Mary Magdalene’s story is told in Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 19-20
Mary Magdalene: A Woman of Courage and Faith
When we read the New Testament, one name that stands out among the women who followed Jesus is Mary Magdalene. She isn’t just a side character in the story—she plays an important role, especially in the most important event of all: the resurrection of Jesus. Let’s take a closer look at who she was and why her story still matters today.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is called that because she came from a town called Magdala, near the Sea of Galilee. The Bible tells us that Jesus healed her from seven demons (Luke 8:2). While we don’t know exactly what that means, it shows that she had been through a very difficult time before she met Jesus.
Instead of letting her past define her, Mary chose to follow Jesus with her whole heart. She became one of His most loyal followers.
A Faithful Follower
Mary Magdalene wasn’t just a name on a list—she was actively involved in Jesus’ ministry. Along with other women, she traveled with Jesus and helped support Him and His disciples (Luke 8:1–3). At a time when women weren’t always valued or recognized, Mary showed bold faith by stepping into a role of service and support.
At the Cross
When Jesus was arrested and crucified, many of His followers ran away in fear. But not Mary Magdalene. She stood near the cross, watching the one she loved and followed suffer and die (John 19:25). This shows us her incredible courage and love. She stayed when others left.
At the Tomb
Mary’s most well-known moment came on the morning of the resurrection. She went to the tomb, expecting to find Jesus’ body—but instead, she found the stone rolled away. At first, she was heartbroken, thinking someone had taken His body. But then, Jesus appeared to her. At first, she didn’t recognize Him. But when He called her by name, she knew it was Him (John 20:16).
Mary was the first person to see the risen Jesus. He gave her a message to share with the disciples: “Go and tell them I am alive.” Because of this, some people call her “the first witness” of the resurrection.
What We Can Learn from Mary Magdalene
Mary’s story teaches us a lot:
- Our past doesn’t define us. No matter what we’ve gone through, Jesus offers healing and purpose.
- Faith and loyalty matter. Mary followed Jesus all the way to the cross and beyond.
- God values women. Mary was chosen to be the first to see the risen Savior, showing how important she was to God’s plan.
- We all have a message to share. Just like Mary, we are called to tell others that Jesus is alive.
Final Thoughts
Mary Magdalene may not have written a book of the Bible or preached to crowds, but her faithful heart made a huge difference. She reminds us that being close to Jesus and loving Him deeply is more important than anything else. Her courage, devotion, and joy in the resurrection are examples we can all follow.
No matter who you are or what your past looks like, Mary’s story reminds you that you are seen, loved, and called by name.