Mary Magdalene
Matthew 27:56, 61, 28:1, Mark 15:47, Mark 15:40, Mark 16:1 & 9, Luke 8:1-3, 24:10, John 19:25, John 20:1-8
Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene… (Mark 16:9)
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus and is mentioned by name in all four Gospels. Little is known about her life before she met Jesus, except that she was possessed by seven demons. Jesus freed her from the demons.
Mary joined a group of women who traveled with Jesus and His disciples, ministering to their needs. In that era, it was not customary for rabbis to accept women as disciples, but Jesus welcomed both women and men to follow Him and heed His message.
These women were godly, yet they did not fit the typical mold of most women in that society—married, raising children, and managing households. While one of them, Joanna, is noted as the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, the Gospels give no indication that Mary Magdalene was ever married. The women “provided for Jesus out of their means” (Luke 8:3). Mary Magdalene’s name always appears first among these women, suggesting she may have been their leader.
Her devotion to Jesus was extraordinary. Even when the Pharisees opposed Him and others abandoned Him, Mary remained faithful. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, she stood at the foot of the cross during His crucifixion, alongside Jesus’ mother Mary, Salome (mother of James and John), and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses
After His death, she followed Joseph of Arimathea and other secret followers to the tomb. The next day she returned to anoint His body. Simon Peter and another disciple had visited the tomb earlier and left. But when Mary arrived with the other women, they found the tomb empty.
Then two angels appeared to her and said, “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:7). Her companions left, frightened but encouraged. Mary, however, stood outside the tomb alone, disheartened and weeping.
In her grief, she turned and saw a man standing there. He asked why she was crying. She did not recognize Him—until He spoke her name. Then she knew it was Jesus. He told her to go and tell His disciples that He had risen and would ascend to His Father.
Mary Magdalene proclaimed to them, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18). She was a witness both to Jesus’ crucifixion and to His resurrection.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Delivered from Darkness
Scripture Focus: Luke 8:1–3; Mark 16:9
Mary Magdalene first appears in the Gospels as a woman freed from seven demons. Though the Bible does not describe her suffering in detail, her deliverance marks the beginning of a transformed life. This lesson explores the power of Jesus to heal and restore.
Study Questions
- What does it mean that Mary was possessed by “seven demons”? Why is the number seven be significant in Scripture?
- The Gospels do not explain how Mary came to Jesus. What does this silence teach us about God’s grace and initiative in our own lives?
- How might Mary’s life have changed after Jesus delivered her? What emotions or new freedoms do you think she experienced?
- Why do you think the Gospel writers chose to include Mary’s past affliction rather than omitting it?
Personal Reflection
Think of a time when you felt trapped—by fear, shame, a bad habit, or a painful memory. Reflect on how Jesus has brought (or is bringing) freedom into that area of your life.
Prompt: Write a short prayer of thanks to Jesus for one specific way He has delivered you from darkness. If you are still waiting for freedom, write a prayer asking Him to meet you in that struggle.
Memory Verse
“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 (NIV)
Lesson 2: A Faithful Follower
Scripture Focus: Luke 8:1–3; Mark 15:40–41
After her healing, Mary Magdalene became a dedicated disciple of Jesus. She traveled with Him and supported His ministry, along with other women. Although women were rarely counted as disciples, Jesus welcomed and valued her.
Study Questions
- In Luke 8:3, the women “provided for Jesus out of their means.” What does this reveal about their commitment and sacrifice?
- Why was it unusual for a rabbi to allow women to be part of His traveling ministry? What does Jesus’ example teach us about inclusion and equality in God’s kingdom?
- Mary Magdalene is always listed first among the women who followed Jesus. What might this indicate about her character or role?
- Unlike many women of her time, Mary is not identified by a husband or father. Why might the Gospels emphasize her identity as “Magdalene” rather than as someone’s wife or daughter?
Personal Reflection
Think about how you follow Jesus in your daily life. Following Him is not always convenient or culturally accepted.
Prompt: Identify one area where you have struggled to follow Jesus faithfully—perhaps at work, in your family, or among friends. What is one small step you can take this week to be a more devoted follower?
Memory Verse
“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” — Luke 8:3 (NIV)
Lesson 3: Standing at the Cross
Scripture Focus: Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41; John 19:25
When most of Jesus’ disciples ran away in fear, Mary Magdalene remained. She stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing His suffering and death. Her courage, love, and loyalty did not waver, even in the darkest hour.
Study Questions
- Compare the behavior of the twelve disciples (most of whom fled) with the women, including Mary Magdalene, who stayed at the cross. What does this contrast teach you about faithfulness?
- What emotions do you think Mary Magdalene experienced as she watched Jesus die? Do Think she have held onto hope in that moment?
- Why is it significant that Mary witnessed the crucifixion, even when it was dangerous to be associated with a condemned man?
- In what ways does Mary’s presence at the cross challenge modern ideas about courage and discipleship?
Personal Reflection
Consider a time when you faced difficulty or suffering because of your faith—or a time when you were tempted to walk away from Jesus when things got hard.
Prompt: Write about a “crossroads moment” in your life when you chose to stay close to Jesus despite pain or disappointment. If you cannot think of such a moment, write about what would give you the strength to remain faithful in a future trial.
Memory Verse
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” — John 19:25 (NIV)
Lesson 4: First Witness of the Resurrection
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:1–10; John 20:1–18
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but the tomb was empty. In her grief, Jesus appeared to her—not to Peter, not to John, but to Mary. He spoke her name, and she recognized Him. She became the first person to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord.”
Study Questions
- Why do you think Jesus chose to appear first to Mary Magdalene, rather than to one of the male disciples or a religious leader?
- In John 20:16, Jesus calls Mary by name, and she immediately recognizes Him. What does this moment reveal about the personal nature of Jesus’ relationship with His followers?
- Jesus gave Mary a message for the disciples: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father.” Why was she entrusted with this proclamation?
- How does Mary’s transformation—from a woman tormented by demons to the first witness of the resurrection—encourage you in your own spiritual journey?
Personal Reflection
The risen Jesus calls each of His followers by name and invites us to share the good news with others.
Prompt: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear that Jesus is alive and that He loves them. Write down that person’s name (use an initial if needed for privacy). Then write a simple prayer asking God for an opportunity to share hope with them this week.
Memory Verse
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” — John 20:18 (NIV)