Mary Magdalene
The New Testament features many important figures of Christianity, including quite a large number of women named “Mary,” starting with the Mother of Jesus. Mary Magdalene is often identified as the “sinful woman,” or Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus. But the Bible clearly states Mary Magdalene’s full name every time she appears in the Gospels, so she is not confused with another Mary. Let’s learn more about this woman called the “Apostle of Apostles,” who was a fervent disciple of Jesus: she stood by the cross as He died, and was the first witness of His resurrection.
Who Was Mary of Magdala?
The Gospel of Luke presents Mary of Magdala (or Mary Magdalene) as a woman who was freed of 7 demoniacs by Jesus. After this event, she followed Christ and offered him her goods. She is a model of gratitude to God, and a faithful disciple of Jesus, who she served until the end. She was one of the women who were present during the Passion.
Bible Passages about Mary Magdalene
Mary of Magdala, From Whom Seven Demons Had Come Out
“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)
Mary Magdalene Stood at the Foot of the Cross
“Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”
(Matthew 27:55-56)
Mary Magdalene, a Witness of the Resurrection
“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)
“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.” 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”).
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 20:11-18)
