Information about Mary Magdalene can be found in Matthew 28:1, 8-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 8:2, 24:8-11, and  John 20: 1, 11-20.

There are a lot of things said about Mary Magdalene. It is commonly believed that she was a harlot, the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet, and the sister of Martha. Some less common beliefs about her are that she was married or in love with Jesus. However, none of this can be found in Scripture. 

Scripture tells us about a women who experienced the healing power of Jesus and chose to be His follower.  “Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” (Luke 8:1-3) Mary Magdalene remained with Him after she had been healed. 

She was also one of the woman who watched Jesus on the cross. “There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” (Matthew 27:55-56). After the other disciples scattered, and Peter had denied Jesus, Mary stayed.

After the Sabbath was over, Mary went to take care of Jesus’ body “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” (John 20:1) Mary went and told Peter and John. They came, saw the empty tomb, and left. But Mary stayed. “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.” (John 20:11)

Mary was seeking Jesus. She stayed until she knew where He was. I believe that Mary was rewarded because she stayed. She was one of the first people to see Jesus after he arose. “Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:15-18.) 

Mary Magdalene is a testament that as long as we stay with Jesus, we will find Him. She is a reminder that as long as we keep seeking Jesus, we will find Him. She makes me think of Luke 11:9 “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” 

Mary was not only a woman of faith, she was a woman that stayed in the presence Jesus —  and that is something all woman of faith should strive to be.

A special thanks to Cecily for guest blogging.  I appreciate reading her thoughts on Mary Magdalene’s powerful faith.   

Until next time