Bible character overview - Mary Magdalene
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Time to read 4 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of Mary Magdalene. Here you'll learn about who Mary Magdalene was, what she did, and her strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Mary Magdalene to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was Mary Magdalene from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 10 B.C - 70 A.D
- Where: Magdala
- Name meaning: ‘bitter’ or ‘beloved’
Glimpse: Mary Magdalene was a very troubled lady before meeting with Jesus. Mary was possessed by several spirits but was freed from them before joining the disciples of Jesus and supporting Jesus' ministry. Mary loved the Lord and was one of the few who remained at the foot of the cross where Jesus died. She was also the first to witness the empty tomb and Jesus after His resurrection.
Mary's transformation
Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple in the time of Jesus. Mary was demon-possessed before being delivered from 7 demons. She was a Jewish woman from a place called Magdala and is mentioned 12 times in the gospels. Mary was involved in the ministry of Jesus, supporting in any way she could. She was also there at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Questions
→ How important do you think Mary was to the ministry of Jesus?
→ Why do you think its so important to have a supporting team when doing ministry?
"and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;"
Mary sees Jesus
After Jesus’ death, His body was placed in a tomb. Three days later, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb and discovered that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. Distressed, she began to weep, and two angels appeared to her, asking why she was crying. Mary, still in sorrow, explained that she thought someone had taken Jesus' body.
As Mary turned around, she saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize Him and thought He was the gardener. Jesus asked her why she was crying and whom she was seeking. Mary, still confused, enquired about the location of Jesus' body. At that moment, Jesus simply said her name, "Mary.". Now recognising Him, she realized that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Questions
→ How do you think you would have reacted in that situation?
→ Why do you think Mary didn't recognize Jesus straight away?
"Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).''
Mary tells the disciples
Suddenly, it all clicks for Mary, and she is overwhelmed with joy. Jesus then instructs her to go and tell the disciples, saying in John 20:17, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary obeys and rushes away to share the news of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples.
Questions
→ What times have you felt called by God to share the gospel with someone?
→ Have you found difficulty in sharing these things with others?
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”
Strengths:
- Obedience: After her transformation, Mary supported the ministry of Jesus and stuck with him the whole way even until her death
- Loyalty: Mary was one of the few at the cross and also the first to go the the tomb after Jesus' death
- Love: Her love for Christ is evident in how distraught she was after his death and after seeing the tomb empty but even in how she obeyed his word and ran to tell the disciples about what she had seen
Weaknesses:
- Possession: Mary had obviously involved herself in very dark things that led to her possession but she was eventually freed and transformed
Conclusion
We learn from Mary that, it doesn't matter what you've done or who you are, Jesus can transform your life and set you free, giving you hope and a future. When we obey his word and stay loyal to Jesus like Mary, loving Him the whole way, we will experience the fullness of all He has planned for our lives. Do not allow your past experiences to define you, allow Jesus to transform you.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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