Hall of Faith: Mary Magdalene, Served Jesus

In discussing who in the New Testament deserves to be listed in the Hall of Faith, Mary

Mary Magdalene was a faithful follower of Jesus

Magdalene seems a very logical choice. Other than Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene is listed among the women who were the most faithful followers of Jesus.

Her name derives from Luke 8:2 which says “Mary, called Magdalene.” The town of Magdala is located near the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 16:9 says, “he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.” So, we know from this that Jesus cast seven demons out of her. Imagine the pain and torture she must have been in while these demons possessed her. We do not know how long she was possessed by demons.

Jesus casting the demons out of her was definitely a miracle, but to Mary Magdalene the relief was immense and immediate. She was both a new person inside and out. She owed

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene were two of the women at the crucifixion

Jesus her life, heart and soul and she gave it to him.

Luke 8:3 is listed as one who “ministered unto them of their substance.” For this reason, it is believed that Mary Magdalene had money. She helped to support Jesus and his disciples on their travels and in their ministry.

The fact that she followed Jesus and the discples, is again mentioned in Luke 23:49, ”women who had followed him from Galilee”

This mention comes at the event of the crucifixion. Luke does not mention the women by name, but in the accounts found in Matthew, Mark and John, Mary Magdalene is mentioned by name in all three accounts.

Mary Magdalene was a follower of Christ

“Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” Matthew 27:56

“There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.” Mark 15:40

“Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25

Even in Jesus moment of need and despair, Mary Magdalene stayed nearby and faithful. One can only imagine how her heart broke as she watched her savior on the cross. To know that He WAS God and why He was dead, must have been difficult for her to wrap her head around.

Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus when he speaks her name

The writers of the Gospels, felt it was important to list the women who stayed nearby and Mary Magdalene is always mentioned first, unless Mary, the Mother of Jesus is listed, in which she rightfully receives the honor of being listed first.

The Resurrection is told from the viewpoint of Mary Magdelene. “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.” John 20:21

The women arrive at the tomb to discover the tomb rolled away. ““While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground…” {Luke 24}

The angels appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women with her. Notice how the

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene

women reacted. They bowed their faces to the ground. They realized they were standing on holy ground.

Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus is mentioned appearing to after the resurrection. “But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;  and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain, And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have

laid him.” {John 20:11-13}

At first Mary Magdene did not recognize Jesus {Mark 16:9}, but then “Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher.” {John 20:16}

Mark 16:9-11  “She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping.  But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” Mary Magdelene then went and told everyone that Jesus was alive and she had seen him.

In Acts 1:14, we are told “All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.”  Mary, the mother of Jesus is the only woman mentioned by name, but it seems very probable that Mary Magdalene was among these women.

So, what can we learn from Mary Magdalene?

1. She received a miracle

2. She faithfully served Jesus

3. She faithfully ministered to Jesus

4. She was faithful in Jesus time of need

5. She remained faithful even when Jesus had died

6. She was the first person Jesus appeared to after the resurrection

7. She shared all she saw and heard after the resurrection

8. She remain devoted to prayer

Mary Magdalene was healed from demons, faithfully served Jesus through the good and bad times, was an eyewitness to the crucifixion and resurrection and continued to remain faithful to God and pray ever after Jesus ascended to heaven.

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