Word of the Day: Encounter
To meet face to face, particularly to meet suddenly or unexpectedly.
Who is Mary Magdalene? I think I am not the only one who has these questions. She was demon-possessed at the time when she had an encounter with the Lord that changed her life forever. Let's clarify; this lady is not the same as some people describe as a prostitute. Like the Bible says: she was demon-possessed, but that does not tell us she had a bad reputation. Growing up as a Catholic, I thought she was a prostitute, but that was another lie from the Catholic Church.
The seven devils and the number seven is to imply perfection, meaning that she was highly processed. Maybe she could not speak, see, had anger issues, or was mentally ill. The bottom line here is that she needed a savior, and our Lord provided himself the moment they met. After that encounter with the Lord, she could control her body and emotions, and she was no longer under the oppression of the demons.
Luke 8:2
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
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.
The Bible does not talk about her family connections but says she became a loyal follower of our Savior. The name of Magdalene was to associate her with the town where she was born. The city was close to the coast of Galilee, and this town was famous for its wealth, which means that she could have some wealth and that she was able to serve the Lord with her earnings. Once she is liberated from the demons, she becomes a devoted woman. Jesus preached from place to place, and she was there to minister to those in need.
Luke: 8:2-3
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3Â And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Mary Magdalene was also there when Jesus was crucified on the cross, not only to support Him but also to support His mother. That says so much about Mary Magdalene and her willingness to serve God.
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.
At the beginning of the sabbath, which was Friday, Mary Magdalene, among other ladies, could not prepare His body, so they waited until Sunday. They went home to prepare the spices and ointments for His burial.
Luke 23:55–56
54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
When Sunday came, the ladies went back to the tomb early in the morning to anoint the body of Jesus Christ. They talked about who would remove the stone from the grave during their walk, but when they got there, they saw a young man sitting on the right side. The young man said: Mark 16:6 …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. He also said they should share the good news with Peter and His disciples. His tomb was empty because He had conquered His death.
After His resurrection, Mary Magdalene had the privilege to see her Savior for the first time. He had appeared unto her. What a great honor! Mark, as the author, reminds us that she was the lady whom Jesus had cast seven devils. Still, she is also the lady who became a living testimony for others to see that Jesus was not only her healer but also her Savior.
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.
Conclusion: This story begins with suffering and a tormented soul, but the Bible also teaches us that it doesn't have to end in misery. Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower using her substance. I believe that she ministered to other ladies through her testimony. Ladies, I don't know what you are going through at this moment, but I encourage you to read your Bible. Your Bible will be great medicine to your soul. Remember, we don't worship a dead body, but instead, we worship a living God who is in heaven preparing a place for us.
