Mary Magdalene stands out as one of the most intriguing and significant figures in the New Testament. She is often misunderstood but the biblical record paints a clear picture of a committed disciple of Jesus, present at key moments of his ministry, crucifixion and resurrection.
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Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus who was healed by him and became one of his closest disciples. She is best known as the first person to witness and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection, giving her a central role in the Gospels.
Where Does Mary Magdalene First Appear?
Mary Magdalene’s first clear mention comes in Luke’s gospel where she is described as someone from whom Jesus cast out seven demons:
“After this, Jesus travelled 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)
Luke 8:1 – 2
This passage teaches two things:
- Mary Magdalene was from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
- She experienced a dramatic transformation through Jesus, which likely led her to become a dedicated follower.
Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute?
No. The popular view of Mary as a former prostitute is not supported by Scripture. The Bible never calls her a sinner or implies sexual immorality. The association arose centuries later, when her story was mixed with that of the unnamed “sinful woman” who anointed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50), but the text never equates the two women.
What Was Mary Magdalene’s Role Among Jesus’ Followers?
Mary Magdalene, along with other women, followed Jesus and supported his ministry financially and practically:
“…These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (Luke 8:3)
Luke 8:3
This detail, often overlooked, shows that Mary Magdalene was both generous and independent. She played a vital but often invisible role in enabling Jesus and the disciples to minister throughout Galilee.
Mary Magdalene at the Crucifixion and the Tomb
Few of Jesus’ male disciples stayed with him during the crucifixion. Mary Magdalene, however, was steadfast. She witnessed the crucifixion, Jesus’ death and waited at his tomb:
“Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene…” (Matthew 27:55 – 56)
Matthew 27:55 – 56
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” (Matthew 27:61)
Matthew 27:61
This deep devotion places her at the heart of the resurrection story.
First Witness to the Resurrection
All four gospels highlight Mary Magdalene’s role as the first to encounter the risen Jesus. In John’s gospel, she alone converses with him outside the empty tomb:
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” (John 20:16)
John 20:16
Jesus sends her to the disciples, making her the first person commissioned to spread the news of the resurrection:
“Jesus said, ‘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)
John 20:17
Because of this, she is sometimes called the “apostle to the apostles“!
What Happened to Mary Magdalene After the Gospels?
The New Testament offers no details about Mary’s life beyond these events. Later Christian tradition provides many legends – some say she travelled to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Others claim she evangelized in southern France but there is no good historical evidence for these stories.
Our only primary, reliable source is the biblical account.
How Is Mary Magdalene Remembered?
Mary Magdalene is a model of faithful discipleship in the Gospels. She:
- Was healed by Jesus and followed him
- Supported his ministry
- Remained loyal during Jesus’ darkest hour
- Was the first to see the risen Christ and spread the message of the resurrection
Her story reminds us of Jesus’ power to transform lives and elevate those often on the margins.
Example for Women
Mary Magdalene stands as a powerful advocate for women and their God-given significance in a Biblical society that often pushed them to the margins. Despite cultural norms that limited women’s voices and credibility, Mary was entrusted with a central role in the gospel story: she remained present in Jesus’ suffering, was faithful at the cross, and became the first witness and messenger of the resurrection.
By appearing first to Mary and commissioning her to tell the others, Jesus publicly affirmed the value, authority, and spiritual insight of a woman whose testimony would shape the foundation of Christian faith.
Summary: What Do We Know?
- Mary Magdalene was a real woman from Magdala.
- Jesus delivered her from seven demons.
- She was a prominent and loyal disciple (and not a prostitute).
- She witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
- She was chosen by Jesus to announce his resurrection to the other disciples.
Mary Magdalene’s significance lies not in later legends but in her extraordinary faith and devotion as recorded by the Gospels, as she remained an extraordinarily loyal disciple of Jesus.
