Much has been said and written about the New Testament woman known as Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Here’s a short breakdown about her:
- She hails from the village of Magdala (Matthew 27:56, 61) near what now is the town of Migdal, located along the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel.
- Jesus delivered her from seven demons (Luke 8:2-3).
- Some have speculated Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, but Bible scholars say there’s no textual evidence supporting that idea.
- She financially supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
- Mary Magdalene was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and burial (Matthew 27:55-61).
- Not only was she one of the women who discovered Jesus’ tomb empty (John 20:1-2) after His burial, but she also was the first one to see Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:16-18; Mark 16:1-10).
Mary Magdalene is worth noticing for several reasons, but her unwavering devotion to her Lord is perhaps the most important one.
At Jesus’ death and burial, Mary was there.
Matthew 27:55-56 records Mary’s presence at the crucifixion: “Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene.”
Mark 16:1 notes Mary’s involvement in Jesus’ burial: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.”
Mary was there when many others weren’t. She was there, seeing her Lord suffer, and she was there, caring for Him. How heartbreaking it must have been for her to see His death! How bittersweet the scent of spices she must have smelled as she went to His tomb! And how awestruck she must have been when she saw Him risen from the dead!
Through the lowest low and the highest high, Mary showed an amazing example of pure devotion to Jesus Christ. What can we learn from her story?
Rachel Fou
Western Field Director
Inspirational