehow doubt that. I'd be interested to see how he explains Samuel's spirit appearing in the Witch of Endor story.
Batchelor really had his work cut out for him when it came to the resurrection. The gospels are notoriously divergent in their descriptions of who showed up at the tomb, what they saw, and when it happened. He bends over backwards to make these consistent, with Mary lingering around from group-to-group and moment-to-moment to awkwardly have the same revelations multiple times in order to reconcile the text.
In summary, Mary Magdalene's minor role in the Bible is greatly exaggerated and conflated in this book. The Bible only briefly mentions that she had seven demons cast out of her, and then she later shows up at the crucifixion and resurrection. That's IT. Batchelor composites some of the Bible's many Marys and multiple unnamed women into a single, major character. In the process, he commits what might be called pious fraud (all while saying he was praying to God to grant him visions of what really happened).
July 25, 2017
An interesting perspective from Doug, too much imagination in building the storyline. I didn't like the exaggerated portion, I tend to believe these were too much imagination in how things transpired, however, I love the fact that Doug gives a disclaimer at the beginning.
However, I loved the study portions, where we get to reinforce our understanding of the scenes and opportunities that Mary had at Jesus' feet, we get to learn on some of the lessons she had, I love the fact that Doug expands on these events to bring out a deeper meaning.
However, I loved the study portions, where we get to reinforce our understanding of the scenes and opportunities that Mary had at Jesus' feet, we get to learn on some of the lessons she had, I love the fact that Doug expands on these events to bring out a deeper meaning.
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November 25, 2013This is one of those books I intensely underrated.... Up until I read it.
Some simple truths in this book have very deep theological roots....my mouth was always agape in dis-belief of how much i did not know in the gospels....
It's a tiny book but i read it slow....never wanting ot to ever end. Knowhatamsaying?
Some simple truths in this book have very deep theological roots....my mouth was always agape in dis-belief of how much i did not know in the gospels....
It's a tiny book but i read it slow....never wanting ot to ever end. Knowhatamsaying?
October 16, 2013
Inspirational!
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February 20, 2014awesome book.huge lessons!
February 10, 2022
In 2009 I wrote- "Really neat insights into the life of Mary Magdalene. Venturing into sanctified imagination and great Bible Study, seemingly scary combination. Yet Pastor Doug manages to blend both for edification. Mary is someone to admire and remember."
Knowing what we know now about the freak of nature that is Doug Bachelor- saying women shouldn't be ordained because the root word of Seminary is semen. He probably thinks Mary is a reformed whore, not possibly the exploited woman of a group of 12 blue collar junkies.
Knowing what we know now about the freak of nature that is Doug Bachelor- saying women shouldn't be ordained because the root word of Seminary is semen. He probably thinks Mary is a reformed whore, not possibly the exploited woman of a group of 12 blue collar junkies.
September 22, 2019
If you question your value in God's eyes, this book is an excellent gateway to the answer. I read this at a spiritually critical time in my life and Mary's story as told by D. Batchelor along with his commentary reminded me of my worth to an all loving g Savior.
January 22, 2023
This books was awesome. Tons of scripture to refer to. There was 7 chapters and 7 lessons. Took me 2 days to read it ( I have kids lol). Very nice read. I found a few reflections in there too, I'll probably read it again to highlight.
October 7, 2021
Best book I've read so far. Repeatedly
February 3, 2023
I have read this book several times. I've also used it in a bible study. Awesome and very educational
November 3, 2012
Luke 19:10-For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." The gospel here is told as if by Mary Magdalene, a prostitute, who was nearly stoned by religious leaders, but saved by the grace of God. Mary's appreciation of the Lord's healing her of the demons is demonstrated in her love, gratitude, and humble service to him in the resurrection account.
Jesus wants a relationship with us. Doug Batchelor tells many stories in this plainly written book that pack a punch. The book revolves around Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Jesus, but one story that inspired me was the illustration of a man walking up to me in an airport and handing me a check for $1 million. I would have suspicion, cynicism,and trepidation about accepting it, because I didn't know the man. But if a millionaire friend of mine gave me a million-dollar check, I would be thrilled and delighted, even jubilant, because I know and trust the grantor. We can know God through His Word(Romans 10:17), and as 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.
This book is a great reminder of God's transformation and saving grace to all.
Jesus wants a relationship with us. Doug Batchelor tells many stories in this plainly written book that pack a punch. The book revolves around Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Jesus, but one story that inspired me was the illustration of a man walking up to me in an airport and handing me a check for $1 million. I would have suspicion, cynicism,and trepidation about accepting it, because I didn't know the man. But if a millionaire friend of mine gave me a million-dollar check, I would be thrilled and delighted, even jubilant, because I know and trust the grantor. We can know God through His Word(Romans 10:17), and as 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.
This book is a great reminder of God's transformation and saving grace to all.
September 7, 2020
This book is soaking in devotion. A must read for any devotee, a student of Vedanta philosophy, bhakti yoga, anybody who wishes to explore the other dimension of pure love for the Highest.
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June 10, 2012Give of yourself to the Master. Build a strong relationship with him. We experience hurt and pain in this life, but once we seek the saviour and have an experience with him, we begin to embrace what I like to call Christian Sobriety - clarity in words and deeds, seeking to please him in everything that we do.
Confession is good for the soul, for the word says "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to FORGIVE US of ALL OUR SINS and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness" 1 Jn 1:9. You can do the world of wrong, but dont think for a moment that it is too much for God to forgive. That is a trick of the DEVIL. If we do not repent, we cannot be forgiven and sin will stain us forever. Just one little phrase, Jesus I am sorry for sinning against you.
Open your heart to receive the forgiveness and he will give you the strength to do the rest. Mary Magdalene realised that Jesus wanted to save her and SHE ALLOWED HIM TO, because we need the help of Jesus to overcome sin.
Confession is good for the soul, for the word says "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to FORGIVE US of ALL OUR SINS and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness" 1 Jn 1:9. You can do the world of wrong, but dont think for a moment that it is too much for God to forgive. That is a trick of the DEVIL. If we do not repent, we cannot be forgiven and sin will stain us forever. Just one little phrase, Jesus I am sorry for sinning against you.
Open your heart to receive the forgiveness and he will give you the strength to do the rest. Mary Magdalene realised that Jesus wanted to save her and SHE ALLOWED HIM TO, because we need the help of Jesus to overcome sin.
February 11, 2021
A very good book dealing with an aspect of the story of Jesus as told in the New Testament.
January 15, 2016
At Jesus Feet is written by Doug Batchelor
this author led a troubled life until he let the Lord guide his steps. In this book he tells of some of the gospels . One story was about mary and Martha.
Martha is always busy with work while Mary sits at Jesus feet praising and anointing him. which does our lord and savior cherish the most. I know he appreciates all that Martha does but Mary blesses his heart. Jesus wants us to praise and thank him always.
this author led a troubled life until he let the Lord guide his steps. In this book he tells of some of the gospels . One story was about mary and Martha.
Martha is always busy with work while Mary sits at Jesus feet praising and anointing him. which does our lord and savior cherish the most. I know he appreciates all that Martha does but Mary blesses his heart. Jesus wants us to praise and thank him always.
February 22, 2010
"Someone to love me." That's what Mary Magdelene wanted - all anyone really wants. She was a prosperous but miserable prostitute until she met Someone who saved her through a pure, unconditional love. She was a devoted follower of Christ thereafter.
January 30, 2016
Good Read. "The last will be first, the weak will find strength." This book tells the Beautiful story of Mary Magdalene, coupled with the study of the gospels. Read to discover a newer take on old scripture & how it applies to us today & points to our future.
October 18, 2025
Love this book, it has so much info and I can read this book over and over ❤️🩹
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November 2, 2016it is a very nice book and it really makes you see the whole story from Mary's prospective
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews