Topical Encyclopedia
Mary Magdalene's DevotionMary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, exemplifying profound love and devotion to Jesus Christ. Her account is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the deep personal connection she shared with Him. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary Magdalene was delivered from seven demons by Jesus (
Luke 8:2), an act that marked the beginning of her unwavering dedication to Him.
Mary's love for Jesus is most poignantly displayed at the crucifixion and resurrection. She was present at the crucifixion, standing near the cross with other women who had followed Jesus (
John 19:25). Her presence at such a perilous time underscores her courage and loyalty. After Jesus' death, Mary Magdalene was the first to visit His tomb, demonstrating her deep love and commitment. The Gospel of John records that she was the first to witness the resurrected Christ, as He appeared to her and called her by name (
John 20:14-16). This encounter highlights the special relationship between Mary and Jesus, as well as her role as a devoted disciple.
Other Disciples' Love for JesusThe love for Jesus was not limited to Mary Magdalene; it was a defining characteristic of His disciples. The Apostle John, often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (
John 13:23), exemplifies this love through his close relationship with Jesus. John's Gospel emphasizes the intimate bond he shared with Christ, as he reclined next to Him at the Last Supper and was entrusted with the care of Jesus' mother, Mary, at the crucifixion (
John 19:26-27).
Peter, another prominent disciple, also demonstrated his love for Jesus, albeit imperfectly. Despite denying Jesus three times, Peter's deep affection for Him is evident in his subsequent repentance and restoration. After the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" (
John 21:15-17), reaffirming Peter's love and commissioning him to shepherd His flock.
The love of the disciples for Jesus was further manifested in their willingness to forsake all and follow Him. They left their homes, families, and occupations to become His followers, as seen in the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (
Matthew 4:18-22). Their love was characterized by a readiness to learn from Jesus, serve alongside Him, and ultimately, to suffer for His sake.
Expressions of Love in the Early ChurchThe early church continued to reflect the love for Jesus demonstrated by His disciples. The Book of Acts records the communal life of the believers, who devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (
Acts 2:42). Their love for Jesus was evident in their unity, generosity, and commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of persecution.
The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve disciples, also exemplified profound love for Jesus. His letters reveal a deep personal relationship with Christ, as he expressed his desire to know Him and the power of His resurrection (
Philippians 3:10). Paul's love for Jesus motivated his missionary journeys, his writings, and his willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel.
In summary, the love for Jesus as demonstrated by Mary Magdalene and other disciples is a central theme in the New Testament. It is characterized by devotion, sacrifice, and a deep personal relationship with the Savior, serving as a model for believers throughout the ages.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 27:55,56,61And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
Nave's Topical IndexMatthew 28:1-9
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 8:2,3
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 23:27,55,56
And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 24:1-10
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Nave's Topical Index
John 20:1,2,11-18
The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher, and sees the stone taken away from the sepulcher.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Love and Life.
... LOVE AND LIFE. ... to bury Jesus, but, while John took the mother of Jesus to a ... own mother,
Salome, and Mary, the mother of James, and Mary Magdalene stood looking ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xliv love and life.htm
The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ...
... Mary, called Magdalene,' had received from Him special benefit of ... the grab of poverty;
so soon did love to Christ ... party, as such, did not attend Jesus on His ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii the ministry of.htm
On the Feast of St Mary Magdalene
... Our Lord Jesus Christ praised Mary Magdalene for her ... chosen disciples, with ardent,
fervent love; and that ... St John the Baptist, and Mary Magdalene, and other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xv on the feast.htm
Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... mother and said, "Mother, mother, for the tender love and motherly ... All then together
went into the house, Mary Magdalene supporting the mother of Jesus. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ii jesus last journey.htm
The Incredulous Disciples
... The two appearances to Mary Magdalene and the travellers to ... But her former degradation
was the measure of her love. ... gratitude, are purged to see Jesus; and a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the incredulous disciples.htm
Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week
... it was not without reason that Mary exclaimed "Master ... Thy favour, and that I may
love Thee above all ... after the Master of Perfection, even Jesus Christ, blessed ...
/.../xiv sermon for thursday in.htm
The First Easter Sunrise
... appeared to them at the tomb, that Jesus showed Himself first to Mary Magdalene,
that the ... Sorrow and love are light sleepers, and early dawn found the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the first easter sunrise.htm
Life and Character of John
... John gazed steadily at the person of Jesus, and was ... Son and Lord uniting them in
maternal and filial love. ... so he was also, next to Mary Magdalene, the first of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm
Jesus' Friendships after He Arose.
... The love of his heart lived on through death, and ... to whom he showed himself after
he arose was Mary Magdalene. ... that was a sinner, who came to Jesus in Simon's ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiv jesus friendships after.htm
"Why Weepest Thou?"
... When Mary Magdalene told them she had seen the Lord ... Then said Jesus unto them, Be
not afraid: go tell ... convince His disciples of His undiminished love and tender ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 82 why weepest thou.htm
Resources
What is love? What is the definition of love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is agape love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-love, loving self? | GotQuestions.orgLove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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