The Drama of the Lost Disciples by George F. Jowett

Author:George F. Jowett [Jowett, George F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Covenant Publishing Co Ltd
Published: 2013-11-26T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

DID THE VIRGIN MARY LIVE AND DIE IN BRITAIN?

IN the meantime what about Mary, the mother of Jesus? Once again we are faced with drama as exciting as it is intriguing. Off hand, one feels tempted to ask the doubtful question, Is it true that the Virgin Mary finished her earthly travail in Britain? It seems almost incredible to give an affirmative answer. Circumstance, rather than evidence, would appear to be to the contrary. Yet when one stops to think one quickly realizes how little is generally known about her and how silent the scriptural record is concerning her existence following the Crucifixion of Jesus. One can easily be forgiven for thinking it is too wonderful to be true. Yet the information presented herein appears to provide sufficient evidence to discount any doubt. However, we are entitled to our own personal reservations. In this case it could easily be one of those amazing examples in which truth is stranger than fiction.

Documentary testimony, by no means British, informs us with conviction that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was an occupant of the castaway boat that arrived at Marseilles with the others before mentioned. Other reports take up the story in Gaul, attesting to the fact that Mary was a member of the Josephian Mission that arrived in Britain AD 36. Testimony will be advanced giving a special valid reason for her being with Joseph, her uncle. Other writers take up the theme in Britain, referring to her presence at Avalon with Joseph, Mary Magdalene, the Bethany sisters and others, as unconcernedly as though it were a common matter of fact that should be well understood by all; her life, death and final resting-place is described with a nonchalance that is breathtaking.

But, we ask, did not Jesus entrust His mother, with His dying breath, to the care of His beloved disciple, John?

Yes, He did.

The scriptural record tells us that as Jesus hung on the Cross He tenderly committed His mother into John's safekeeping. John, accepting the charge led Mary away from the tragic scene before her Son expired.

Scripture states: 'From that hour that disciple took her to his own.'[72]

As we ponder the text we can read in it a qualifying difference over what is commonly understood by general assumption. The point of importance in the text is the statement that John 'took her to his own'. Most critics have defined the text to imply that John took her as his own, thereby meaning he took Mary to his own home to remain there under his care.

This qualification does not stand up even under a casual study. At that time John, like all followers of 'The Way', was a hunted man. For many years to come, long after the death of Mary, he had no home. The intention, as stated in the text, seems quite plain. John took Mary 'to his own'. His own were the intimate disciples of Jesus, of whom Joseph was the protecting shield, and the Bethany sisters, whose home had been a common meeting-place for Jesus and His disciples.

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