What can we learn from Mary Magdalene in the Bible? A lot! Mary Magdalene’s story is one of incredible change and deep devotion. This makes her an inspiring figure for any Bible study on Mary Magdalene. She first appears in the Bible as a woman troubled by seven demons (Luke 8:2), showing her complete brokenness. Jesus chose to heal her, restoring her dignity and inviting her into a relationship with Him. From that moment on, Mary became a loyal follower and a true disciple.
She stayed close when others ran away. Can you relate to that?
Also, as I describe in my little snippet below, she followed Jesus to the cross and was the first to see the empty tomb. That always impressed me about her- that she was the first to see Him.
Jesus could have picked one of the men to show Himself to. He could have picked a dignitary. But, He picked a woman with a past – and imperfect woman.
That is NOT lost on me. What an amazing Savior!
Also, another thing about her is that in a time when women’s voices were often silenced, Mary boldly shared the news of the resurrection.
Her life shows us that no one’s past is too broken for God to heal.
This Bible Study on Mary Magdalene Speaks to Us Today!
The modern Christian woman can find both comfort and challenge in a Bible study on Mary Magdalene.
I feel the greatest thing is the comfort in knowing that God sees beyond our pain, past, or perceived limitations.
As a young woman, I married and divorced. I remember thinking God would not be able to use me after that divorce. It was a different time, and Christians were much more judgmental – at least in my church.
Mary’s story met me where I was.
Her story also exemplifies that Jesus calls us not just to healing, but to boldness.
The kind of boldness I found in starting a women’s ministry. The same boldness I found in teaching single moms about Jesus and marrying a senior pastor.
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How did Mary Magdalene meet Jesus?
Mary Magdalene met Jesus when He delivered her from seven demons, as mentioned in Luke 8:2.
After that moment, she became a devoted follower, traveling with Him and supporting His ministry. Her healing marked the beginning of a life transformed by Jesus’ power and love.
She was Jesus’ Devoted Follower
Like Mary, we are invited to walk closely with Jesus, to show up in dark moments, and to carry the message of hope and redemption to others!
Her beautiful and complicated story reminds us all that our value isn’t determined by where we’ve been, but by Who we follow.
Mary Magdalene wasn’t just included—she was trusted, honored, and used by God.
So are we.
You need to help women see that in your women’s minsitry efforts.
Shre her legacy urges us to live lives of courage, surrender, and mission.
Mary Magdalene: A Bible Study on Redemption and Devotion for Women’s Ministries
If you are looking for a personal Bible study on Mary Magdalene, visit my companion blog on GodsyGirl.com
Purpose: Help women explore Mary Magdalene’s journey from brokenness to being the first witness of the Resurrection, celebrating God’s healing power and the value He places on every person.
Format: Includes solo reflection and small group activities. Perfect for women’s ministry meetings or smaller discipleship groups.
Mary Magdalene Story in the Bible
I love the story of Mary Magdalene! She was a devoted follower of Jesus who was healed by Him—delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2).
After her transformation, she became one of His most faithful disciples, traveling with Him and supporting His ministry.
She witnessed His crucifixion, devotedly stayed near the tomb, and was the very first to see the risen Christ (John 20:11–18). Total Boss!
I think her story reflects powerful redemption and unwavering faith. Don’t you?
This is why women’s ministries should explore it. Her story is relatable on so many levels and makes her a beautiful example of God’s grace and the value He places on women.
Let’s get started exploring the Bible study on Mary Magdalene!
1. Introduction (Leader Script)
Leader opens in prayer:
“Father, we thank You for Mary Magdalene—transformed by Your grace and commissioned to bear witness. May her story remind each woman here that no past disqualifies us, and You desire us wholly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Leader says:
“Today we look at Mary Magdalene, a woman whom Jesus healed (ἐξεβάλη ἑπτὰ δαιμόνια in Luke 8:2), who followed Him faithfully, watched His crucifixion, and carried the first news of resurrection. In the original Greek, Magdalēnē (Μαγδαληνή) refers to her hometown Magdala. She is not only redeemed—she is entrusted.”
2. Solo Activity: Reflective Bible Reading
Scripture: John 20:16 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Μαριάμ’ (Mary). She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Ῥαββουνί’ (Rabboni, Teacher).” (youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org)
Instructions:
- Read aloud slowly in English and Greek.
- Reflect: Why does Jesus call her by name before the word “Teacher”?
- Journal prompt: “When has my identity come from my past, and how does Jesus calling me by name change that?”
3. Group Activity: Redeemed Witnesses
Scripture: Luke 8:2–3; Mark 15:40–41; John 20:1–18
Materials: Bibles, discussion questions, pens, markers, paper.
Leader script:
“Notice how Mary Magdalene appears at crucial moments:– being healed,– at the cross,– first at the empty tomb. As theologian Karen L. King notes, she symbolizes transformative redemption and inclusive witness.” (biblehub.com)
Discussion questions:
- What shifts do you observe in Mary’s role?
- How does she display courage and devotion?
- How might Jesus be calling us to greater witness today?
4. Solo Activity: Language & Transformation
Explore Greek terms:
- ἐξεβάλη (eksebalē – “cast out”)
- Μή μου ἅπτου (Mē mou haptou – “Do not touch me”) (biblehub.com, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)
Journal: How does being freed from bondage (eksebalē) echo freedom in your story? What does it mean for Jesus to say “Do not touch me” after the resurrection, and how do we approach Him now?
5. Small Group Activity:
Materials: Small jars, essential oils or perfume strips, labels, pens.
Instructions:
- Read Mark 16:1–9 and John 19:25–27 (butterflyliving.org).
- Reflect: Mary brought myrrh to honor—not just sentiment, but devotion.
- Each woman crafts a ‘myrrh container’ symbolizing an area of her life surrendered to Jesus.
Leader prompts:
- “What burden or gift are you symbolically anointing today?”
- “How does this act deepen your devotion?”
6. Theologian Insight
From Chapter 5, The Patristic Magdalene: Symbol for the Church—Mary Magdalene emerges as “ἰσαπόστολος” (equal-to-the-apostles), underscoring her leadership and central role in proclaiming resurrection. (en.wikipedia.org, brill.com)
7. Journaling Prompts
- In what ways has Jesus called you by name—redeeming your identity?
- How has your “burden” become a gift through His transformation?
- What Gospel message is He asking you to carry to others?
8. Group Debrief and Prayer
Leader script:
“Let’s share our reflections on Mary’s transformation and devotion. If comfortable, share your myrrh container’s symbolism. Then we’ll pray for each other as witnesses of Jesus’ love.”
Closing prayer:
“Lord, thank You for Mary Magdalene’s story. Help us rise as witnesses—not defined by past, but by Your resurrection in us. May our lives bring the Good News. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Links for deeper study:
- Butterfly Living on Mary Magdalene (butterflyliving.org)
- Karen L. King, Women in Ancient Christianity (see Chapter on Magdalene) (en.wikipedia.org)
This Bible study, rooted in original language and solid theology, empowers women to see themselves as redeemed, commissioned, and intimately known by Jesus—just like Mary Magdalene.
Here are two follow-up activities your women’s ministry can do to deepen their Bible study on Mary Magdalene:
Add Some Depth to this Women’s Ministry Bible Study
1. Testimony Night: “My Redemption Story”
Invite each woman to reflect on her own journey with Christ, drawing parallels between her story and Mary Magdalene’s transformation. Provide time for women to share how Jesus has brought healing, freedom, or restoration in their lives. This reinforces the study’s message of redemptive power and helps women see the living impact of grace in today’s world.
2. “At the Tomb” Prayer Walk
Create stations that represent different moments from Mary Magdalene’s experience—deliverance, following Jesus, standing at the cross, and witnessing the resurrection. Each station can include a scripture, a reflection, and a prayer prompt. This allows women to engage with Mary’s story personally and prayerfully, making the Bible study on Mary Magdalene not only informative but transformative.
What do you think?
Mary Magdalene shows us that no one is beyond redemption. She models faithful witness and intimate devotion. As you leave today, remember: Jesus calls your name, not your history, and entrusts you with His story.
Thanks for reading!
Other Bible Studies to Check out:
My personal favorite: The Bible Study on Abigail.