Chapter 7 Women Of The Gospel: The Stories Of Mary And Mary Magdalene
After exploring the four gospels, it is a good time to read stories of notable women of the gospels. Unlike the Old Testament, which referred to many women and their impact on God’s purpose for the Israelites, the New Testament only mentions a few.
The New Testament celebrated more men than women – Jesus’ closest disciples were men. However, whenever a crowd listened to Jesus, the women were more in attendance than men, which is still evident today.
If you enter a well-populated church, you will notice most members are women. They may not always take up a leadership role – but they are always present where Jesus is.
This character-based chapter focuses on the stories and profiles of two women who stood out in Jesus’ ministry – how they met Him, grew in faith as they listened to His teachings, became disciples and loyal followers, and followed Him until His death and after His resurrection.
More interestingly, they have the same name. You’ve probably guessed it already. So, are you down for more Bible character study? If yes, then keep reading.
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Mary | The Mother of Jesus
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was an average young lady next door – quiet, calm, beautiful, kept to herself, and faithful to God and her fiance. When Mary got engaged, she was still a virgin and an exemplary, nice young woman. Many men clamored to woo her. However, the lucky man was Joseph, a decent, humble, and God-fearing man.
Joseph came from King David’s lineage, born and raised in a small town of Nazareth in Galilee. His ancestors were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse, etc. He had a high-paying job in carpentry and was comfortably well-off.
Unlike some of the men in the town, he didn’t want to fool around with just any woman. He knew Mary was the one for him and wanted to make her an honest wife.
Their relationship was the talk of the town. They were perfect for each other. However, Joseph made a shocking discovery with the wedding date approaching fast. Mary was pregnant! His virgin fiancee was pregnant. How did this happen? The Book of Luke records that the angel Gabriel visited Mary.
Luke 1:26-35: “The angel came to her and said, “You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. You are chosen from among many women.” When she saw the angel, she was troubled by his words.
She thought about what had been said. The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus.
He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat.
He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I have never had a man.”
The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.”
Although shocked and confused, Mary, as always, willingly served God’s purpose. Her heart raced when the angel left her. How would she tell Joseph? What would she tell him? What about her family? Joseph’s family?
How could she explain becoming pregnant overnight? What does she tell her best friend? The questions kept rolling through her mind, but then she remembered the word of the Lord from the angel: “Do not be afraid.
You have found favor with God.” So, Mary steeled herself and kept her emotions in check. God would not put her to shame. She knew Him as faithful and just.
Even though she was young, she had dedicated her life to serving the Lord. God heard her thoughts and noted her worries, so he sent an angel to speak to Joseph.
Joseph, respecting the laws of the land prepared to break the engagement. The child was not his, so he shouldn’t be the one marrying Mary.
He decided to do it quietly so as to not hurt Mary’s image. While planning to let her go, an angel visited him in a dream and explained the situation. Matthew 1:20-21:
After the angel’s visit, Joseph knew what to do. He quickly married Mary and assisted her throughout the pregnancy. Mary thanks God for choosing her in Luke 1:46-55:
“Then Mary said, “My heart sings with thanks for my Lord. And my spirit is happy in God, the One Who saves from the punishment of sin. The Lord has looked on me, His servant-girl and one who is not important.
But from now on all people will honor me. He Who is powerful has done great things for me. His name is Holy. The loving-kindness of the Lord is given to the people of all times who honor Him.
He has done powerful works with His arm. He has divided from each other those who have pride in their hearts. He has taken rulers down from their thrones.
He has put those who are in a place that is not important to a place that is important. He has filled those who are hungry with good things.
He has sent the rich people away with nothing. He has helped Israel His servant. This was done to remember His loving-kindness. He promised He would do this to our early fathers and to Abraham and to his family forever.”
After seeing that God had opened Elizabeth’s womb like the angel said, reality dawned on Mary, and she couldn’t contain her joy.
When Jesus started His ministry at the wedding in Cana, Mary told the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it” John 2:5. Mary knew exactly who Jesus was and what He could do. He did not disappoint.
When Jesus’ ministry on Earth ended, it was time to say goodbye to his human form at the cross. Mary was gripped with grief. She had watched Him grow from a tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes to the wounded and bruised man hanging on the cross as was prophesied about Him. Mary was sad but grateful. God’s will be done, and she had played her part in it.
Mary Magdalene | The Woman Disciple
Mary Magdalene is another Mary featured in Jesus’ life, and her presence wasn’t fleeting. She was first introduced in Luke 8:1-3, “’ After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
The Bible records that she was one of the women who traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry with her finances.
All the gospels had something to say about her because of her dedication and activeness in Jesus’ ministry. Mary Magdalene, a close follower of Jesus, loved and believed in Him immensely.
At Jesus’ crucifixion, she was there. It was sad and heartbreaking because Jesus, who had taught much about love and kindness, was treated so cruelly.
Most people who gathered at the cross to witness the crucifixion left the scene after a while, but Mary stayed because she wanted to be close to Jesus.
She witnessed His suffering until He died. Standing near the cross, Mary watched Jesus speak His last words. She saw the sky turn dark, felt the earth shake, and experienced everything that happened afterward.
When soldiers came to take Jesus’ body away, she made sure to locate where He was buried. She and other women wanted to ensure His body was cared for, so they planned to return back after the Sabbath.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She wanted to put special spices on Jesus’ body, as was the custom.
When she arrived, Mary saw the huge stone covering the tomb’s entrance had rolled away! Confused and thinking someone might have taken Jesus’ body, she ran to tell the disciples, Peter and John. They came to see for themselves.
As she wept, Mary looked into the tomb again. This time, she saw two angels dressed in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been. They asked her:
“Why are you crying?”
She answered:
Then, the man said her name, “Mary.” At that moment, Mary realized it was Jesus speaking. He was alive! Her heart must have leaped with joy.
Jesus told her to go and tell the others that He had risen from the dead. Mary Magdalene ran to tell the disciples the amazing news.
She couldn’t wait to share that Jesus had risen like He said He would. She was the first person to see Jesus alive. She was so excited to share this miracle with everyone.
There is a common misconception about Mary Magdalene being a prostitute. The Bible does not explicitly say that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. It only records the one time when Jesus cast out seven demons from her (Luke 8:2).
Some people believe Mary Magdalene was the same person as another unnamed woman in the Bible, who many thought was a prostitute and is known for washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and drying them with her hair (Luke 7:36-38). However, there is no evidence that these two women are the same person.
Lessons From Their Lives
Faith And Obedience
Mary demonstrated deep faith and obedience by accepting God’s will for her life, even when facing uncertainty and potential shame. Her response to angel Gabriel’s message was trust and submission, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
She accepted her role as Jesus’ mother, trusting in God’s plan despite the challenges that would come with it. Her faith was steadfast, and she remained obedient to God’s call. Mary became the perfect example of trusting God’s purpose, even when you do not fully understand the circumstances.
Mary Magdalene’s faith and obedience were evident in her unwavering support for Jesus throughout His ministry. Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully despite her past, providing for Him and His disciples. She embraced her role with devotion. Her faith led to her transformation and a new purpose.
Courage And Perseverance
Mary, Jesus’ mother, showed immense courage when she accepted the angel’s message that she would bear the Son of God. She faced potential disgrace, misunderstanding, and rejection from her community, yet she willingly obeyed God. She persevered through her personal pain, trusting in God’s greater plan.
Mary Magdalene’s courage is highlighted by her presence at Jesus’ crucifixion when many others fled in fear. She persevered in her devotion to Jesus, even when He was no longer physically present. She displayed courage by going to the tomb to honor Jesus’ body. She did not let fear or societal judgment deter her from her devotion.
Devotion And Service
Virgin Mary’s devotion is seen throughout Jesus’ life, from His birth to His death. She cared for Him, supported His ministry, and followed Him to the very end. She was wholly humble with a profound purpose.
Even at the wedding in Cana, she demonstrated her faith in Jesus by encouraging others to follow His instructions, showing her ongoing devotion and service to His mission.
Mary Magdalene’s devotion is evident in her financial support of Jesus’ ministry and constant presence with Him. She followed Jesus and served His mission actively, providing for Him and His disciples.
Her devotion was unwavering, and she was among the first to witness His resurrection. She was entrusted with the task of delivering the news to the disciples.
Witness And Proclamation
Mary, Jesus’ mother, was crucial as a witness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. She witnessed Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana and was present during His crucifixion. Her life and actions proclaimed her faith and trust in God’s plan, making her a powerful witness to God’s work in the world.
Mary Magdalene: Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the risen Christ and was tasked with proclaiming this incredible news to the disciples.
She became the first evangelist because she saw Jesus’ resurrection. She boldly shared the news despite the potential disbelief and shock from others – she was too excited to care.
Mary, Jesus’ mother and her namesake from Magdala, boldly shared their faith and experiences with others. Witnessing God’s work and declaring your faith openly can inspire and encourage others to do the same.
Journaling Prompt
Reflect on a time in your life when you felt called to step out in faith like Mary, Jesus’ mother when she accepted God’s plan for her life.
How did you respond to that call? What fears or uncertainties did you face? How did you overcome them? Consider Mary Magdalene’s example, who demonstrated unwavering devotion and courage even in great challenges. How can you incorporate similar faithfulness and dedication into your daily life?