Topical Bible: Women: Mary Magdalene

◄ Women: Mary Magdalene ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her close association with Jesus Christ and her significant role in His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Her name, "Magdalene," likely indicates her origin from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Biblical References and Role in Jesus' Ministry

Mary Magdalene is first introduced in the Gospel of Luke, where she is described as one of the women who had been healed by Jesus. Luke 8:2 states, "And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." This passage highlights her deliverance from demonic possession, underscoring the transformative power of Jesus' ministry in her life.

Mary Magdalene, along with other women, supported Jesus and His disciples financially and through service. Luke 8:3 notes, "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." This indicates her dedication and commitment to Jesus' mission.

Presence at the Crucifixion and Burial

Mary Magdalene's loyalty to Jesus is further demonstrated by her presence at His crucifixion. According to the Gospel of John, she stood near the cross with Jesus' mother and other women. John 19:25 records, "Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene." Her presence at this critical moment reflects her unwavering devotion.

After Jesus' death, Mary Magdalene was also present at His burial. Matthew 27:61 states, "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb." Her vigilance and care for Jesus even after His death highlight her deep love and respect for Him.

Witness to the Resurrection

Mary Magdalene holds the distinguished honor of being the first to witness the resurrected Christ. On the first day of the week, she went to the tomb early in the morning. John 20:1 describes, "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."

Upon discovering the empty tomb, she informed Peter and John, who then came to see for themselves. After they left, Mary remained at the tomb, weeping. It was then that Jesus appeared to her. John 20:14-16 recounts, "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 'Woman, why are you weeping?' Jesus asked. 'Whom are you seeking?' 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 and said to Him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)."

Jesus then instructed her to go to His disciples and announce His resurrection. John 20:18 records her obedience: "Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord!' And she told them what He had said to her."

Legacy and Misconceptions

Mary Magdalene's legacy as a devoted follower of Christ is well-established in the Gospels. However, over the centuries, various misconceptions have arisen about her identity. Some traditions have mistakenly conflated her with other women in the Gospels, such as the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 7:37-38) or Mary of Bethany. The Bible does not support these associations, and they are not found in the scriptural accounts.

Mary Magdalene's true biblical portrayal is that of a faithful disciple who experienced the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, witnessed His crucifixion, and was the first to proclaim His resurrection. Her account is a testament to the grace and redemption available through Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 8:2
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Nave's Topical Index

John 20:1,2,11-16
The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher, and sees the stone taken away from the sepulcher.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Women who were Standing There, and of the Question Whether ...
... and the mother of Zebedee's children." [1458] Mark gives it in this form: "There
were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxi of the women who.htm

Angels Announce the Resurrection to Certain Women. Peter and John ...
... body of the Lord Jesus. [John mentions Mary Magdalene alone, though she
came with the rest of the women. As she was the one who ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiv angels announce the resurrection.htm

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.10 Now they were Mary Magdalene,
and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

Love and Life.
... place of rest and safety, his own mother, Salome, and Mary, the mother of James,
and Mary Magdalene stood looking on afar off. There were other women also, who ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xliv love and life.htm

How the Appointment was Kept.
... The tryst has been kept with Mary Magdalene. And now the other women who had gone
running down the road after hearing the angels' startling message are amazed ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/how the appointment was kept.htm

'First to Mary'
... of legend has been built on the one or two notices of Mary Magdalene in Scripture ...
that narrative she is named as one of the little band of women who ministered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/first to mary.htm

The Resurrection.
... yet dark;" Mark says "very early in the morning;" Matthew says "As it began to dawn."
John names Mary Magdalene as the important one of these women who visited ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the resurrection.htm

The First Easter Sunrise
... If we are to follow Luke's account, we must recognise that the women in a company,
as well as Mary Magdalene separately, came back first with the announcement ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the first easter sunrise.htm

A New Morning.
... As they get near to the place the keen eyes of Mary Magdalene notice at once with
a quick start that the ... Meanwhile the other women have gone on toward the tomb ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a new morning.htm

The Crucifixion and the Resurrection
... And now that the soldiers had gone, some women came near"Mary Magdalene, Mary the
mother of James, Joanna, Salome, and at least one or two more women. ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter xii the crucifixion and.htm