Once Mary Magdalene was known for her sin. After meeting Jesus, who healed her and invited her to follow Him, she was recognized for her deep devotion to Him.
In the Holman Christian Standard Bible, the word devote describes God’s own affection (see Deut. 7:7; 10:15), encouragement to follow God with one’s whole heart (see 1 Kings 8:61; Matt. 6:24), those who committed themselves to good (see Neh. 5:16; 1 Tim. 5:10), and those who were evil rather than obedient (see 1 Kings 21:20).
In Acts 2:42,46 the word devote describes the actions of the early church. These believers were “strong toward, continuing steadfastly, giving unremitting care” to the gospel. Believers continued steadfastly to worship God, to teach, and to reach more people. They were known for their devotion.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry. Acts 6:4
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. … And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. Titus 3:8,14
Nowhere was Mary Magdalene’s devotion to Jesus more evident than at the cross and the tomb:
Fearless (see Matt. 27:61; Mark 15:39-41,47; 16:9; Luke 24:1-5; John 19:25)
Heartbroken (see John 20:11)
Anointing His body (see Mark 16:1)
Joyful (see Matt. 28:8; Mark 16:9; John 20:18)
Her courage and devotion were rewarded when “early on the first day of the week, after He had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons” (Mark 16:9). And Mary Magdalene had the privilege of telling the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18).
Jesus was alive and He was here! The friend who had stood by her when death would’ve been a welcome release was whole again. Standing a few feet away. There would never be any greater friend than Jesus. He was the friend who hadn’t run from her in fear, the friend who had helped her and healed her. And now Jesus had proved His friendship for all of them in the most beautiful way.
He had died for them, taking on death to fulfill the Scriptures. His presence here in the upper room was proof of that and proof of something more. Mary smiled as she watched Jesus talking with the disciples. Jesus hadn’t only battled death for His friends.
He had defeated it.
Mary Magdalene’s life is remembered for both positives (her faithfulness and obedience; see Matt. 27:55-56; Mark 16:9; and John 19:25) and negatives (her affliction with seven demons; see Luke 8:1-3). But she also shows us much of what it takes to walk with Jesus. She spent time with Him and listened to Him. We can do the same when we spend time in prayer and in His Word, the Bible.
This is an excerpt from Karen Kingsbury’s The Friends of Jesus Bible Study. Click here to see another sample and to preorder a copy.