Hearts For Christ Ministries

Mary
Her Ministry: To show us what it is like to be utterly devoted to Jesus Christ her Lord and Saviour. Mary was always there to minister to her Master -- to be there with Him at the cross, to be with the Lord in Pilate’s Hall, to be the first at the tomb in the garden. Mary was the first to witness Jesus after His resurrection and was the one who ran to Peter and John to share that the Lord was no longer in the tomb.

Her Home Life: Home background unknown, although “Magdala” or Magdalene suggests “tower” or castle,” which could have suggested that she lived in the prosperous city of Galatia.

Her Status: For clarification purposes, there is no evidence that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute as is commonly stated, however she was afflicted greatly with demons from which the Lord delivered her. The prostitute slander came from the Roman Catholic Church in 1324 (in Naples). A house was at that time set up to rescue and assist women who had fallen, or who were taken in the act of adultery.

Her Ultimate Purpose: Other than her showing of great devotion, I believe Mary’s greatest purpose was to be the first to testify of the Lord’s Resurrection. What greater news was there then, and even to this day? She was also a helper to others by not only contributing to the needs of her Lord but also to his disciples.

Meaning of her name: Because the name Mary is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, or Mara (Naomi), Mary's name would have several meanings: trouble, sorrow, bitterness, rebellious, or obedient. "The Magdalene (as written by Herbert Locklear, in All the Women of the Bible, identifies her with her place of birth." The name "Magdalene" comes from Magdala (a castle or tower).

“Now it came to pass, afterward, that He (Jesus) went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities – Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” Luke 8:1, 2;

(Jesus dies on the cross…)

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25.

“There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:40

“And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”