Mary Magdalene — Called by Name

More Than Proverbs 31: Biblical Womanhood Beyond the Stereotype

Mary Magdalene — Called by Name

Mary Magdalene’s story matters because it confronts a lie many women carry: that your past disqualifies you from being close to Jesus or used by God.

But Jesus didn’t treat Mary as a woman defined by her darkness. He treated her as a woman worth restoring.

Scripture tells us Mary Magdalene had been delivered by Jesus from deep spiritual bondage. Her story begins with rescue, not perfection.

And her response was simple and powerful.
She stayed close to Him.
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She Followed Jesus After He Healed Her

Mary Magdalene didn’t return to life as usual after her healing. She followed Jesus and remained among His faithful disciples. She wasn’t just forgiven and sent away. She was brought near, included, and trusted to remain close to the mission.

There’s strength in a woman who knows she’s been saved and refuses to go back.
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She Stayed When the Cross Came

A lot of people loved Jesus when the crowds were big and the miracles were happening. But when suffering entered the story, most people disappeared.

Mary Magdalene did not.

She stayed at the cross. She witnessed His death. She didn’t run when it got ugly or painful. Her faithfulness wasn’t loud, but it was real.
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She Went to the Tomb While It Was Still Dark

After Jesus died, Mary went to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She wasn’t coming for a miracle. She was coming because she loved Him.

She stood outside the tomb weeping, overwhelmed with grief and confusion.

And then Jesus spoke her name:
“Mary.”

And she recognized Him.

That moment is everything. The risen Christ didn’t just defeat death. He called His follower personally. He met her in sorrow and turned her mourning into hope.
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The First Witness

Mary Magdalene became the first recorded witness of the resurrection and was sent to go and tell the others.

Jesus chose a woman to carry the first announcement of the greatest news in history.
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Application

Mary Magdalene is for the woman who feels unworthy, messy, or marked by her past.

Her story reminds us that Jesus doesn’t call perfect women. He calls redeemed women.

And sometimes the strongest biblical womanhood looks like this:
showing up, staying close, and loving Jesus even in the dark.
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Closing Prayer

Lord, make me faithful like Mary Magdalene. Help me stay close to You in joy and in grief, and trust that You call me by name. Amen.