What did Mary Magdalene do for Jesus?
BREAKDOWN
Mary Magdalene holds a unique and profoundly significant place in the narrative of Jesus's ministry. Her primary contributions revolve around her unwavering devotion, financial support, and pivotal role as the first witness to Jesus's resurrection. The Gospels indicate that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her, as recorded in Luke 8:2, which transformed her life and ignited a deep commitment to Him. This act of liberation was foundational to her discipleship, leading her to follow Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, ministering to Him and His disciples out of her own means. She was part of a group of women who supported Jesus's itinerant ministry financially, a crucial role often overlooked but vital for the sustenance of the group, as highlighted in Luke 8:1-3, which states, "It happened soon afterwards, that he went through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and with him twelve, and certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; and Susanna; and many others, who served them from their possessions." This demonstrated her significant dedication and perhaps her independent means. Her steadfast loyalty was most powerfully demonstrated during the most challenging moments of Jesus's life. While many male disciples fled, Mary Magdalene remained at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25), witnessing His death and burial. Her presence at Calvary underscores her profound love and faithfulness. Critically, she was also among the women who went to the tomb early on the first day of the week to anoint Jesus's body, only to find it empty. John 20:1-18 recounts her personal encounter with the resurrected Christ, where she initially mistook Him for the gardener. Upon recognizing His voice, she was commissioned by Jesus Himself to bear witness to His resurrection to the disciples, becoming the "apostle to the apostles." This moment cemented her role as the first evangelist of the resurrection, a profound and revolutionary designation in a patriarchal society.
KEY TERMS
seven demons
A severe spiritual affliction from which Jesus delivered Mary Magdalene, marking a pivotal transformation in her life.
crucifixion
The method of execution by which Jesus died; Mary Magdalene was a faithful witness at this event.
resurrection
Jesus's rising from the dead, to which Mary Magdalene was the first human witness and messenger.
apostle to the apostles
A traditional title given to Mary Magdalene, signifying her unique commission by Jesus to announce His resurrection to the male disciples.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Luke 8:1-3
It happened soon afterwards, that he went through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and with him twelve, and certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; and Susanna; and many others, who served them from their possessions.
Matthew 27:55-56
Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Mark 15:40-41
There were also women watching from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered to him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
John 19:25
But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 20:1-18
Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. Therefore 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 don’t know where they have laid him!" Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in. Simon Peter therefore came following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes. But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. As she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. They told her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned herself and said to him, "Rabboni!" which is to say, "Teacher!" Jesus said to her, "Don’t touch me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’" Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
Μαγδαληνή
Magdalene
DefinitionOf Magdala; a woman from Magdala.
διηκόνουν
ministered
DefinitionTo serve, minister, attend to, supply aid.
δαιμόνια
demons
DefinitionEvil spirits, demons.
ἀπόστολος
apostle
DefinitionA messenger, one sent forth with a commission.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The 1st-century Judaean society was predominantly patriarchal, with women often relegated to domestic roles and their public testimony often not admissible in legal settings. Women like Mary Magdalene, who traveled with a male rabbi and his disciples, were atypical. The idea of a woman providing financial support to a religious leader was also uncommon but not unheard of, particularly among wealthier women. Demon possession, from which Mary Magdalene was freed, was a deeply stigmatizing condition, often associated with sin or divine punishment, leading to social ostracism. For Jesus to heal her and accept her into His inner circle, alongside other women, demonstrated a radical inclusivity that challenged the social norms of the time. Her presence at the crucifixion defied the societal expectation for women to be protected from such gruesome public spectacles, highlighting her exceptional courage and devotion. Furthermore, her role as the first witness to the resurrection, and subsequent messenger to the male apostles, was revolutionary, subverting the societal devaluation of women's testimony and affirming her spiritual authority and credibility in the nascent Christian movement.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Mary Magdalene's story offers profound theological insights. Firstly, it underscores the radical inclusivity of Christ's kingdom, demonstrating that redemption and discipleship are not bound by gender, social status, or past afflictions, as evidenced by her liberation from seven demons. Her transformation highlights the power of divine grace to restore and empower individuals for service. Secondly, her consistent presence at the crucifixion and tomb signifies unwavering faithfulness and courage in the face of despair and danger, modeling true devotion to Christ even in suffering. Most significantly, her role as the first witness to the resurrection and the first to proclaim it establishes her as a pivotal figure in Christian history. This divinely appointed commission challenged prevailing societal norms that often devalued women's testimony, emphasizing that God chooses whom He will for His purposes, irrespective of human conventions. Her testimony validates the core message of Christianity and affirms the equal spiritual capacity and value of women in God's redemptive plan.
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (indirect application) (Jewish)
While Rashi did not comment directly on New Testament figures, the general Jewish understanding of a 'converted' individual, especially one freed from ritual impurity or affliction, would be that their subsequent devotion and righteousness are held in high esteem. Mary Magdalene's transformation from one afflicted by demons to a devoted follower aligns with the principle of 'teshuvah' (repentance/return) leading to a purified state and renewed relationship with God, similar to how one might view a 'ba'al teshuvah' in later Jewish thought.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian)
Augustine frequently refers to Mary Magdalene as the 'apostle to the apostles' (apostola apostolorum) due to her unique commission by Jesus to announce His resurrection to the male disciples. He saw her as a prime example of God choosing the 'weak things of the world' to confound the wise, and her role underscored the profound truth of the resurrection, which she, a woman, was chosen to first proclaim.
John Calvin (Christian)
Calvin emphasized Mary Magdalene's devotion and the grace extended to her. He noted that her steadfastness at the cross and her eagerness to be at the tomb reflected a genuine faith and love for Christ, distinguishing her from those who deserted Him. Her being chosen as the first witness to the resurrection was, for Calvin, a demonstration of God's sovereign will and grace, not based on human merit, but on divine election.
Matthew Henry (Christian)
Matthew Henry highlights Mary Magdalene's persistent love and grief, which led her to the tomb despite danger or despair. He sees her tears and seeking as a model of earnest devotion, rewarded by the personal appearance of Christ. Her commission, he notes, shows that Christ honours those who honour Him, and He chose a woman to be the first messenger of the Gospel's greatest truth.
Midrash Rabbah (general principle) (Jewish)
Though not directly about Mary Magdalene, Midrashic literature often praises the piety and faith of women in Israelite history, particularly their steadfastness and courage. For instance, the Midrash often highlights the faith of the Israelite women during the Exodus from Egypt, contrasting it with the men's doubt. Mary Magdalene's unwavering presence at the cross and tomb, and her faith in the resurrection, align with this broader theme of women demonstrating exceptional devotion and spiritual insight.