Mary Magdalene is one of the most well-known women in the New Testament. Her story is often misunderstood, but the Bible gives us several clear facts about her life and her devotion to Jesus. She was a witness to His power, love, and resurrection.
1. Jesus Cast Seven Demons Out of Her
Mary Magdalene was healed by Jesus early in His ministry. She had been possessed by seven demons.
Luke 8:2 – “...and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.”
This healing changed her life and sparked a deep loyalty to Jesus.
2. She Came From Magdala
Her name, “Magdalene,” comes from her hometown—Magdala, a small village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. This shows she was not related to Mary the mother of Jesus, but was distinguished by where she came from.
3. She Was a Faithful Follower of Jesus
Mary followed Jesus as one of His most devoted disciples. She traveled with Him and the twelve disciples.
Luke 8:3 – “...and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”
She not only followed Jesus, but supported His ministry with her own resources.
4. She Was Present at the Crucifixion
When most of the male disciples fled, Mary Magdalene stayed. She witnessed Jesus' suffering on the cross.
John 19:25 – “...but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
Her presence at the crucifixion shows her courage and devotion.
5. She Saw Where Jesus Was Buried
After Jesus died, Mary followed Joseph of Arimathea and saw the tomb where Jesus was laid.
Mark 15:47 – “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”
This detail is important because she later returned to that very tomb.
6. She Was the First to See the Risen Jesus
Mary Magdalene is honored as the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection.
John 20:14 – “Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.”
This moment is central to the Easter story.
7. Jesus Called Her by Name
In her moment of grief at the tomb, Mary recognized Jesus when He spoke her name.
John 20:16 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
This intimate moment shows the personal relationship between Jesus and His followers.
8. She Was Sent to Tell the Disciples
Jesus gave Mary a special mission: to go tell the disciples that He had risen. She became the first messenger of the Resurrection.
John 20:17–18 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Go to my brothers and say to them…’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord.’”
Because of this, she’s often called the “apostle to the apostles.”
9. She Was Not a Prostitute
Many people believe Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. This idea comes from tradition, not the Bible. Scripture never says she was involved in any immoral activity. This confusion likely comes from a mixing of her story with that of the sinful woman in Luke 7:36–50, who is unnamed.
10. She Is a Model of Devotion
Mary’s life was changed by Jesus, and she never turned back. She stood by Him in His suffering and joyfully proclaimed His resurrection. Her story reminds us that anyone who truly loves Jesus can be used by God in great ways.
Summary Table
| Fact | Reference | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Delivered from demons | Luke 8:2 | Shows Jesus' power to heal |
| 2. From Magdala | — | Distinguishes her identity |
| 3. Supported Jesus’ ministry | Luke 8:3 | Devoted follower |
| 4. At the cross | John 19:25 | Loyal even in pain |
| 5. Saw the burial | Mark 15:47 | Knew the tomb location |
| 6. First to see Jesus alive | John 20:14 | Witness of the Resurrection |
| 7. Recognized by name | John 20:16 | Shows intimacy with Jesus |
| 8. Sent by Jesus | John 20:17–18 | First messenger of the Gospel |
| 9. Not a prostitute | — | Clears up tradition |
| 10. Model disciple | — | Example of faithfulness |
