My Dear Lady

2 John 1–13 “The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

2 John 9–13 “9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you.”

Who is the Elect Lady

Identity of the Lady- theories

an unnamed believer

a congregation of believers

a metaphor for the Church at large

“Lady” = Mary?

Luke 1:30–38 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” ……(38)And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:46–48“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed…

Re-read v 1-5 with Mary in mind

Mary was a vessel, she was also a mother

she surely had motherly concerns for her firstborn son, and a sense of His importance

Mary was also a mother to at least six other children

Matt 13: 55-56 Mary’s family (other children)- Jesus, James (Yakov), Joseph, Simon, Judas (Yehuda) and sisters

John was given care of Mary at the crucifixion

John 19:26–27 “26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

John was tasked to care for Mary-

provide and protect

spiritually encourage her (v 4-6)

guard her testimony

False Teachers

(v 7-11)

false teachers use Christian ethics against Christians

they exhibit wolfish behavior- Matt 7:15; Acts 20:29; Matt 10:16; Ezek 22:27; Zeph 3:3; Jn 10:12

Matthew 7:15 ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Acts 20:29 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;”

Matthew 10:16 ““Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Ezekiel 22:27 “Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain.”

Zephaniah 3:3 “Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing till the morning.”

John 10:12 “He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”

Do not lend them any credence!

Mary’s notoriety may have risked validating false teachers unintentionally

Here is a call for wisdom.

Be careful which causes you take up, and which human leaders you espouse.

Blessing on your children

natural

spiritual