Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene

Scripture References: Matthew 27:55-61; 28:1; Mark 15:40-47; 16:1-11; Luke 8:2; 23:55-56; 24:1-11; John 19:25; 20:1-18

Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all four of the Gospels.

ABOUT HER

Mary Magdalene was among the women who “followed Jesus” and is the first to be named when they are listed. “There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” Matthew 27:55-56 ESV

Some scholars say she may have been the leader of the women because her name is always mentioned first.

There is no record of her parentage, marital status or age. She most likely did not have obligations at home as she was free to follow Jesus on His journeys.

Mary lived in Magdala, a small town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Magdala means “tower” or “castle”

“[Magdala] in the time of Christ was a thriving, populous town on the coast of Galilee about three miles from Capernaum. Dye works and primitive textile factories added to the wealth of the community. It may be that ‘The Magdalene’ was connected with the industry of the town for it would seem as if she was not without means, enabling her to serve the Lord with her substance.” -Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible

She is the first one to see the risen Lord and was a leading character in the accounts of the Resurrection.

Mary Magdalene has been unfairly identified with the sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke’s gospel.

“The idea that this Mary was ‘the woman who was a sinner,’ or that she was unchaste, is altogether groundless.” -Easton’s Bible Dictionary

HER TESTIMONY

Read Luke 8:1-3

Demon possession was common in Jesus’ day.

Seven being a number of completion suggestions Mary Magdalene was severely and in a sense completely demon possessed. Imagine living her life of bondage, crying out for freedom.

Imagine never being able to have “alone time”.

Her testimony shows you can live in luxury and wealth and have a soul in dire need.

“Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.” Psalm 25:20 NKJV

Mary Magdalene was delivered, healed and liberated by Jesus.

HER SERVICE

Read Matthew 27:55-56

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25 NKJV

Mary left Magdala and the luxuries in that city to follow and serve Jesus on His journeys. She followed Him all the way to the cross.

She served in the practical and physical needs as she traveled with Jesus and the disciples until even after Jesus was crucified.

Luke 23:55-56 ESV “The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.”

HER TIME TO SHINE

Read Matthew 27:57-61

Here is where we see why Mary was so much a part of the action and a prominent women in this scene.

She was there.

Where are you?

Do you want to be a part of what God is doing? of hearing God’s voice? of being used by Him? Then you need to be there.

Read John 20:1-18

Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the empty tomb and the first to encounter the Risen Lord. Again, why was she able to witness these things? Because she was there.

When the disciples saw Jesus was not in the tomb they went back to their homes (verse 10). But not Mary. Mary stood weeping. Jesus was her home.

In verse 15 we see Mary not even consider her own weakness as a woman to carry the body of a man. She was a very determined and devoted follower.

“Why did Jesus say, ‘Touch me not,’ when, shortly after, He allowed the other women to hold His feet as they worshiped Him (Matt. 28:9)? Mary needed to learn that her love for her Master had to assume a deeper spiritual dimension, that He would be with her in a spiritual way always, even to the end of the world.” -Frances Vander Velde, Women of the Bible

Mary’s devotion to Jesus had to go from the physical to the spiritual.

Life Lesson

Mary Magdalene’s deliverance turned into devotion. Has yours?

Discussion Questions:

1. Other than demonic deliverance, what other things does Jesus deliver us from?

2. What are your “resurrection” stories to share with others?