Mary Magdalene is without doubt one of the best-known ladies of the Bible, but she can also be some of the misunderstood. All through historical past, myths and misconceptions have clouded her true identification, however the Bible offers us a transparent and exquisite image of who she actually was. The story of Mary Magdalene is considered one of redemption, devotion, and transformation by way of Jesus Christ.
She was a devoted follower of Jesus, a witness to His crucifixion, and the very first individual to see Him alive after His resurrection. Her life exhibits that God can redeem any previous; regardless of how damaged.
On this put up, we are going to stroll by way of what Scripture says about Mary Magdalene, clear up some frequent misconceptions, and mirror on the timeless classes we will study from her life.
Info About Mary Magdalene
The Bible mentions Mary Magdalene greater than another lady within the New Testomony, apart from Mary, the mom of Jesus. All 4 Gospel writers point out her by title, which exhibits the essential function she performed in Jesus’ ministry.
One of many first issues we find out about her is that Jesus healed her:
“When Jesus rose early on the primary day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had pushed seven demons.” Mark 16:9.
Mary had skilled nice struggling and torment earlier than assembly Jesus, and after He healed her, she turned considered one of His most devoted followers. That sort of transformation exhibits the ability of God’s grace. Jesus units us free and provides us new life.
Mary additionally traveled with Jesus and the disciples. Luke data:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one city and village to a different, proclaiming the excellent news of the dominion of God. The Twelve had been with him, and in addition some ladies who had been cured of evil spirits and illnesses: Mary (referred to as Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the spouse of Chuza, the supervisor of Herod’s family; Susanna; and lots of others. These ladies had been serving to to help them out of their very own means.” Luke 8:1-3.
This tells us a number of essential issues:
- Mary was not alone. She was considered one of many ladies who adopted and supported Jesus.
- Many imagine her household was rich, which allowed her to stay single and financially help the ministry.
- Jesus welcomed ladies as disciples and college students, which was radical in a tradition that seldom included ladies in spiritual instructing.
Mary’s title additionally offers us a clue about her background. Magdalene probably refers to her hometown of Magdala, a thriving fishing and commerce middle on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Traits of Mary Magdalene
Mary’s loyalty to Jesus is considered one of her defining traits. She remained with Him even throughout His crucifixion when a lot of the disciples had fled.
“Some ladies had been watching from a distance. Amongst them had been Mary Magdalene, Mary the mom of James the youthful and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee, these ladies had adopted him and cared for his wants. Many different ladies who had provide you with him to Jerusalem had been additionally there.” Mark 15:40-41.
John additionally tells us:
“Close to the cross of Jesus stood his mom, his mom’s sister, Mary the spouse of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25.
After they took Jesus down from the cross, Mary remained, watching and grieving.
“So, Joseph purchased some linen material, took down the physique, wrapped it within the linen, and positioned it in a tomb reduce out of rock. Then he rolled a stone towards the doorway of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mom of Joses [brother of Jesus] noticed the place he was laid.” Mark 15:46-47.
Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus introduced her to His tomb on Sunday morning to anoint His physique. She went within the early morning, whereas it was nonetheless darkish, though it will have been dangerous for a lady to journey alone.
Her devotion outweighed her concern. After which got here essentially the most life-changing second: Mary Magdalene was the primary to see the risen Jesus.
“Early on the primary day of the week, whereas it was nonetheless darkish, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and noticed that the stone had been faraway from the doorway.” John 20:1.
She ran to inform Peter and John, who got here and noticed the empty tomb. However after they left, Mary remained, weeping.
“Now Mary stood exterior the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and noticed two angels in white, seated the place Jesus’ physique had been, one on the head and the opposite on the foot. They requested her, ‘Girl, why are you crying?’ ‘They’ve taken my Lord away,’ she mentioned, ‘and I don’t know the place they’ve put him.’ At this, she rotated and noticed Jesus standing there, however she didn’t notice that it was Jesus. He requested her, ‘Girl, why are you crying? Who’s it you might be in search of?’ Considering he was the gardener, she mentioned, ‘Sir, you probably have carried him away, inform me the place you could have put him, and I’ll get him.’ Jesus mentioned to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which suggests ‘Instructor’).” John 20:11-16.
In that lovely second, Mary acknowledged Jesus- not by sight, however by His voice. Jesus instructs her to return to the disciples with a message. She obediently rushes again to them.
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the information: ‘I’ve seen the Lord!’ And he or she instructed them that he had mentioned this stuff to her.” John 20:18.
For that reason, Mary is usually referred to as the “Apostle to the Apostles.” She was the primary to proclaim the excellent news of the Resurrection.
Misconceptions and Myths About Mary Magdalene
Sadly, folks usually misunderstood Mary Magdalene’s story. Let’s clear up a few of the commonest myths:
- Delusion: Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.
This concept got here from a sermon by Pope Gregory within the sixth century, the place he mistakenly mixed Mary Magdalene with the unnamed sinful lady in Luke 7:37-38 and Mary of Bethany. The Bible by no means says she was a prostitute. - Delusion: Mary Magdalene was the girl caught in adultery.
In John 8:3-11, the Pharisees deliver a lady caught in adultery earlier than Jesus. Scripture by no means identifies this lady as Mary Magdalene, but over time, some traditions wrongly merged their identities. - Delusion: Mary Magdalene was Jesus’ spouse.
Books like The Da Vinci Code have unfold the concept Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus, however there isn’t any Biblical or historic proof to help this.
The reality is way extra stunning: Mary Magdalene was a lady redeemed by Jesus, free of religious oppression, and honored to be the primary to proclaim His resurrection.
Classes From the Story of Mary Magdalene
The story of Mary Magdalene affords timeless encouragement for us at present. Listed here are some classes we will take to coronary heart:
- Your previous doesn’t outline you. Seven demons as soon as tormented Mary, however Jesus gave her freedom and new life. No matter your previous, God affords therapeutic and transformation.
- Gratitude fuels faithfulness. Mary’s devotion flowed from the gratitude she felt for what Jesus had finished in her life. Let thankfulness strengthen our religion and obedience to Him.
- Keep close to to Jesus, even in onerous instances. Whereas many disciples scattered throughout His crucifixion, Mary remained by His facet. Her braveness and love remind us to cling to Jesus when life is painful.
- Be daring in sharing your religion. Jesus trusted Mary to hold the best information of all time- that He had risen! We too, can boldly share the excellent news of Jesus with others.
- Jesus is aware of you personally. Mary acknowledged Him when He referred to as her title. God is aware of your title too, and He longs for a private relationship with you.
The Encouragement of Mary Magdalene’s Story
The story of Mary Magdalene reminds us that Jesus is within the enterprise of redemption. Our brokenness doesn’t deter Him from therapeutic us and giving us a brand new goal.
As soon as tormented and outcast, Mary turned a loyal follower and daring witness for the risen Christ.
For Christian ladies at present, her life is a good looking reminder that God can redeem our previous, strengthen our religion, and use us for His kingdom functions.
He affords you freedom, peace, and the enjoyment of strolling with Him. Allow us to, like Mary Magdalene, reply with gratitude, devotion, and a willingness to share the hope of the Resurrection with others.
Reflection Questions
- Mary Magdalene skilled a deep transformation after assembly Jesus. How has Jesus reworked your life?
- What previous struggles or errors do it is advisable to give up to God and belief Him to redeem?
- In what methods are you able to present gratitude and faithfulness to Jesus this week?
- How does Mary’s instance of staying close to Jesus throughout struggling encourage you in your personal trials?
- Who in your life wants to listen to Mary Magdalene’s story? How are you going to share it with them?
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New Worldwide Model until specified in any other case.
Photograph Credit score: Canva
