Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus, delivered from severe demonic affliction, who became a significant financial supporter of His ministry and the very first witness to the resurrection, entrusted with announcing it to the other disciples.

Luke 8:2 introduces her as one of several women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, specifically noting that seven demons had gone out of her, a detail that underscores the severity of her affliction before encountering Jesus.

Luke records that Mary Magdalene, along with several other women, provided material support for Jesus and His disciples "of their substance," indicating she had real financial means and used them directly to help sustain Jesus' traveling ministry.

Mary Magdalene is present at the crucifixion, one of the women who remained near the cross even as most of the male disciples had scattered, and she follows to see where Jesus' body was laid, intending to return to properly anoint it after the Sabbath.

John 20:1 records her arriving at the tomb while it was still dark, finding the stone already rolled away, and running to tell Peter and John that the body was missing, setting in motion the discovery of the empty tomb.

After the other disciples leave, Mary remains at the tomb weeping, and encounters a figure she initially mistakes for the gardener. It is only when He speaks her name directly, "Mary," that she recognizes the risen Jesus, turning and calling Him "Rabboni," teacher.

Jesus instructs her specifically to go and tell the disciples He was ascending to His Father, making her the first person recorded to see the risen Christ and the one directly commissioned to deliver news of the resurrection to the rest of the apostles.

Mary Magdalene's story, from severe affliction to devoted, sacrificial support of Jesus' ministry to becoming the first witness of the resurrection, has made her one of the most significant women in the entire New Testament, remembered specifically for her presence at both the cross and the empty tomb when many others had fled.