The first specific mention of this Mary is in Luke 8 where it says: “The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of (Chuza), the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:1-3).
This Mary had a shady past but she had been healed and travelled with Jesus supporting him financially. It was this Mary who was chosen to be the first eye witness to the resurrection. “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons” (Mark 16:9).
She was told to go and tell the news to the disciples. The best news the world has ever heard … was given to Mary Magdalene to proclaim to others.
And this happened at a time in history when the word of a woman was not even considered sufficient proof in a courtroom.
Sometimes we think our past disqualifies us from God using us in the future but Mary Magdalene teaches us that this isn’t true. A poor beginning doesn’t mean we can’t have a great finish.
