Mary Magdalene

Even though Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in Christianity, the Bible provides no details about her birth, parentage, or family status. However her name Mary Magdalene gives a clue that she came from a town called Magdala.

The name “Mary” was very common in New Testament times, and several women with the same name are mentioned in the canonical Gospels. Thus different interpretations of the biblical references to the name “Mary” has greatly affected the way the image of Mary Magdalene is perceived.

It is believed that she might have worked in the fish markets or as a hairdresser. It is also said that she was unmarried and never had any children. As an unmarried woman it is possible that she was viewed with suspicion and this might be the reason she was regarded as a prostitute or woman of loose character by some Christian scholars.

Mary Magdalene was one of the most loyal followers of Jesus Christ. At that time, it was believed that people who indulged in wrongdoings were possessed by demons while good, virtuous people were protected from demon possession.

Jesus was known to be an exorcist and the Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary (Luke 8:2). A different interpretation of this detail is that he cured her of a physical disorder rather than the popular notion that he freed her of sins.

Mary became a very sincere disciple and was soon counted among Jesus’ most prominent followers. According to certain texts, Mary was the one among his disciples who understood whatever Jesus taught and asked him many informed questions while most of the other disciples were confused.

While there is no doubt that she was one of the most favored disciples of Jesus, the Gospel of Philip contains some text that is regarded as highly controversial. Mary Magdalene is mentioned often in the gospel, and there are paragraphs which describe Jesus kissing Mary on the lips. While some scholars interpret the kiss from a spiritual angle, the sexual dynamics between Mary and Jesus is often debated upon.

Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally crucified, most probably between the years 30 AD and 33 AD. He had been betrayed by some of his followers who had aided in his arrest. Mary, as one of his most beloved followers remained loyal to him till the very end.

Jesus' crucifixion is described in the four canonical gospels. Gospel of Matthew describes many women at the crucifixion, some of whom are named in the Gospels. Mary is specifically mentioned as being present during his crucifixion in at least three gospels. She is said to have witnessed the agonizing last moments of her master and to have supported him till the very end.

She was one of the women who kept vigil at Jesus’ tomb as was customary at that time. It was the task of Jewish women to prepare the body for burial.