Today I'd like to share with you the story of a faithful woman who was Mary Magdalene in the Bible. She's someone who followed Jesus closely and witnessed some of the most important moments in Jesus' ministry.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

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NIV, Adventure Bible, Hardcover, Full Color

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The Bible mentions Mary Magdalene several times in the gospels. Though she isn't introduced until later in Jesus' ministry, she becomes one of the most significant women in the New Testament, especially during Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible

Chapter 1: Mary's Deliverance

The first time we meet Mary Magdalene in Scripture, we learn about her dramatic encounter with Jesus. Luke tells us, "After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out" (Luke 8:1-2).

This powerful introduction reveals that Mary had been delivered from severe spiritual oppression. Having seven demons indicates she suffered terribly before meeting Jesus. We aren't told specifically what these demons caused in her life, but being freed from them would have completely transformed her existence.

This deliverance created in Mary a deep gratitude and loyalty to Jesus that would last throughout her life. Her freedom from demons became the foundation of her unwavering devotion to follow Him, even when others abandoned Him.

Chapter 2: A Faithful Supporter

After her deliverance, Mary didn't simply return to her former life. Instead, she joined a group of women who traveled with Jesus and His disciples. Luke continues, "and Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:3).

This verse reveals something important about Mary: she wasn't just a passive follower. She actively supported Jesus' ministry financially. This suggests she may have had some personal resources, perhaps from family wealth or her own work. Though we don't know where she came from or what she did before meeting Jesus, her ability to contribute to His ministry shows her commitment went beyond words to practical action.

For much of Jesus' ministry, these women, including Mary Magdalene, remained somewhat in the background. The gospel writers focus primarily on Jesus' interactions with the twelve disciples and the crowds. But Mary was there, witnessing His teachings, miracles, and daily life as He traveled throughout Galilee and Judea.

Chapter 3: Standing at the Cross

When Jesus faced His darkest hour, many of His followers scattered in fear. But not Mary Magdalene. Matthew writes, "Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons" (Matthew 27:55-56).

Mark's gospel adds more detail about Mary's steadfast presence: "Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there" (Mark 15:40-41).

John places Mary even closer to the cross: "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene" (John 19:25). While many disciples had fled in fear, Mary Magdalene demonstrated remarkable courage by remaining visible at the crucifixion, identifying herself publicly with Jesus when doing so was dangerous.

Chapter 4: Witness to the Burial

Mary's devotion to Jesus continued even after His death. She wanted to know where His body would be laid. Matthew tells us, "*Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there *opposite the tomb" (Matthew 27:61). Mark records, "Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph **saw where he was laid" (Mark 15:47).

This might seem like a small detail, but it's crucially important. Mary was carefully noting the location of Jesus' tomb, likely because she planned to return after the Sabbath to properly anoint His body according to Jewish burial customs. Her attention to these details would position her to be the first witness to something extraordinary.

Her continued presence shows her unwillingness to abandon Jesus, even in death. While the male disciples were hiding behind locked doors for fear of the authorities, Mary remained engaged, planning to honor Jesus with one final act of service.

Chapter 5: First to See the Risen Lord

Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene became the central figure in one of the most important events in Christian history. John provides the most detailed account: "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance" (John 20:1).

Finding the tomb empty, she ran to tell Peter and John, who came to investigate and then returned home. But Mary stayed: "but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot" (John 20:11-12).

Then came the moment that would forever define Mary Magdalene in Christian history: "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus… Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher')" (John 20:14,16).

Jesus then gave Mary an important assignment: "Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God'" (John 20:17). Mary obeyed: "Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: 'I have seen the Lord!' And she told them that he had said these things to her" (John 20:18).

This made Mary Magdalene the first witness to the resurrection and the first person commissioned to proclaim this news. She became, as some early church fathers called her, the "apostle to the apostles" – the messenger who brought the resurrection news to Jesus' closest followers.

What Can We Learn About Mary Magdalene?

1. She experienced profound healing - Mary was delivered from seven demons, showing Jesus' power over spiritual darkness. Her life demonstrates how a personal encounter with Jesus can bring radical transformation.
2. She showed practical devotion - Mary didn't just follow Jesus emotionally; she supported His ministry with her resources. Her faith was demonstrated through tangible action.
3. She remained faithful in crisis - When many fled during Jesus' crucifixion, Mary stayed near. Her courage and loyalty didn't waver when following Jesus became dangerous.
4. She was attentive to details - By carefully noting where Jesus was buried, Mary positioned herself to be the first witness of the resurrection. Her attentiveness led to a historic encounter.
5. She obeyed Jesus' commission - When instructed to tell the disciples about Jesus' resurrection, Mary immediately fulfilled her mission. She became the first evangelist of the resurrection message.

5 Trivia Quiz about Mary Magdalene for kids

Where did Mary Magdalene get her name?

Mary was likely from a town called Magdala, near the Sea of Galilee. That's why she's called "Magdalene" – it tells us where she came from, just like saying someone is from New York or California!

How many demons did Jesus cast out of Mary Magdalene?

According to Luke 8:2, Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene. This shows she had been suffering greatly before Jesus healed her, which helps explain why she was so devoted to following Him afterward.

Was Mary Magdalene one of the 12 disciples?

No, Mary Magdalene was not one of the 12 disciples (who were all men), but she was part of a group of women who traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry. These women were important followers even though they weren't counted among the Twelve.

Who was the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection?

Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after He rose from the dead! This is a very important honor in the Bible. Jesus chose to appear first to Mary rather than to His male disciples.

What job did Jesus give Mary Magdalene after His resurrection?

Jesus gave Mary the important job of telling the disciples that He had risen from the dead. She became the first person to announce the good news that Jesus was alive again, making her the first messenger of the resurrection!

If you enjoyed learning about Mary Magdalene, next time I'd love to tell you about the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who were close friends of Jesus and showed two different ways of serving Him!