1st century AD · Jesus’ ministry, around AD 28-30
Mary Magdalene in the Bible
The first witness of the risen Lord. Name meaning: Mary (Miriam) “of Magdala” (hence “Magdalene”), named for her town in Galilee; Magdala probably comes from a Hebrew word meaning “tower”
Mary Magdalene is a Galilean woman whom Jesus delivered from seven demons. In gratitude, she follows him and supports him out of her own means, stands near the cross, witnesses the burial, and comes to the tomb on Easter morning. The risen Jesus appears to her first and makes her his messenger to the disciples.
Key moments
- Jesus delivers her from seven demons Luke 8:2
- She supports Jesus out of her own means Luke 8:3
- By the cross of Jesus John 19:25
- Sitting opposite the sepulchre Matthew 27:61
- She finds the stone taken away from the sepulchre John 20:1
- Jesus calls her by name: “Mary!” John 20:16
- “I have seen the Lord” John 20:18
Strengths
- Gratitude
- Faithfulness
- Generosity
- Persevering love
- Witness
Weaknesses
The Gospels attribute no particular fault to her after her deliverance. Like the other disciples, she had not understood that Jesus had to rise from the dead: she looks for a body and weeps, thinking it has been taken away (John 20:13-15), until Jesus calls her by name.
Lessons for today
- Those whom Jesus has freed from much love him and serve him with all their heart and all they have (Luke 8:2-3).
- Faithfulness is proved in the dark hours: staying close to Jesus when others flee (John 19:25).
- Jesus knows each of his own by name; a single word from him turns tears into joy (John 20:16).
- Whoever has met the risen Lord is called to proclaim him, even if others doubt (John 20:18; Mark 16:11).
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
People around Mary Magdalene
Stories with Mary Magdalene
Quiz: how well do you know Mary Magdalene?
From how many demons did Jesus deliver Mary Magdalene?
Luke introduces her as “Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.” Luke 8:2
Whom does Mary first take the risen Jesus to be?
“She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him.” John 20:15
What does Mary say when she recognizes Jesus?
Jesus says to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni; which is to say, Master.” John 20:16
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