Mary Magdalene holds a unique and honored place in Christian history as the first person to witness the resurrected Jesus Christ. On that transformative Easter morning, Jesus chose a woman—one He had delivered from seven demons—to be the first to see Him alive and the first to proclaim the Gospel: “He is risen!” Her story, found throughout the Gospels, reveals God’s grace, the power of faithful devotion, and the radical way Jesus elevated women in a culture that marginalized them.
Far from the distorted portrayals in popular culture, the biblical Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple, a faithful witness, and the one Jesus trusted with the greatest news in human history.
Who Was Mary Magdalene? Separating Truth from Myth
Mary Magdalene’s Biblical Identity
Mary Magdalene (meaning “Mary from Magdala”) was a prominent female disciple of Jesus Christ. Magdala was a prosperous fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Bible identifies her clearly:
“After this, Jesus traveled 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 (NIV)
Mary Magdalene was:
- Delivered by Jesus from seven demons
- A faithful follower who traveled with Jesus and the apostles
- A financial supporter of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:3)
- Present at the crucifixion when most disciples fled
- The first witness to the resurrection
Common Misconceptions About Mary Magdalene
Myth #1: Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.
Truth: There is no biblical evidence for this claim. This false tradition emerged in 591 AD when Pope Gregory I mistakenly conflated Mary Magdalene with the unnamed “sinful woman” in Luke 7:37 and with Mary of Bethany (Lazarus’ sister). The Catholic Church officially corrected this error in 1969, but the misconception persists.
Myth #2: Mary Magdalene was Jesus’ wife or romantic partner.
Truth: The Bible never suggests any romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. This fiction was popularized by modern novels and films but has no historical or biblical foundation.
Myth #3: Mary Magdalene was one of the twelve apostles.
Truth: While she was a devoted disciple and is sometimes called the “Apostle to the Apostles,” Mary Magdalene was not one of the Twelve. However, her role was crucial—she was commissioned by Jesus Himself to announce the resurrection.
Jesus Delivers Mary from Seven Demons
The Bible tells us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2). The number seven may indicate complete demonic oppression. We don’t know the details of her torment, but we do know the result: complete deliverance and transformation.
“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.” — Mark 16:9 (NIV)
This deliverance created in Mary a heart of overwhelming gratitude and devotion. The one who had been freed from such darkness became a light-bearer of the greatest news ever told.
Mary Magdalene’s Faithful Devotion to Jesus
A Follower and Supporter of Jesus’ Ministry
Mary Magdalene was among a group of women who traveled with Jesus and the Twelve, supporting His ministry financially:
“Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” — Luke 8:2-3 (NIV)
In a culture where women were often excluded from religious teaching, Jesus welcomed them as disciples. Mary Magdalene’s presence in this group shows she was a woman of means, courage, and deep commitment.
Present at the Crucifixion When Others Fled
When Jesus was arrested, most of His male disciples fled in fear. But Mary Magdalene remained. She stood at the cross, watching her beloved Teacher suffer and die:
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” — John 19:25 (NIV)
“Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome saw where he was laid.” — Mark 15:47 (NIV)
Her courage and love kept her at the cross when danger was high and hope seemed lost.
The Last at the Cross, First at the Tomb
Mary Magdalene witnessed Jesus’ burial. And when the Sabbath ended, she was among the first to return to the tomb at dawn:
“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. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb.” — Mark 16:1-2 (NIV)
Her devotion did not end with Jesus’ death. She came to honor His body, not expecting resurrection but determined to serve Him even in death.
The Resurrection Morning: Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Christ
Mary Discovers the Empty Tomb (John 20:1-2)
On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and made a shocking discovery:
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!'” — John 20:1-2 (NIV)
Her first assumption was grave robbery—a tragic end to a tragic week. She ran to tell Peter and John, who came and saw the empty tomb but went home perplexed (John 20:3-10).
Mary’s Grief and Confusion (John 20:11-13)
But Mary stayed. She stood outside the tomb, weeping:
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.'” — John 20:11-13 (NIV)
Even angels could not comfort her grief. Her heart was focused on one thing: finding Jesus.
“Mary!” – Jesus Reveals Himself (John 20:14-16)
Then came the most beautiful moment in all of Scripture:
“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).“ — John 20:14-16 (NIV)
One word: “Mary.”
Jesus spoke her name, and instantly, she recognized Him. The familiar voice of her beloved Teacher shattered her grief and transformed her world. He was alive!
The Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name (John 10:3), and Mary heard His voice.
The First Commission: “Go and Tell” (John 20:17-18)
Jesus immediately gave Mary a mission:
“Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”‘ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” — John 20:17-18 (NIV)
Mary Magdalene became the first evangelist of the resurrection. Jesus entrusted her—a woman whose testimony would not be legally recognized in court—with the greatest announcement in history.
Why Did Jesus Appear to Mary Magdalene First?
Breaking Cultural Barriers
In first-century Judaism, women were not considered credible witnesses. Their testimony was inadmissible in court. Yet Jesus chose a woman to be the first witness to His resurrection and the first to proclaim the Gospel.
This was revolutionary. Jesus consistently elevated women, and by appearing first to Mary Magdalene, He declared that in God’s Kingdom, all are valued equally.
Rewarding Faithful Love
Mary Magdalene’s love and devotion were unmatched. She:
- Stayed at the cross when others fled
- Came to the tomb at first light
- Remained weeping when others went home
- Sought Jesus with her whole heart
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Jesus honored her faithful, seeking heart.
God’s Pattern of Choosing the Unexpected
Throughout Scripture, God chooses the unlikely:
- Shepherds heard the news of Jesus’ birth
- Fishermen became apostles
- A tax collector wrote a Gospel
- A woman delivered from demons became the first resurrection witness
God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He delights in using those the world overlooks.
Mary Magdalene as “Apostle to the Apostles”
Early church fathers, including Hippolytus of Rome (3rd century) and St. Augustine, referred to Mary Magdalene as “Apostle to the Apostles” (Apostola Apostolorum).
Why? Because she was sent by Jesus (the definition of “apostle”) to announce the resurrection to the Twelve. She preached the first Easter sermon. She proclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!”
Her role was foundational. Without her faithful witness, the apostles would not have known the tomb was empty.
Lessons from Mary Magdalene’s Faith
Mary Magdalene’s story offers powerful lessons for believers today:
1. Jesus transforms broken lives completely.
Mary went from demonic oppression to resurrection witness. No past is too dark for God’s grace.
2. Grateful hearts serve faithfully.
Mary’s gratitude for her deliverance fueled her devotion. What Jesus has done for us should compel our worship.
3. Love perseveres through suffering.
Mary didn’t abandon Jesus when He was arrested, crucified, or buried. True love endures.
4. Seek Jesus with your whole heart.
Mary stayed at the tomb, weeping and seeking, and she found Him. Those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7).
5. God uses unexpected messengers.
Jesus chose a woman—culturally dismissed—to deliver history’s greatest message. God can use anyone willing to obey.
6. Worship before service.
Mary’s instinct was to cling to Jesus (John 20:17). Intimacy with Christ must precede ministry.
7. Share what you’ve seen.
“Go and tell” (John 20:17). When you’ve encountered the risen Christ, you cannot stay silent.
Key Bible Verses About Mary Magdalene
- Luke 8:2 (NIV): “Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.”
- Mark 15:40 (NIV): “Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.”
- John 19:25 (NIV): “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
- John 20:1 (NIV): “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”
- John 20:16-18 (NIV): “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’). Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”‘ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!'”
- Mark 16:9 (NIV): “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Magdalene
1. Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
No. This is a persistent myth with no biblical basis. The Bible never identifies her as a prostitute. This false tradition began in 591 AD and was officially corrected by the Catholic Church in 1969.
2. Was Mary Magdalene married to Jesus?
No. There is absolutely no biblical or historical evidence for this claim. This fiction was popularized by modern novels but contradicts Scripture and early church history.
3. What does “Magdalene” mean?
“Magdalene” means “from Magdala,” a prosperous fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It distinguished this Mary from the many other Marys in the New Testament.
4. How many demons did Jesus cast out of Mary Magdalene?
The Bible states Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). The number seven often symbolizes completeness in Scripture, suggesting total demonic oppression.
5. Why did Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene first?
Jesus appeared to Mary first to reward her faithful devotion, to break cultural barriers (women were not considered credible witnesses), and to demonstrate that God chooses unexpected messengers. Her seeking heart found what it was looking for.
6. Is Mary Magdalene the same person as Mary of Bethany (Lazarus’ sister)?
No. These are two different women. Mary of Bethany is the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:1-2). Mary Magdalene was from Magdala and is never connected to Bethany in Scripture.
7. What happened to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection?
The Bible does not record Mary Magdalene’s later life. Early Christian tradition suggests she continued to serve the church and proclaim the Gospel. Eastern Orthodox tradition says she traveled to Rome and Ephesus. Her faithful witness continued throughout her life.
8. Why is Mary Magdalene called “Apostle to the Apostles”?
Because Jesus commissioned her to announce His resurrection to the disciples. She was “sent” (the meaning of “apostle”) by Christ Himself to preach the first Easter message: “I have seen the Lord!”
Conclusion: The Faithful Witness
Mary Magdalene’s story is one of transformation, devotion, and divine calling. From a woman tormented by seven demons, she became the faithful disciple who stood at the cross, sought Jesus at the tomb, and received the honor of being the first to see the risen Christ.
Her life declares a powerful truth: No past is too broken for Jesus to redeem. No love is too small for Him to notice. No messenger is too unlikely for Him to use.
On that glorious resurrection morning, when Jesus spoke her name—”Mary”—the darkness of her past and the grief of His death were swallowed up in the joy of His victory. She had lost everything, but she found the One who is everything.
“I have seen the Lord!” — John 20:18
This is the cry of every transformed heart. This is the proclamation of every faithful witness. This is the message Mary Magdalene carried from the empty tomb to the ends of the earth.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
🙏 Reflect and Respond:
- Have you encountered the risen Jesus? Can you say with Mary, “I have seen the Lord”?
- What does Mary Magdalene’s faithful devotion teach you about following Christ through suffering?
- How can you “go and tell” others about the Jesus you’ve encountered?
- Are you seeking Jesus with your whole heart, as Mary did at the tomb?