Mary Magdalene—is She Who We Think She was?

When you hear the name Mary Magdalene, chances are you’ve already got an idea in your head of who she was. She’s one of the most well-known women in the Bible—even among people who barely know anything about Jesus. But here’s the thing: even though her name is familiar, so much of what people think they know about her simply isn’t true.

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Scroll to the bottom to find the free 6 Day Bible study on Mary Magdalene!

You will see a lot of the material found here in this post, also in the 6 Day Study. However, in the study there are additional Bible verses, reflection and discussion style questions, and daily prayer starters.

This study is perfect for a small group study format, short Bible class series, or an individual personal Bible study.

Mary Magdalene: Misunderstood Identity

Mary Magdalene is a name that’s been wrapped in misunderstanding for centuries. Some say she was a prostitute. Others imagine her as Jesus’ lover or even His wife (yes, really). And while these ideas might make for dramatic movies or click-worthy headlines, they aren’t found anywhere in Scripture. They’re not Biblical. They’re just stories people added in along the way.

I recently looked into a few popular shows and movies that include Mary Magdalene. While I haven’t watched them all the way through, I read enough summaries to get the picture:

• In The Passion of the Christ, she’s portrayed as a former prostitute.
• The Chosen gives her a backstory filled with PTSD and alcoholism.
• And in the movie Mary Magdalene, she’s framed through a modern feminist lens—as a misunderstood but faithful apostle.

Why do we feel the need to fill in the gaps with drama or speculation?

It’s human nature—we want the whole story. It’s like when my husband gets off the phone with someone, and I ask, “What did y’all talk about?” and he says, “Not much.” They talked for 15 minutes and that’s all I get? I want the full rundown!

But when it comes to Scripture, we have to be very careful not to confuse storytelling with truth. Just because something looks or feels accurate doesn’t mean it is. If God only gave us a glimpse into someone’s story, that’s all He wanted us to know. If more details were important, they would’ve been included.

When we assign false traits to people in Scripture—especially ones with no evidence—it changes how we see them. It also makes me wonder: how would I feel if someone made up false details about my life just to complete the narrative?

So, let’s set the record straight and talk about the Mary Magdalene we do know—the one found in Scripture.

Who Was Mary Magdalene, Really?

Let’s start with her name. “Magdalene” isn’t her last name—it just tells us where she was from. Mary of Magdala, a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, just north of Jerusalem. It’s very likely she’d heard of Jesus before ever meeting Him face to face.

Mary is mentioned in all four Gospels—a pretty big deal, considering how many people came and went throughout Jesus’ ministry. Her name shows up 12 times in the New Testament. All four Gospel accounts include her at the crucifixion. But only Luke and Mark mention her most life-changing experience: demon possession and healing.

Let’s read Luke 8:1–3:

“Soon afterward, Jesus began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.”

Two big takeaways here:

• Jesus healed Mary. He cast out seven demons.
• Mary used her own financial resources to support Jesus’ ministry.

Now, we’re not told exactly what Mary’s demon possession looked like—but Scripture does give us some other examples to help us imagine the reality of her life before healing.

One example is in Mark 1:21–27, where a man possessed by an unclean spirit starts convulsing and screaming before Jesus casts the demon out. The crowd is amazed: “Even the unclean spirits obey Him!”

Another is in Mark 5:1–13, where a man possessed by “Legion” (many demons) lived in tombs, broke out of chains, screamed constantly, and cut himself with stones. He was feared by everyone.

While we don’t know what Mary endured, we do know that life with seven demons would’ve been isolating, painful, and terrifying. People likely avoided her. They may have whispered behind her back or feared her presence. But Jesus stepped in—and set her free.

And Mary didn’t just return to a quiet life afterward. She followed Him and stayed with Him. She gave out of her own resources to support His work. Some scholars believe she had wealth or social status that allowed her to do that.

Mary at the Cross

After her healing, we don’t hear much about Mary again until the crucifixion. But when that moment came—when most of the disciples scattered—Mary stayed.

John 19:25 tells us:

“Now beside the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

She was there. Watching it all happen.

In Mark 15:40–41 and Matthew 27:55–61, we see Mary again—this time from a distance. Maybe the Roman guards had pushed the women back. Maybe the grief was too overwhelming. Either way, she stayed close, even when things were at their worst.

Mary at the Tomb

After Jesus died and was buried, Mary saw where they laid Him. She came back with spices and ointments to care for His body—only to find the tomb empty.

Luke 23:55–24:12 recounts the moment:

“Now the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was laid. And then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes.”

She was there from beginning to end—from healing to crucifixion, to burial and resurrection. In fact, Mary was the first person to see the risen Jesus.

And that matters.

God could have chosen anyone to be the first witness of the resurrection. He chose Mary.

Why Her Story Matters

Mary Magdalene’s story is powerful just as it is—without speculation or embellishment. She was a woman healed by Jesus, who followed Him with faith, generosity, and courage. Mary stood by Him when others fled. She was the first to witness the resurrection.

Let’s not rewrite her story. Let’s not rob it of its beauty by adding false layers. Scripture gives us all the proof we need to see her faithfulness, her strength, and her devotion.

She is not a character from a TV show. She’s not a rumor. She’s not a side note.

She is a powerful testimony of what happens when Jesus steps in and changes everything.

How Can We Be Like Mary Magdalene?

1. Be Committed

Mary Magdalene shows us what unwavering commitment to Jesus looks like. After Jesus delivered her from demonic oppression, she didn’t return to her old life—she devoted herself completely to Him. She followed Him from Galilee, served alongside His other disciples, and remained faithful through the darkest hours of His suffering and death. Even when others scattered, Mary stayed.

Her commitment wasn’t based on circumstances—it was rooted in gratitude and love. She didn’t forget what Jesus had done for her, and she responded by giving Him her life.

Ask yourself: Do my time, resources, and priorities reflect a life that belongs to Jesus?
Mary’s did. Her example challenges us to remain committed to Christ through every season—especially when life is hard, confusing, or painful.

2. Be Thankful

Mary’s deep sense of thankfulness was the fuel for her devotion. She never got over the miracle of her transformation. Her gratitude didn’t fade with time; it shaped her daily choices and actions. She followed, supported, and served because she was thankful.

Do we live with that same spirit of thankfulness—not just for our salvation, but for the blessings we so often overlook?
As the old hymn reminds us: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
When we begin to list all the ways God has blessed us, it becomes easier to live with joy and gratitude—even in the middle of trials.

Mary’s life shows us that a thankful heart is a powerful witness.

3. Be Bold (in Sharing the Gospel)

Mary didn’t keep the resurrection to herself. When Jesus told her to go and tell the others, she obeyed immediately. She ran to the disciples and boldly shared the good news—even though they didn’t believe her at first.

She was the first to proclaim the resurrection. That’s no small thing.

Like Mary, we’ve been entrusted with the message of the gospel. And though we may not have stood at the empty tomb, we know the truth. We’re called to be bold—to speak about what Jesus has done in our lives, even when people don’t understand or believe.

Mary’s courage in delivering the message is a reminder for us: We don’t stop sharing the gospel just because others don’t “get it.”

We proclaim it anyway. With love, joy, and persistence.

Dive deeper into a study about Mary Magdalene, I know it can be a blessing to you, it was for me!

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Do you have young kids?

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