CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY MAGDALENE – WITNESSED JESUS’ RESURRECTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 20:1-18
"Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." – John 20:1
Supporting Texts: Luke 8:2-3, Mark 16:9, Matthew 27:55-56, John 19:25
INTRODUCTION:
Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant female figures in the New Testament. She was a devoted follower of Jesus who experienced His deliverance, supported His ministry, and was privileged to be the first person to witness His resurrection. Her life demonstrates transformation, dedication, and faithfulness.
1. MARY MAGDALENE EXPERIENCED DELIVERANCE FROM DEMONIC OPPRESSION
a) She was once possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2)
Jesus delivered her from severe spiritual bondage.
b) Demonic possession affected her life negatively (Mark 5:2-5)
Like the man in Gadara, she was under demonic control.
c) Jesus has power over all demonic forces (Mark 16:9)
He cast the demons out, setting her free.
d) Deliverance brought her into a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
She became a new person in Christ.
e) Biblical Example: The demoniac of Gadara was also delivered and became a witness for Christ (Mark 5:18-20).
2. MARY MAGDALENE WAS A FAITHFUL FOLLOWER OF JESUS
a) She followed Jesus after her deliverance (Luke 8:2-3)
She stayed with Jesus and never turned back.
b) She supported Jesus’ ministry financially (Luke 8:3)
She, along with other women, provided for Jesus and His disciples.
c) She was present at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56)
Even when others abandoned Jesus, she remained.
d) She followed Jesus out of love, not for personal gain (John 12:26)
She was devoted to Christ selflessly.
e) Biblical Example: The woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume also demonstrated great devotion (Mark 14:3-9).
3. MARY MAGDALENE WITNESSED JESUS’ DEATH AND BURIAL
a) She stood near the cross with other women (John 19:25)
She did not fear persecution but stayed by Jesus.
b) She saw where Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:61)
She observed as Joseph of Arimathea laid Him in the tomb.
c) She prepared spices to anoint His body (Luke 23:55-56)
She intended to honour Him even in death.
d) She remained loyal to Jesus even in sorrow (Romans 8:35)
Her love for Christ was unwavering.
e) Biblical Example: Ruth remained loyal to Naomi, just as Mary Magdalene remained loyal to Jesus (Ruth 1:16-17).
4. MARY MAGDALENE WAS THE FIRST TO SEE THE RISEN CHRIST
a) She went to the tomb early in the morning (John 20:1)
She was eager to honour Jesus, even after His death.
b) She found the stone rolled away (Mark 16:3-4)
She witnessed the empty tomb.
c) She encountered angels who announced His resurrection (Luke 24:4-6)
She was among the first to hear the good news.
d) Jesus personally appeared to her (John 20:14-16)
He revealed Himself to her before any of the disciples.
e) Biblical Example: The disciples on the road to Emmaus also encountered the risen Christ (Luke 24:13-32).
5. MARY MAGDALENE BECAME THE FIRST PROCLAIMER OF THE RESURRECTION
a) Jesus commissioned her to tell the disciples (John 20:17)
She was the first person to declare, “I have seen the Lord.”
b) She obeyed immediately and shared the message (John 20:18)
She spread the good news without hesitation.
c) She became a witness to the greatest event in history (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith.
d) God used a woman to announce the resurrection (Galatians 3:28)
In Christ, there is no gender discrimination in service.
e) Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman also became a messenger of Christ (John 4:28-30).
STRENGTHS OF MARY MAGDALENE
a) She was deeply grateful for her deliverance (Luke 8:2-3)
Her past made her appreciate Jesus more.
b) She was completely devoted to Christ (Matthew 27:55-56)
Her loyalty was unwavering.
c) She demonstrated great courage (John 19:25)
She did not abandon Jesus even in death.
d) She had a strong love for Jesus (John 20:1-2)
Her love drove her to the tomb early in the morning.
e) She was obedient to Jesus’ commission (John 20:17-18)
She proclaimed the resurrection boldly.
WEAKNESSES OF MARY MAGDALENE
a) She initially did not recognise Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:14-15)
Her grief blinded her to the truth.
b) She struggled to understand the full meaning of Jesus’ words (John 20:9)
She did not immediately grasp that Jesus had to rise.
c) She was among those who doubted the empty tomb at first (Luke 24:11)
The disciples initially dismissed the women’s report.
d) She was emotionally overwhelmed by Jesus’ death (Mark 16:10-11)
Her sorrow almost overshadowed her faith.
e) Like the disciples, she needed reassurance (John 20:16)
She did not recognise Jesus until He spoke her name.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF MARY MAGDALENE
a) Jesus can transform any life, no matter how broken (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Mary Magdalene’s past did not define her future.
b) True devotion to Christ means following Him at all times (Luke 9:23)
She stayed with Jesus in good times and bad.
c) Those who seek Jesus diligently will encounter Him (Jeremiah 29:13)
She found Jesus because she sought Him with her whole heart.
d) God values faithfulness and rewards it (Hebrews 11:6)
She was honoured as the first witness of the resurrection.
e) Believers must boldly proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)
Like Mary Magdalene, we are called to share the good news.
CONCLUSION:
Mary Magdalene’s story is a powerful testimony of redemption, devotion, and faith. She reminds us that Jesus transforms lives, that true love for Christ endures hardship, and that God uses the most unexpected people to proclaim His greatest messages.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, transform my life and make me a vessel for Your glory.
2. Father, help me to remain faithful to You in all seasons.
3. Lord, let me always seek You diligently and find You.
4. Father, use me to proclaim Your resurrection power.
5. Lord, give me the courage to stand for You even in difficult times.
