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    Mary Magdalene

    The First Witness

    Strong's G3094 — original-language name study

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    Who was Mary Magdalene?

    Mary Magdalene was delivered from seven demons by Jesus and became one of His most devoted followers. She was the first person to see the risen Christ.

    Mary came from Magdala, a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus met her, she was afflicted with seven demons. We know nothing of her torment, but we know its end: Jesus cast out the demons, and Mary was set free. In gratitude, she became one of the women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry from their own means.

    Mary Magdalene's devotion to Jesus was unwavering. She is mentioned in every Gospel account of the crucifixion, watching from a distance when most disciples had fled. She was present at Jesus' burial, noting where His body was laid. Early on Sunday morning, she came to the tomb with other women to anoint His body.

    Finding the tomb empty, Mary ran to tell Peter and John, who came and saw the grave clothes but then went home. Mary stayed, weeping outside the tomb. Looking in, she saw two angels who asked why she was weeping. Turning around, she encountered a man she supposed to be the gardener. When He said her name—"Mary"—she recognized Jesus.

    Mary became the first witness of the resurrection, commissioned to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive and ascending to the Father. This honor given to a woman, and one with a troubled past, demonstrates God's heart for the broken and His tendency to use the unlikely. Mary's story is one of deliverance, devotion, and the dawning of resurrection hope.

    Life Timeline of Mary Magdalene

    1. Delivered

      Jesus casts seven devils out of her.

      Luke 8:2 (KJV)
    2. Disciple

      Ministers to the Lord of her substance with other women.

      Luke 8:3 (KJV)
    3. At the Cross

      Stands by the cross with the other Marys.

      John 19:25 (KJV)
    4. At the Tomb

      Watches where the body is laid.

      Mark 15:47 (KJV)
    5. First Witness

      First to see the risen Christ at the empty tomb.

      John 20:14-16 (KJV)
    6. Apostle to the Apostles

      Sent to tell the disciples: "I have seen the Lord."

      John 20:18 (KJV)

    Key Scriptures

    Context: Introduced as one out of whom the Lord cast seven devils — a freed woman who follows.

    "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."

    Context: At the empty tomb, the risen Christ calls her by name and sends her as the first witness.

    "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."

    Also linked to: John the Apostle, Thomas

    "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her."

    Also linked to: John the Apostle, Thomas

    Lessons from Mary Magdalene's Life

    • 1.Jesus transforms the most broken lives into the most devoted followers.
    • 2.Staying near Jesus, even in dark times, leads to encountering Him risen.
    • 3.Jesus knows us by name and reveals Himself to the seeking heart.
    • 4.Those who have been forgiven much love much.

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