Rev. Debbie Cato
Luke 8:1-3, John 20:1-19 and Psalm
51:1-12
Manitou Presbyterian Church
Spokane
August 16, 2026
Strong
Women of the Bible
Mary Magdalene
This is second
sermon of my three-part series on strong women of the Bible. If you were a couple of weeks ago, you heard
me preach about the Samaritan Woman – a woman without a name. Yet, this woman; this Samaritan woman, became
an evangelizer to the Samaritans. By
engaging Jesus in a conversation, and questioning, even challenging what he was
saying, this woman opened the door for the Messiah’s message of good news to
begin the journey from the Jews to “throughout the world.”
As you could tell from today’s Scripture readings from both Luke and John, we are going to talk about Mary Magdalene, my second example of a strong woman in the New Testament.
The first time we specifically meet Mary Magdalene is in Luke 8. Luke tells us that Mary, from whom seven demons had gone out, was among the women who accompanied Jesus and financially supported His ministry. Jesus’ healing not only restored Mary’s physical and mental well-being but also led to her unwavering loyalty to Jesus, integrating her into his community of disciples. She was a leading and devoted follower of Jesus. While the Gospels do not provide a detailed account of the healing event itself, it is clear that this moment of being healed from her illnesses marked a significant turning point for Mary. Mary later became a key witness to Jesus' resurrection.
Maurice Casey, the author of Jesus of Nazareth, concludes that Mary must have suffered from severe emotional or psychological trauma to deem an exorcism necessary. She was battered and bruised, injured and in agony from the suffering that demon possession entailed. Mary had lost all control and dignity, along with everything she knew in her previous life. Beauty and wealth did not spare Mary from the maliciousness that overcame and attacked her every hour of every day. “Seven is a mystic number suggesting ‘completeness,’ implying that when the evil spirits dominated Mary the suffering was extremely severe.” [1] They completely took over. She did not have a moment of peace. Imagine the shame of being linked to physical or psychological illness as a cause of demon possession. Mary would have been sunned and probably mocked by her community because of her mental illness.
Casey goes on to say that Mary Magdalene’s faithful discipleship to Jesus speaks of her profound personal history with Him. Having endured the torment of seven demons, Jesus delivered Mary from a prison of possession to freedom. Such a radical redemption ignited in Mary an unshakable loyalty and deep gratitude to Jesus. That she chose to follow Jesus and support His ministry financially may indicate she was a woman of considerable means. According to All the Women of the Bible, the name “Magdala” means “tower” or “castle,” suggesting a heritage or status that may have placed her in a position of influence.[2]
Yet, regardless of her wealth and social standing, Mary had experienced the depths of suffering. How humbling it must have been for a woman of any station to be overtaken by spiritual torment. But how much more astounding, then, is her devotion to the One who healed her. She gave generously, not only out of her substance, but out of the abundance of her restored soul.[3]
Perhaps you struggle with mental health challenges or maybe someone you love struggles with their mental health. Unfortunately, even today, more than 2,000 years later, mental health still carries a stigma. It’s still an illness too often misunderstood; too often wrapped in shame. Often, like Mary, we identify the person struggling with mental health as “that mentally ill person,” much like Mary was identified by her illness – the woman possessed by seven demons. But just like anyone who suffers from mental illness, Mary was so much more than her illness.
In the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas, a priest who is now considered a saint of the Catholic Church, declared Mary Magdalene “an apostle to the apostles.” An apostle to the apostles.
In the Scripture we read this morning, the evangelist John tells us it is Mary Magdalene to whom Jesus first appears after His resurrection. It is Mary who is the first to see Jesus after His resurrection. Wow. It is Mary Magdalene whom Jesus instructed to proclaim the Easter message to others. It is Mary Magdalene whom Jesus commissions to “ go tell Peter and the others that I have gone before them into Galilee.” It is Mary Magdalene who first proclaims the Easter message. And then, Scripture emphatically says, “But Peter and John and the others did not believe her and they went to the tomb to see for themselves.” “But Peter and John and the others did not believe her and they went to the tomb to see for themselves.”
Two thousand years later, little or nothing has changed. The voice of women proclaiming the presence of Christ goes largely unconfirmed. The call of women to ministry goes largely unnoted. The commission of women to the church goes largely mocked.
June 11 of this year, two months ago, the Southern Baptist Conference voted to ban women from pastoral ministry. Think about it. Not discouraged. Banned from ministry. This ban could very well lead to further bans of women’s voices in the church, period.[4] If I had a nickel for every time someone told me they didn’t believe women should be in ministry, I would have a lot more money than I do now.
As followers of Christ, we can look up to Mary Magdalene as a remarkable role model. Her life was centered around Jesus, as she traveled with Him and witnessed His miraculous works. Her passionate support for Jesus demonstrates the importance of community in our faith journey. We should remember that following Jesus is not just a personal endeavor but also a shared experience. We can take inspiration from Mary as we deepen our relationships with others and encourage one another in faith. Like her, we are called to devote our lives to serving and uplifting our communities through love, just as we saw Mary Magdalene do throughout her journey alongside Jesus.
Mary Magdalene’s devotion to Jesus teaches us about unwavering faith and love. After witnessing His crucifixion and the pain that followed, she remained steadfast. Her devotion reminds us of the strength of a heart committed to Christ. In times of trial, we can look to Mary for inspiration as she demonstrates resilience and courage in the face of uncertainty. Her story encourages us to remain dedicated in our walk with God, trusting in His promises. Just like Mary Magdalene, we are reminded to place our hope and devotion in Jesus even when circumstances seem heavy.
Mary’s experience of witnessing Jesus’ suffering teaches us about empathy and compassion. She observed not only His miracles but also His pain, which deepens her understanding of each person’s struggles. In our lives, we will come across others who carry cruel burdens, and Mary’s response can inspire us to do the same. Her journey teaches us to be present through sorrow, providing support and comfort to those who are hurting, similar to how Mary supported Jesus. Together in faith, we can be a light for one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world around us through our compassion and genuine care for others.
In spite of the immense grief and fear she must have felt that dark morning as she headed to the tomb, Mary Magdalene remained present and focused on anointing Jesus’ body for burial. As a result, Mary Magdalene holds the incredible honor of being the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus. This special role reminds us of the importance of women in the biblical narrative and their contributions to the faith community. As the first one to announce the great news of His victory over death, Mary exemplifies the calling that we all share – to spread the good news of Jesus. This special moment shows us that we are all capable of sharing the message of hope and salvation. Just like Mary, we can carry that powerful message forward, bringing joy and faith to those around us.
Mary Magdalene played a pivotal role in the early church, serving as an example of both faith and action. After the resurrection of Christ, she became one of His first evangelists. Her proclaiming the resurrection to the disciples shows us the power of sharing our experiences of faith. Each of us can take on a similar role in our communities. Sharing our own testimonies and encouraging others are essential parts of our Christian journey. By being vocal about our faith, just as Mary was, we actively participate in the building of God’s Kingdom, allowing others to encounter the love of Christ through our actions and words.
Mary Magdalene’s story offers a portrait of faith during challenging times. Through her trials and heartaches, she reveals the strength that comes from trusting in God. We know that life can bring obstacles and pain, but Mary teaches us that holding onto faith can lead to triumph. In facing our hardships, we can stand firm in our belief, knowing that God walks with us through the storm. Mary Magdalene’s unwavering faith serves as a beacon of hope for all of us, encouraging us to keep pressing on even when the path is difficult.
The impact of Mary Magdalene in Christianity cannot be overstated. She shapes the understanding of Christ’s mission and the role of believers. Her influence invites us to ponder our own call in the Christian faith. By following her footsteps, we can understand our responsibility to evangelize and support one another. Mary’s example of faithfulness and zeal serves as motivation for us to become active participants in sharing God’s love. Just as she set forth to share the good news, we, too, can be inspired to spread hope within our communities.
In our reflection on the life of Mary Magdalene, we discover a tapestry woven with pain, hardship, faith, love, and resilience. Her story is a beautiful reminder that regardless of our past, we can embrace new beginnings in Christ. Mary’s journey inspires us to remain steadfast during trials and to positively impact those around us. As we continue to seek God and nurture our faith within community, we follow the example Mary set forth for us, to boldly share the good news, uplift others, and live out our purpose with joy. There is so much to learn from her life, and together, we can carry forth Mary’s legacy in today’s world.
There is no doubt that Mary Magdalene is an important icon for the twenty-first century church. She calls women to listen to the call of Christ over the call of the church. She calls men to listen for the call of Christ in the messages
of women. She calls women to courage and men to humility. She calls all of us to faith and fortitude, to unity and universalism, to a Christianity that rises about sexism, a religion that transcends the idolatry of maleness, and a commitment to the things of God that overcomes every obstacle and surpasses every human system.[5]
May Magdalene is a shining light of hope, a disciple of Christ, a model of the wholeness in a world full of despair and in a church whose vision is even now, only partial.[6] When we explore the life of Mary Magdalene, we learn that she was not just an ordinary woman; she carried a remarkable story of transformation. Coming from a troubled past, she encountered Jesus and was delivered from seven demons This encounter marked a turning point in her life, leading her to be a dedicated disciple. Understanding Mary’s background helps us to appreciate the depth of her devotion. It reminds us that no matter our past, we too are capable of immense love and service especially in spreading the message of Jesus, just as Mary Magdalene did. We can embrace her story and allow it to inspire our own journeys of faith toward healing and purpose.
Let’s remember to cherish the inspirational lessons found in Mary Magdalene’s journey. Her experiences remind us of the profound impact that faith and love can forge in our lives, and in the lives of others. Each of us has the potential to be a light in the world, reflecting the love of Christ just as she did. The courage and hope portrayed in Mary’s story encourages us to forge ahead, spreading love and light, ensuring that we each play our part in this grand narrative of faith. May we draw strength from her life and mirror her dedication as we walk our own paths of faith. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment