Who Was Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene is one of the most misunderstood figures in the Bible — often confused with other women and burdened with legends the Scriptures never tell. The real Mary is far more remarkable than the myths: a devoted follower of Jesus who was the first to witness his resurrection. Here's who she actually was.

Freed by Jesus

Mary came from Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee. The Bible tells us that Jesus freed her from great affliction — seven demons had been cast out of her. Whatever torment she had known, Jesus set her free, and her gratitude fuelled a lifelong devotion. Her story begins with a rescue.

A faithful follower

Mary became one of Jesus' devoted followers, among the women who travelled with him and supported his ministry. When most of the disciples fled at his arrest, Mary and the other women stayed near. She was there at the cross, watching, when it would have been easier and safer to disappear. Her faithfulness held when others' failed.

First at the tomb

It was Mary who came to Jesus' tomb early on the first Easter morning to tend his body — and found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. In one of the most moving scenes in the Gospels, the risen Jesus appeared to her and spoke her name, 'Mary.' She had the honour of being the very first witness of the resurrection.

The first to tell

Jesus sent Mary to announce the news to the other disciples — making her, in effect, the first person to proclaim the resurrection. In a culture that gave little weight to a woman's testimony, God chose a woman to be the first herald of the greatest news in history. It says something beautiful about how Jesus valued and honoured her.

A myth to set aside

Much of what people 'know' about Mary Magdalene — that she was a prostitute, or secretly married to Jesus — comes from later legend and fiction, not the Bible. Scripture presents her simply and honourably: a woman freed, devoted, faithful, and uniquely blessed to be the first to meet the risen Lord.

Mary Magdalene was a woman rescued by Jesus who became one of his most faithful followers — present at the cross, first at the empty tomb, and the first to proclaim that he was risen. Cleared of the myths, her true story is one of gratitude, courage, and honour. She reminds us that Jesus sees, frees, and dignifies those the world overlooks — and entrusts the good news to faithful, ordinary hearts.