Study along with us in the fourth article by guest author Jesse Flowers on “Godly Women of the Bible.”

A Bible character that I have always admired and appreciated is Mary Magdalene. Her devotion, love, and commitment to the Lord are so inspiring to me. I believe one could make the argument that she was just as loyal to Jesus as the twelve apostles, if not more so.

I don’t know about you, but I have always thought of her as being such a key character in the Gospel accounts, and yet the first time that we read of her in Matthew, Mark, and John are at the very end of their books. It is only Luke who makes mention of her prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

By the way, “Magdalene” was not her surname or last name. “Magdalene was a term identifying this woman with Magdala, much as the term Nazarene identified Jesus with Nazareth. Magdala was a town south of Capernaum and about three miles north or modern Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee…Jesus visited there after feeding four thousand men, besides women and children (Matt. 15:39). The woman was, therefore, Mary from Magdala.” (The Gospel of Luke, Caldwell, p. 467, Truth Commentaries).

Let’s examine together some specific details from the life of Mary Magdalene that causes her to be such a wonderful example to us of a godly woman.

1. She was healed by Jesus of demon possession. The very first time that we are introduced to Mary Magdalene in Scripture is in Luke chapter 8. “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons” (8:1-2). Mary’s case of demon possession was quite unique. She did not merely have one unclean spirit within her, but seven! Try to imagine the turmoil, havoc, and grief this brought to this woman’s daily life. But also try to imagine the eternal gratitude she felt towards the Lord for cleansing her of these evil spirits. No doubt she became a believer in Christ and devoted follower of His after this initial encounter. Should we not too be eternally grateful to our Lord for cleansing us of our sins (2 Pet. 1:9; Acts 22:16)? Because of everything Jesus has done and continues to do for us, we too should be devoted followers of His!

2. She helped to provide for Jesus and the apostles. “And the twelve were with Him, and certain women…Mary called Magdalene…and many others who provided for Him from their substance” (Luke 8:1-3). When we picture Jesus’ earthly ministry, do we not typically picture Him and the twelve apostles, almost exclusively, traveling together from place to place? Well, Luke informs us that certain female disciples were also accompanying the Lord as He went about preaching. We also learn that these women helped provide what was needed for Jesus and the twelve from their own possessions. Women, such as Mary, who Jesus had healed of evil spirits and various sicknesses, were happy to serve and sacrifice for Him. How much the Lord must have loved and appreciated these women who financially assisted Him in such an important and needed way. Perhaps our perspective concerning giving upon the first day of week (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7) would be improved if we remembered that, like Mary, we were helping to provide for the work of our Lord.

3. She stood by the cross of Jesus. When Jesus was arrested all the disciples forsook Him and fled (Matt. 26:56). Judas betrayed Him. Peter denied Him. The others feared for their lives (John 20:19). Out of all the apostles only John is specifically mentioned as being present at the crucifixion. But the women who had faithfully ministered to Him in Galilee were there (Mark 15:40-41). “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25; cf. Matt. 27:55-56). Mary Magdalene, loyal and steadfast to the end, stood by the cross of Jesus. How incredibly sorrowful and emotionally painful that experience must have been for Mary. She was there to give Him her unwavering support in life and in death. It could not be said of Mary that she ever forsook Him and fled. Would we have stood by the cross of Jesus with her?

4. She was there when the Lord was buried. “And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment” (Luke 23:55-56). Matthew tells us specifically that “Mary Magdalene was there” (27:61) ever ready to serve the needs of the Lord she loved. What a devoted servant of Jesus! Are we so devoted to the Lord we claim to love (2 Cor. 8:5)?

5. She reported her discovery of the empty tomb. “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him’” (John 20:1-2). It was not the apostles who first discovered the empty tomb; it was Mary Magdalene and other women with her (Lk. 24:1, 10). Out of genuine concern “she ran” to tell Peter and John this startling news. And thanks be to God, that tomb Mary discovered to be empty 2000 years ago is still empty!

6. She was the first disciple to see the risen Savior. Mark records: “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons” (16:9). Not Peter, Andrew, James or John. Not his mother, brothers or sisters. But Mary Magdalene had the distinct honor and privilege to be the first to see the risen Christ! Why? I don’t know. Perhaps because when the disciples left the tomb she lingered behind (John 20:10-11). Without question one of the most stirring scenes in all of Scripture involves Mary Magdalene and Jesus (John 20:11-18). Her tears of great sorrow and despair soon turned into tears of great joy and hope. As Jesus called out her name, “Mary!” she realized the Lord Himself stood in front of her and she grabbed a hold of Him tightly. May we too possess such genuine love and affection for our Lord and ever cling to Him tightly!

The heart and soul of the gospel message is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4), and Mary Magdalene was there to witness it all. If anyone could ever be described as a faithful disciple of the Lord, it would be her. She desired to be a disciple of Jesus and therefore denied herself, took up her cross daily, and followed Him (Luke 9:23), never looking back (9:62). She was 100% committed to her Lord, willing to forsake all for Him (Lk. 14:33). How much better off the Lord’s Church would be today if we had more Mary Magdalene’s!

Jesse Flowers has been preaching for the church of Christ at Pruett and Lobit Street in Baytown, Texas for the past 7 1/2 years. He is married to his beautiful wife, April (Melton), and they have four sweet children, Jesse, Josiah, Anna and Clara. If interested, you can read more of his articles or listen to his sermons at www.biblework.com.