Mary Magdalene

MARY MAGDALENE

Mary Magdalene originated from Magdala; a town located on the western side of the Sea of Galilee.

1. Jesus healed her from seven demons (Lk 8:2). In biblical terms, the number seven signifies completeness or perfection, implying the severity of her affliction. Mary would have faced immense suffering and social judgment before her healing, as demon possession was often seen as a sign of illness or sin during that period.

2. Once Mary was healed, she became a dedicated disciple of Jesus, backing his mission. She along with other disciples “provided for them out of their resources” to support Jesus and the apostles (Lk 8:3).

3. Mary Magdalene, along with Jesus’s mother, Mary, and other women, witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus.

4. She was part of the group of women who went to Jesus’s tomb on the morning of the third day after his crucifixion. When they found the empty tomb, an angel told them about Jesus’ resurrection.

5. Mary Magdalene is portrayed as the first to meet the risen Jesus in all four Gospels. At first, she thought he was the gardener, but when Jesus called her name, she recognized him. This event is crucial in Christian faith and is considered strong proof of Jesus’s resurrection.

6. After her encounter with the risen Jesus, he commissioned Mary Magdalene to go and tell the disciples that he had risen. According to Christian tradition, she is considered one of the earliest apostolic witnesses to the resurrection.