Mary Magdalene

MARY MAGDALENE R.D.Ice 11/4/2003

A TV Special on ABC Tuesday night (11-4-03) speculated on whether Mary Magdalene might have been the wife of Jesus. This examines a book, "The Da Vinci Code," which based this question on material from the Gnostics (who claimed special knowledge not available to the average person).

Of course there is no reason at all to think that Jesus was married. However the Bible gives to Mary Magdalene a very important role as one of Christ’s supporters..

From "Kingdom Dynamics." Freed to become fruitful (Mary Magdalene). Mary Magdalene first appears in the Gospels among a number of other women who constitute a part of the support-team assisting Jesus in His ministry. She had been delivered from demonic bondage, the nature of which is not related.



There is an almost indestructible body of myth that has come to surround her, primarily by reason of speakers, writers, novelists, and screenplays, which have created a fantasy that generally suggests three things, none of which are in the Bible: 1) that she had been a prostitute, 2) that she was young and attractive, and, 3) that she had a romantic affection for Jesus. She has also been frequently confused with the sinful woman forgiven by Jesus (Luke 7:36-50) and/or the woman who broke the alabaster box of perfumed ointment (Mark 14:3-9). In fact, all these proposals are speculation, yet through frequent allusion or direct reference have taken on the appearance of fact for multitudes. What is true of Mary Magdalene?

First, she was a grateful soul, because she had been freed from terrible torment. This text suggests her service for Christ was motivated by that gratitude. Second: she was a witness of the Crucifixion, though apparently not beside the Cross as were Mary, Jesus’ mother, and John the Beloved (Matt. 27:55-56). (The fact that the other women with whom she kept company were all older women supports the reasoning that she was likely their peer in age.) Third: she was present at Jesus’ burial (Mark 15:47), among those who came early Easter morning to complete the embalming of Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1), among the first to hear the angelic announcement of Jesus’ resurrection (Mark16:6), and the first person actually to talk with Jesus after He was risen (John 20:11-18). It is foolish to conclude that her movement toward greeting Jesus with an embrace following His resurrection suggests anything other than the most logical response of joy and the discovery of His being alive. Jesus’ directive that she not do so was not because there was anything unworthy in her approach. His words apparently indicate some yet uncompleted aspect of His post-crucifixion mission. [note: touch me not = do not cling to Me.]

Mary Magdalene was a steadfast disciple of Jesus and is best seen as a case study of how no dimension of satanic bondage can prohibit any individual’s being released to fruitful service for Jesus Christ. F.L.

The Compact Bible Dictionary says of her: "Mary Magdalene. Jesus cast seven devils out of her; she became His devoted and supportive disciple. She was present at the crucifixion, visited His tomb, and witnessed the resurrection. Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; 24:10; John 20:1-18."

I wrote in the BSNT. "There is no reason at all to think her the woman at Simon’s house (Luke 7:37). She was one of the most devoted friends of Christ, and was first to see Him when He raised from death (John 20:16)."

Jesus Himself included women in His circle of disciples. Luke 8:1-3. This was very different from the Pharisees and their attitude toward women. The teachers of the Law did not believe women should be taught spiritual matters.

Paul also shows men and women equal in matters of salvation - all one in Christ. Gal. 3:28

The 120 disciples in Acts 1:12-15 included women. Only Mary the mother of Jesus is identified by name in this passage. Mary Magdalene was surely there also, as she was one of the inner circle of women.

Mary Magdalene was the very first to see the risen Christ (John 20:11-18). We wonder whether there is some important meaning here?

"Mary herself, as incredulous as the disciples, is convinced by the Risen Christ, unrecognized at first then joyfully embraced. His words, "do not cling to Me," confirm the lesson that this is the same Jesus, but not the Master of flesh and blood bound by time and space. She must not cling to the Jesus of Galilee, but keep her love for the Risen Lord who will soon be able to be present with all His disciples everywhere." William Neil (Note the other women did cling to Him temporarily, Matt. 28:9.)