CHARACTERS OF THE BIBLE Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene is an intriguing biblical character. In fact, she is named more times in the Gospels than most of Jesus’ disciples. This prominence has created a fascination with Mary through the centuries. As we consider Mary’s encounters with Jesus, we will need to separate fact from fiction.

Scriptural fact

Mary came from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum, Jesus’ home base during His ministry years. Mary is first mentioned in the Gospels as one of the women who travelled along with Jesus and His twelve disciples (Luke 8:2-3). We are told two things about Mary Magdalene in Luke’s brief description: that she was someone who financially supported Jesus’ ministry out of her own pocket, and that Jesus had exorcised seven demons from her. No doubt Mary accompanied Jesus out of gratitude for what He had done for her.

Mary joined Jesus on His