Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene (often simply called Magdalene) was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her name suggests that she was from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of ​​Galilee. She appears in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and plays a central role in some of the most important moments of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not describe Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. That idea arose centuries later, based on misinterpretations and Church traditions. What the Bible does say:

Jesus cast out seven demons from her (Luke 8:2), which indicates an act of healing and restoration, rather than a scandal.

When we first meet Mary Magdalene in the Bible, her name is accompanied by a difficult but powerful description. Listen to Luke 8:2: "...and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had come out."

Think of that number: seven! Seven demons. Mary's life was a spiritual battlefield, a life shattered and scattered. Many of us know what it's like to carry burdens, to feel broken. Perhaps they aren't literal demons, but those inner struggles, those chains that bind us.

The story of Mary Magdalene shows us what Jesus was like. Jesus didn't withdraw from people like Mary. He didn't withdraw to judge them. On the contrary, He entered her life and prepared her for a transformation. He saw her—really her—and breathed life into her chaos. He cast out the demons and gave her back her dignity, her identity, and her purpose. It wasn't just a healing; it was a miraculous transformation!

And what did Mary do with the transformation and liberation Jesus offered her? She didn't retreat into the shadows. No, she embraced the LIGHT! She became a follower, a devoted disciple, and a friend. She walked with Jesus, served him, and witnessed his crucifixion. She was there at the foot of the cross when the others scattered. And just when she was about to lose hope, Jesus performed a second great miracle: Mary was the first to see the RISEN JESUS!

Imagine! The woman who was once possessed, who was once defined by her brokenness, became the first evangelist, the first to proclaim, "He is risen!" What a transformation! That's the power of Jesus: to take our broken pieces and create something beautiful, something bold!

Did you see that? Jesus calls Mary by name.

We often think transformation is about becoming something we've never been. But sometimes it's about reclaiming what we always wanted to be, before we lost our way and our identity.

Mary's story reminds us that no matter how far we've fallen, no matter how broken we feel, Jesus can restore us. He can take our pain and turn it into purpose. He can take our fear and turn it into faith. Let Mary's boldness inspire you. Let her journey remind you that transformation is possible, that resurrection is real, and that Jesus sees you, even in your brokenness.