And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Mary Magdalene was a woman from a fishing town called Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. She had been set free from seven demons — in first-century Palestinian culture, this meant she was considered profoundly broken, outcast, and beyond help. The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness, suggesting her suffering had been total and consuming. After Jesus healed her, she didn't go home and resume a quiet life. She followed him, financially supported his ministry, and became one of the most devoted people in his inner circle — and eventually the first person to witness the resurrection.
God, thank you that you call people by name — even the ones the world has written off. You know my full history, and you still draw me close. Help me stop letting my past define my place in your story. Amen.
We know Mary Magdalene's name. We know her diagnosis. Seven demons. In a culture that would have written her off — publicly, religiously, permanently — Jesus healed her, and Luke records her name alongside the disciples as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Because apparently, to Jesus, it was. What's remarkable isn't only the healing. It's what came after: she stayed. She gave her own money to support the movement. A woman the world had counted as possessed and ruined became one of the pillars of the early Jesus community. Most of us carry a "seven demons" story — not necessarily literal, but the thing that has defined us in our own eyes or others'. The addiction. The breakdown. The years we don't talk about. The label that stuck. Mary's story doesn't just say Jesus can fix things. It says the depth of what you've come from doesn't disqualify you from standing close to him. It might actually be what makes you indispensable. Your healing becomes your witness.
Why do you think Luke includes the specific detail about Mary's past — seven demons — right alongside her name when introducing her as one of Jesus' followers?
Have you ever felt like your history — something you've struggled with or been labeled by — makes you less worthy of a role in God's work? Where does that belief come from?
Mary's healing didn't just restore her — it redirected her entire life. What's the difference between being fixed and being transformed, and have you experienced that distinction personally?
How does knowing someone's full backstory change the way you treat them? Is there someone in your life whose story of struggle you might be underestimating or overlooking?
Mary responded to her healing by giving her resources and following Jesus closely. What's one concrete way you could respond to something God has done in your life — not out of obligation, but out of genuine gratitude?
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Mark 16:1
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Peter 3:5
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:25
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning , they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Luke 24:1
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Mark 10:52
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10:38
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.
Mark 16:9
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:14
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, called Magdalene [from the city of Magdala in Galilee], from whom seven demons had come out,
AMP
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
ESV
and [also] some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
NASB
and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
NIV
and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
NKJV
along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;
NLT
There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out;
MSG