Women in Christ's Ministry
Mary Magdalene
First Witness of the Resurrection
Description
Delivered from seven demons, Mary Magdalene became a devoted follower of Christ. Her presence at the crucifixion and her encounter with the risen Lord at the tomb established her as the first resurrection witness—an apostle to the apostles.Later tradition erroneously identified Mary Magdalene with the sinful woman who anointed Jesus (Luke 7) and with Mary of Bethany. Scripture gives no warrant for these identifications. Her epithet 'Magdalene' simply indicates her hometown of Magdala.
Key Verses
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.