Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus who lived during the late Second Temple period, when Rome ruled Judea and Galilee. Her name means Mary from Magdala, a fishing town beside the Sea of Galilee. Luke 8 says that Jesus freed her from seven demons, bringing her out of terrible spiritual suffering. Afterward, she traveled with Jesus and his disciples. She and several other women also helped provide for their needs. The Bible never calls Mary Magdalene a prostitute, and she should not be confused with Mary of Bethany or other women named Mary.

Mary stayed faithful during the darkest days of Jesus’ earthly life. The Gospels say that she watched as Jesus was crucified, while many followers had fled. She also saw where his body was placed. These events are told in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. Early on the first day of the week, Mary and other women went to the tomb. They found the stone moved and the tomb empty. In John 20, Mary ran to tell Peter and another disciple. Later, she stood outside the tomb crying. She saw angels, then turned and saw Jesus, but at first she did not recognize him. When Jesus spoke her name, Mary knew that her Teacher was alive. Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20 all name her among the first witnesses of the resurrection. She hurried to announce the wonderful news to the disciples.

Mary Magdalene’s story shows children that Jesus sees people in pain, restores them, and welcomes them as faithful followers. Her courage also teaches that love can remain strong even when life feels frightening or sad. Jesus trusted Mary with the most joyful message in the Christian faith, showing that her witness mattered greatly. Magdala, her hometown, stood on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the region where Jesus carried out much of his ministry. After Mary shared the news, Jesus appeared to more disciples and prepared them to tell others. The Bible does not explain what happened to Mary later, but it remembers her forever as a loyal follower and a first witness that Jesus had risen.