Have you ever walked into a crowded room and wished you could disappear or melt into the background? That’s pretty much how I’ve felt my entire life, because I struggle with small talk and feeling like I’m enough. I have never felt pretty, clever, or interesting enough compared to everyone else. I feel branded by my past and my disability. This makes me wonder how I could ever share my heart or faith with others. I bet Mary Magdalene felt much the same way.
I wondered how Mary Magdalene had overcome her past. So, I reread the Gospels, hoping to glean some insight. While reading, I noticed that Mary’s name appeared 12 times in all four gospels. This intrigued me; Who was Mary Magdalene, and what could I learn from her life?
The Mary Mix Up
As I began studying Mary Magdalene, I encountered conflicting views on her identity. Some scholars claimed Mary Magdalene was the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus. Some teachers said she was the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. With so many Marys mentioned in the Bible, it is easy to confuse them. Of course, there was Mary, the mother of Jesus. There was Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. There was Mary, the mother of James and Joseph. And there was Mary Magdalene.
To find the truth, I went to the source, the Bible. John 12:1-8 states that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with nard and wiped them with her hair. However, these verses take place at a dinner in Bethany. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was reclining with Jesus. Thus, it is clear that the Mary mentioned here is Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
Luke 7:36-50 lists a similar story at a dinner in a Pharisee’s home. However, this story does not identify the woman’s name. It states that a sinful woman wet Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them.
Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13 recount similar stories, but in these accounts, the woman anoints Jesus’ head. The story in Matthew states that this took place in the home of Simon the leper. Therefore, it is unclear if there were two separate instances of anointing or one. However, what is clear is that the woman was NOT Mary Magdalene.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was a woman from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee. She first appears in Luke 8:1-2, where we learn that Jesus cast seven demons out of her. Mary was a devoted follower of Jesus. She traveled with Jesus, supported his ministry, and was present at His crucifixion (John 19:25). Mary witnessed where they laid Jesus’ body (Mark 15:47). And she was the first to witness and report His resurrection (John 20:11-16).
What Can We Learn From Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene’s story offers four powerful life lessons.
1. Your past does not determine your worth.
Jesus healed Mary Magdalene from seven demons. The number seven suggests completeness. Thus, evil completely dominated Mary’s life. There is no account of what abuse and heartache this cost Mary. Imagine the shame Mary felt due to the physical or psychological illness that was the result of demon possession. Society shunned Mary, so she resided in darkness and had most likely given up on herself and her future. But Jesus freed her. He didn’t just cast out the demons; He healed her from it all, mind, body, and spirit.
Mary’s encounter with Jesus was so profound that it redirected her entire life. Despite being a woman of means, she chose to leave her current life situation, follow Jesus, and support His ministry. Mary’s gratitude changes her life and future.. Her transformation is proof that God can and will save and use us regardless of our past or current situation.
Jesus has also transformed our lives. We can rest securely knowing we are chosen, valued, loved (Ephesians 1:4), children of God (Galatians 3:26).
2. Who you are does not determine your purpose.
Sometimes we question who we are. We think that we aren’t good enough, educated enough, or worthy enough to carry God’s message. But, friend, Mary Magdalene was a demon-possessed woman in a society that placed zero value on women. Yet, God called her to be the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection.
Therefore, we must never question the callings and the passions God has placed in our hearts. God created each of us for a unique purpose. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). Therefore, we need not worry about our doubts and fears; instead, we should heed God’s calling.
3. Remain faithful and never give up.
After witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion, most people would have given up, thinking they might have followed after the wrong man. Yet, Mary’s faith never wavered. After Jesus’ death, Mary Magdalene remained and learned the location of Jesus’ final resting place. (Matthew 27:61, ESV). Mary even continued to visit Jesus’ tomb and planned to minister to Him by anointing Him with spices (Mark 16:1-3). It was because of Mary’s unwavering faith and devotion that she was able to witness Jesus’ resurrection.
Similarly, we encounter life circumstances that leave us feeling there is no hope for a solution or a future. But if we persevere in our faith as Mary Magdalene did, we too will see God’s miracles.
4. Be courageous in your calling.
Can you imagine how afraid Mary Magdalene was to share that she had seen the risen Christ? Everyone would think she was crazy. But Mary was brave and shared her good news with the disciples anyway (John 20:17-18).
Research reveals that despite being a woman, Mary Magdalene continued to preach the gospel. Some historians state that she accompanied St. John to Ephesus. Others claim that she evangelized southeastern France before spending the rest of her life in solitude.
Take Away
Mary Magdalene was a woman of unwavering faith who overcame severe suffering and had her life transformed by Jesus. She was one of Jesus’ few female disciples who played a crucial role in the early Christian church. Her story serves as an example of faith and dedication. Because of Mary, we see that anything is possible with Jesus. Therefore, we can all make a difference in the lives of others.
