The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Mary Magadalene: First to See

Mary Magdalene has become famous. From the musical Jesus Christ Superstar to the bestselling book The Da Vinci Code, she has been variously portrayed as a sensuous woman, a reformed prostitute and even the secret wife of Jesus. In reality, the Bible gives no indication of anything tawdry about her—or any marriage between her and Jesus. All we know (based on her name) is that she came from Magdala, a city on the Sea of Galilee, and that Jesus drove seven demons from her (see Mk 16:9). Having been healed by him, she dedicated her life to Jesus.

The Gospels, which focus on Jesus’ 12 disciples, also mention that a good-sized group of women left their homes and families to follow Jesus (see Mt 27:55–56). Mary Magdalene heads the list of the women who helped finance his ministry.

When Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, far from his home in Galilee, Mary Magdalene stayed near him. She carefully observed where he was buried and faithfully went there at the earliest opportunity to care for his body. As a result, she was the first person to see Jesus risen from the dead and the first to spread the word (see Jn 20:18).

Women in that time were usually given second place, if any place at all. Jewish courts did not even accept their testimony. At the great miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, however, Mary Magdalene had the honor of being the first witness on the scene.

Have you been able to witness God’s work? Where and how?

Taken from the NIV Starting Place Study Bible.