written by LaTeal Marrette Pierre
When I think of Mary Magdalene, I'm reminded of how Jesus is in the business of transformation. Mary's journey began in a place of deep brokenness. As Luke 8:2 (NLT) tells us, "Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons," was living under the weight of spiritual oppression. But when she encountered Jesus, He broke the chains that bound her. Her life was never the same. Today, I see stories like Mary's all around. Some people are trapped in cycles of addiction, fear, or depression, crying out for deliverance. And just like He did with Mary, Jesus steps in and transforms lives, giving hope where there was once hopelessness.
I know a woman in my community whose story reflects Mary's. She had struggled with addiction for years, feeling that no one cared, and no one could help. But when she encountered Jesus through a recovery program, everything changed. Once marked by chaos, her life is now a testimony of God's grace and mercy. She, like Mary, reminds me of how profound it is when we truly grasp the power of Jesus' love. Mary Magdalene's response was to follow Jesus everywhere He went. She supported His ministry from her resources (Luke 8:3, NLT). Likewise, the woman I know now devotes her time to helping others find freedom in Christ. She is a living reminder that when Jesus changes us, we can't help but want to give back everything to Him.
Mary Magdalene also stood by Jesus through His darkest moments, staying close even as He was crucified (John 19:25, NLT). Her faithfulness in those painful hours speaks to me personally. It's easy to follow Jesus when life is going well, but what about when things fall apart? I've walked through seasons of grief and loss, and I've seen others face heartbreaking challenges as well. A close friend who lost her job suddenly and a family going through a difficult medical diagnosis are examples of what we call "hard times." In these moments, Mary's example reminds me that even when the pain feels overwhelming, we can stay close to Jesus. We don't have to understand everything or have it all figured out. We just have to remain in His presence, trusting Him with our heartache, because He is with us through every tear that falls.
Then there's the beautiful moment when Mary Magdalene becomes the first to see the resurrected Jesus (John 20:16, NLT). Imagine that! God entrusted her, a woman once broken and bound, with the most excellent news humanity has ever heard! I'm reminded of the people who are often overlooked or marginalized today, yet God uses them in profound ways. There is a man from my church who had been homeless for years. No one would have expected him to be a spiritual leader, but after encountering Christ, he now leads an outreach ministry, sharing the gospel with those on the streets. Just like Mary, God called him to share His message of hope with others, proving that our past does not disqualify us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.
Mary Magdalene's story is as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago. It's proof that Jesus is still in the business of transforming brokenness into beauty, turning mourning into joy, and calling ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Whether it's the woman in recovery, the
man leading street ministry, or someone like you or me, Jesus invites us to follow Him with the same devotion Mary showed. He calls us to stand firm in the hard times and boldly proclaim the good news ... that He hung. He bled. He died. He rose. He lives. He reigns. He rules! When we do, we become living examples of His grace, carrying His message of redemption and hope to a world in desperate need of it.
This is beautiful