Today we will explore mary magdalene in the bible verses and the important place Mary holds in the story of Jesus. Her story reminds us that Jesus welcomes people, brings hope, and invites us to follow him. The Bible shows Mary as a woman who was healed, stayed near Jesus during painful times, and became one of the first people to share the news that he had risen. As we read these passages, we can notice her courage and care, but also the kindness of Jesus toward her. We do not need to know every detail of her life to learn from the faithfulness the Bible describes.
As we reflect on mary magdalene in the bible verses, we can find encouragement for our own walk with God. Mary’s story moves from healing to service, from grief to joy, and from listening to sharing good news. We can consider how we respond when life is difficult, how we support others, and how we carry hope into our communities. The passages below are grouped by theme so we can take time with each part of her story. Let us read with open hearts, remember that God sees us, and ask how Mary’s example can help us live with faith and love.
mary magdalene in the bible verses
Mary Magdalene shares the news of the risen Jesus
When we look at mary magdalene in the bible verses, one of the clearest moments is Mary telling the disciples that Jesus is alive. This makes her story a strong picture of how hope can turn into a message we share with others. Mary had been grieving, yet she stayed near the place where Jesus was laid. When she recognized him, her sadness gave way to joy and purpose. Her experience reminds us that faith does not mean we never feel sorrow. It means that sorrow does not have to be the end of our story.
We can also learn that sharing good news does not require us to have all the answers. Mary told the disciples what she had seen and heard. In the same way, we can speak honestly about the hope we have found, while treating others with care and respect. Mary’s witness invites us to listen for God’s comfort and to carry encouragement to people around us. As we read these verses, we can remember that God can use an ordinary person’s faithful words to bring hope to a whole community.
John 20:18
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. – John 20:18
Luke 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. – Luke 24:10
Mark 16:9
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. – Mark 16:9
Mary Magdalene is healed and welcomed into Jesus’ ministry
Mary Magdalene appears in the Gospel story as someone whose life was changed by Jesus. Luke tells us that Jesus had healed her, and that she became part of the group traveling with him. Her story helps us see that healing can open a new beginning. We may carry pain, fear, or struggles that others cannot see, but we are not beyond God’s care. Mary’s experience points us toward a Jesus who meets people with compassion and gives them room to grow.
We also notice that Mary did not simply receive help and disappear from the story. She joined others in supporting Jesus and his work. This reminds us that our gifts and resources can be used to serve people and strengthen a community. We do not all serve in the same way, and our contributions do not need to be grand to matter. As we read mary magdalene in the bible verses, we can be encouraged to receive help with humility and offer help with gratitude. Healing and service can belong together in a life of faith.
Luke 8:1
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, – Luke 8:1
Luke 8:2
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, – Luke 8:2
Luke 8:3
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. – Luke 8:3
Mary Magdalene follows Jesus with other women
Mary Magdalene’s story is connected with a group of women who traveled with Jesus and cared for his ministry. The Gospel accounts show that she was not alone in her faith. She walked alongside others who also chose to follow and serve. This gives us a helpful picture of community: people with different stories can share a common purpose. We, too, can grow stronger when we support one another and make room for different people to serve.
These passages also show that following Jesus involved practical care, not only words. The women stayed with the story and offered what they could. We can take encouragement from their steady commitment. Sometimes service means giving time, attention, or resources; sometimes it means staying present when another person is going through a hard season. In mary magdalene in the bible verses, we see that faithful service can be quiet and steady. We can ask how our own gifts might help others and how we can join with people who are working for good.
Matthew 27:55
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: – Matthew 27:55
Matthew 27:56
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. – Matthew 27:56
Mark 15:41
Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him; and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. – Mark 15:41
Mary Magdalene remains near Jesus at the cross
The accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion show Mary Magdalene among those who remained close by. This was a painful and frightening time, yet she did not turn away from what was happening. Her presence reminds us that love can mean staying with someone through sorrow, even when we cannot change the situation. We may not know exactly what Mary felt, but we can see her steady presence in the story. That example can encourage us when someone we care about is suffering.
Mary’s loyalty does not mean that grief is easy or that faith removes every hard feeling. Rather, her example shows that we can remain faithful while our hearts hurt. We can offer a listening ear, sit beside someone, or help in a practical way. These simple acts can carry great meaning. As we read mary magdalene in the bible verses, we can remember that God notices those who stay near in difficult moments. We can ask for strength to be present with others and for comfort when we are the ones who grieve.
John 19:25
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. – John 19:25
Mark 15:40
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; – Mark 15:40
Matthew 27:61
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. – Matthew 27:61
Mary Magdalene witnesses Jesus’ burial and returns at dawn
After Jesus died, Mary Magdalene stayed connected to the events surrounding his burial. The Gospel writers name her among those who saw where Jesus was laid and those who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week. Her actions show care and devotion during a time when the future may have seemed unclear. She did not know what she would find, but she went to the tomb. This can remind us that faithful love often takes the next step even when we do not understand everything.
Mary’s early visit also gives us a picture of hope beginning in a place of sadness. The tomb seemed to mark an ending, but it became the setting for the news of resurrection. In our own lives, we may face moments that feel closed or final. These verses invite us to keep seeking God and to stay open to what we have not yet seen. Mary’s example in mary magdalene in the bible verses encourages us to act with love, to remember those who are grieving, and to trust that God can bring new hope.
Mark 15:47
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid. – Mark 15:47
Matthew 28:1
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. – Matthew 28:1
Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. – Mark 16:1
Mary Magdalene hears the message at the empty tomb
At the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other women received news they could not have expected. The message announced that Jesus had risen and invited them to remember what he had said. The moment changed the meaning of what they had seen. Their loss was real, but it was no longer the final word. This part of mary magdalene in the bible verses helps us see how hope can arrive while we are still carrying questions and grief.
We can notice that the women were given a message and a task: they were to go and tell the disciples. God’s good news was not meant to stay hidden. Their role shows that important work can be given to people whose voices may not always have been welcomed or expected. We can learn to listen carefully, even when truth comes through someone we might overlook. These verses encourage us to receive hope, remember what is true, and share comfort with others in a kind and humble way.
Matthew 28:5
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. – Matthew 28:5
Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. – Matthew 28:6
Mark 16:5
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. – Mark 16:5
Mary Magdalene is called to carry hope beyond fear
The news at the tomb came with both comfort and a call to action. The women heard that Jesus had risen, and they were told to share the news with his disciples. Mark also describes their fear and amazement. That detail helps us remember that people can be faithful and still feel shaken. Courage does not always mean feeling fearless; it can mean continuing to respond while we are still processing what has happened.
These verses invite us to bring our whole selves to moments of faith: our questions, our wonder, and even our fear. The message of Jesus’ resurrection gives a reason to hope, while the task of sharing it gives that hope direction. We can encourage each other as we take small steps of faith. In mary magdalene in the bible verses, we see people receiving news that changes their outlook and sends them toward others. We can ask how we might carry hope into our families, friendships, and communities.
Mark 16:6
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. – Mark 16:6
Mark 16:7
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. – Mark 16:7
Mark 16:8
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. – Mark 16:8
Mary Magdalene’s news reaches the disciples
The women went to the disciples and shared what they had seen and heard. Luke names Mary Magdalene among those who carried the report. John also tells us that Mary went to the tomb and found the stone moved. Together, these accounts help us see the beginning of a chain of witness: people encountered something astonishing and passed the news along. Their words mattered, even though the first response from others was not simple belief.
We can learn from this that sharing truth may not lead to an immediate response. We can still speak with care and honesty, trusting that our role is to offer what we know rather than control how others react. Mary’s example encourages us to take people seriously when they tell us about their experience, and to ask thoughtful questions instead of dismissing them. As we reflect on mary magdalene in the bible verses, we can consider how our own words might carry hope. We can also be grateful for those who have shared encouragement with us.
Luke 24:9
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. – Luke 24:9
Luke 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. – Luke 24:10
John 20:1
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. – John 20:1
Mary Magdalene grieves while she searches for Jesus
John’s account gives us a close look at Mary Magdalene’s grief. She remains near the tomb and weeps, even after seeing that it is empty. Her sorrow is not treated as silly or weak. The story gives space for her tears and shows that grief can continue even when hope is near. We, too, may need time to understand what has happened before we can see a new way forward.
Mary’s search also shows her deep care for Jesus. She wants to know where he has been taken, and she does not pretend to understand the situation. This honesty can encourage us to bring our sadness and questions to God without hiding them. Faith is not the same as having everything figured out. In mary magdalene in the bible verses, we find a person who keeps seeking even while she is hurting. We can follow that example by asking for help, staying open to comfort, and giving others patience when they are grieving.
John 20:11
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, – John 20:11
John 20:12
And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. – John 20:12
John 20:13
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. – John 20:13
Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus and receives a new purpose
Mary did not recognize Jesus at first. She thought he was the gardener and asked where the body had been taken. Then Jesus spoke her name, and she knew who he was. This tender moment shows the personal care Jesus gave her. Her recognition came through hearing him call her, not through solving every mystery on her own. We can find comfort in the idea that God knows us and meets us with care when we feel lost.
After recognizing Jesus, Mary received a message to carry to the disciples. Her encounter moved her from grief toward a new purpose. This does not mean she had never felt sadness; it means her sadness was met by hope and direction. We can remember that being comforted can also prepare us to comfort others. In mary magdalene in the bible verses, Mary is seen, called, and trusted with news to share. We can ask how God might guide us from pain toward helpful action, one faithful step at a time.
John 20:14
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. – John 20:14
John 20:15
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. – John 20:15
John 20:16
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. – John 20:16
Final Thoughts
Mary Magdalene’s story brings together healing, loyalty, grief, hope, and service. We have seen her follow Jesus, stay near during a painful time, and share news that changed the disciples’ understanding. Her example reminds us that faith can remain present even when life is hard.
I am encouraged by the way Mary’s story makes room for real feelings while still pointing toward hope. We can bring our questions and sadness to God, and we can offer steady care to people around us. Small acts of faith and kindness can matter more than we think.
As we reflect on mary magdalene in the bible verses, let us remember that we are seen, valued, and able to serve. We can share hope with humility, listen to others, and keep walking forward together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Biblical Lessons
30 Powerful good bible verses for weddings (Full Commentary)