Mary Magdalene

Mary came from Magdala, a prosperous fishing town on the Sea of Galilee's western shore. Before meeting Jesus, she was tormented by seven demons—a condition that would have made her an outcast and caused tremendous suffering. When Jesus delivered her, she experienced complete liberation and became one of His most devoted followers.

Mary Magdalene was among the women who traveled with Jesus and the twelve disciples, providing for them out of their own means. This was unusual for the time and shows both her devotion and her financial resources. Along with Joanna, Susanna, and many others, these women supported Jesus' ministry practically, allowing Him and the apostles to focus on teaching and healing.

Mary's devotion to Jesus was evident in her presence during His darkest hours. When most disciples fled, Mary stood at the cross with Jesus' mother Mary, Mary the wife of Clopas, and John. She witnessed Jesus' suffering and death, demonstrating courage and love that transcended fear. Her faithfulness didn't end at the cross—she watched where Jesus was laid and returned early on the first day of the week to anoint His body.

On resurrection morning, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb while it was still dark. Finding it empty, she ran to tell Peter and John. After they left, Mary remained at the tomb, weeping. She looked into the tomb and saw two angels who asked why she was crying. When she turned around, she saw Jesus but didn't recognize Him, thinking He was the gardener.

When Jesus spoke her name—'Mary'—she immediately recognized Him and cried out 'Rabboni!' (Teacher). Jesus gave her the extraordinary commission to go and tell His disciples that He was ascending to His Father. Mary Magdalene became the first witness of the resurrection, the first evangelist of the new covenant, the 'apostle to the apostles' as early church fathers called her.

Mary went to the disciples with the news: 'I have seen the Lord!' Her testimony, along with that of the other women, was initially met with skepticism—women's testimony wasn't considered reliable in that culture. Yet God chose to honor these faithful women by making them the first witnesses of Christianity's central truth.

Though Scripture doesn't detail Mary Magdalene's later ministry, church tradition suggests she continued proclaiming the gospel. Some traditions place her with Mary the mother of Jesus and John in Ephesus, while others suggest she traveled to France or remained in Jerusalem. Regardless of where she went, Mary's example of wholehearted devotion, faithful presence in suffering, and joyful proclamation of the resurrection continues to inspire believers. Her transformation from demon-possessed to devoted disciple demonstrates the complete deliverance Christ offers.