Topical Bible: Mary: Magdalene: Possessed of Devils, Delivered by Jesus

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Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is often remembered for her profound transformation from a woman tormented by demonic possession to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her account is a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus and His authority over the spiritual realm.

Possession and Deliverance

Mary Magdalene is first introduced in the Gospel of Luke, where it is noted that she was delivered from the grip of demonic forces. Luke 8:2 states, "And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." This passage highlights the severity of her affliction, as she was possessed by seven demons, a number often symbolizing completeness or totality, indicating the depth of her suffering.

The nature of her possession is not detailed in the Scriptures, but the mention of seven demons suggests a profound spiritual and possibly physical torment. In the cultural context of the time, demonic possession was often associated with severe mental and physical afflictions, leading to social ostracization and personal despair.

Encounter with Jesus

Mary's encounter with Jesus marked a pivotal moment in her life. The Gospels do not provide a detailed account of the exorcism itself, but the emphasis is on the transformative power of Jesus' intervention. By casting out the demons, Jesus not only restored her to health but also reintegrated her into the community, offering her a new identity and purpose.

Devotion to Christ

Following her deliverance, Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus' most devoted followers. She is frequently mentioned in the Gospels as part of a group of women who supported Jesus and His disciples. Luke 8:3 notes that these women "were helping to support them out of their own means." This indicates that Mary, along with others, played a crucial role in the ministry of Jesus, providing for His needs and those of His followers.

Mary's devotion is further exemplified by her presence at critical moments in Jesus' life and ministry. She is one of the few who remained with Him during His crucifixion, as recorded in John 19:25 : "Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene." Her unwavering loyalty in the face of danger and despair underscores her deep commitment to her Savior.

Witness to the Resurrection

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Mary Magdalene's account is her role as a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. According to John 20:1-18, she was the first to encounter the risen Christ. In John 20:16-18 , Jesus reveals Himself to her, saying, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them what He had said to her.

This encounter not only affirms her as a key witness to the foundational event of Christianity but also highlights the honor and trust Jesus placed in her by commissioning her to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples. Her testimony is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's victory over sin and death.

Legacy

Mary Magdalene's journey from demonic possession to faithful disciple and witness to the resurrection is a powerful narrative of redemption and grace. Her account continues to inspire believers, illustrating the profound impact of Jesus' ministry and the hope offered to all who seek His deliverance.

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Mark 16:9
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
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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,
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Library

The Casting Out of Devils.
... Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils." No wonder a ... of the race, the name of Mary
Magdalene may be ... The man, possessed of many demons, was ferocious, and of ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm

The Alleged Hostile Witness of Certain of the Early Fathers Proved ...
... by the way, he is found to have possessed in the ... day of the week, He appeared first
to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.' This, however ...
/.../chapter v the alleged hostile.htm

Letter xxxix. To Paula.
... years old or two, and even unweaned infants, are possessed with devils, covered
with ... living among the dead?" [855] It was because Mary Magdalene had done ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxix to paula.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... There were seven devils in Mary Magdalene, too many for ... The man that was possessed
with a legion, (Mark 5), was too much by them captivated for him by human ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... poor soul is all on the sudden possessed with a ... Judgments concerning the Son of the
Virgin Mary, the Lord ... But Christ hath delivered from the curse of the law ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... Mary Magdalene is said to have been delivered from seven devils ... man is said to have
been possessed by a ... 4). How absurd the expressions, that devils are doomed ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils ... No, saith he, I
said, I am Magdalene, I am ... story that I have read of Martha and Mary; the name ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Love's Triumph Over Sin
... which seemed so trivial while we possessed them, that ... is 'separate from sinners,'
appeared was 'Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.' The next ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/loves triumph over sin.htm

Conversion
... proceeding, I had almost said from devils, which have ... having more might than he ever
possessed before. ... thou this woman?" I dwelt upon Mary Magdalene and her ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/conversion.htm