Mary Magdalene
Who is Mary Magdalene? Mary Magdalene is the New Testament woman who followed Jesus, witnessed his crucifixion and resurrection morning, and holds a distinctive place among his disciples.
Mary Magdalene stands out in the New Testament as one of the women who closely followed Jesus in his ministry. In Luke's account, Jesus is shown freeing her, after which she joins the circle traveling with and supporting his work. Her remaining near the cross, observing the burial, and coming to the tomb on resurrection morning all highlight her loyalty and consistency. Her encounter with the risen Jesus especially makes her one of the first witnesses of the resurrection message. For that reason, her story matters for themes of discipleship and witness. To learn more about Mary Magdalene, see the chapters and FAQs below.
Read the chapters
- Luke 8
- Mark 15
A spare, solemn account of Jesus' trial, crucifixion and death — one of the climaxes of Mark's Gospel.
- Mark 16
The closing chapter opens with women finding the empty tomb — the announcement of the resurrection and the commission to spread the good news, ending in hope.
- Matthew 28
The close of Matthew's Gospel — the empty tomb, the risen Jesus appearing to his disciples, and the 'Great Commission' to go and make disciples of all nations.
- John 20
The chapter recounting Jesus' resurrection — the empty tomb, his appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, and doubting Thomas coming to faith.
Related topics
Related places
Related verse collections
- Bible Verses About Love
- Bible Verses About Prayer
- Bible Verses of Comfort
- Bible Verses About Fear and Anxiety
- Bible Verses About Forgiveness
- Bible Verses About Faith
- Bible Verses About Creation
- Bible Verses About Salvation
- Bible Verses About Marriage
- Bible Verses About Money and Contentment
- Bible Verses About Humility
- Bible Verses About Generosity
- Bible Verses About Jesus
- Bible Verses About Witness
- Bible Verses About Loneliness
- Bible Verses About Guidance
- Bible Verses About Joy
- Bible Verses About Healing
- Bible Verses About Peace and Rest
- Bible Verses About Mercy
- Bible Verses About Friendship
- Bible Verses About Honesty
Reading plans
- Start with John — 7 Days Through the Life of Jesus
- The Bible for Beginners — 10 Days
- Holy Week — The Final Days of Jesus
- Two Weeks in the Parables of Jesus
- Advent — 24 Days to Christmas
- The Bible in a Year — 365 Days from Cover to Cover
- 30 Days with the Gospel — An Introduction to the New Testament
Related guides
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
What is Easter, and how does the Bible recount the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ? A short, neutral guide to the resurrection account and the origin and meaning of Easter.
Books
People in the Bible
Why is Mary Magdalene important?
Mary Magdalene is important because she followed Jesus and remained present even in the hardest moments. Her witness on resurrection morning gives her a distinctive place in the New Testament narrative.
How is Mary Magdalene related to Jesus?
The New Testament presents her as one of Jesus's followers and includes her among the women who traveled with him. The narratives especially emphasize her close and loyal presence around the cross, the burial, and the empty tomb.