I noticed something this week as I studied the scripture references to Mary Magdalene.  In many of the passages where she is mentioned, she is observing.  There is a short conversation recorded between Mary and Jesus (after He had risen), but it is mostly her presence at one place or another that caught my attention.

“Among them were Mary Magdalene……” Matthew 27:56

“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” Matthew 27:61

“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene…” Matthew 15:40

I find silence uncomfortable.  I feel guilty for watching rather than actively participating.  And I probably enjoy talking more than listening, but I’m wondering how a woman like Mary Magdalene made such an impression when she wasn’t very outspoken.

Mary lived in the grip of the enemy, demonized by seven spirits. She experienced life in a way that many back then could not relate to, nor can many of us today. Her life was tormented until she was delivered from the bondage of darkness and freed through the blood of Jesus.

Perhaps peace, quietness and meekness were attributes of a life she longed for. And now through her Savior, Jesus, she found that peaceful life. By no means did that take away from her purpose in the Kingdom. In fact, I believe her presence alone made a bold statement wherever she went—especially to Satan himself. Her testimony to God’s grace and power in her life spoke mightily without words.

We are called human beings for a reason.  We weren’t created to be human doings, yet so often that’s what makes us comfortable. The more we do, the more we participate, the more we serve, we feel more purpose. But do you suppose that sometimes our purpose is to just be, to observe, to shut out distractions and be quiet?

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

Mary of Magdala

Objective:

Desiring a position in which I can utilize my gifts and find purpose.

Previous experience:

Previously inhabited by seven demons.

Oh, come on.  This resume would never stand a chance.  Inhabited by not just one but seven demons?  And submitted by a woman nonetheless in a time and culture where women’s rights were virtually non-existent.  No one would’ve given this a second glance.  No one but him who cast the demons from her, that is.

Luke 8:1-3 tells us that Mary Magdalene traveled from town to town with Jesus and the disciples, caring for their needs and supporting them out of her own means.  Wow!  Mary was also one of only a few women the angels shared the news with of a Risen Lord.  And as if all that is not incredible enough, Mary was the first person Jesus spoke to after the resurrection, giving her a specific mission: “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’ " (John 20:17). 

Mary of course repeated Jesus’ message.  In fact, I’m sure she didn’t just say it to the disciples.  She probably never stopped repeating it.

I know Mary, a former demon-possessed woman from the town of Magdala, found purpose in her life’s work of serving the Lord and telling His story to others.  Do you think your past is stopping you from finding purpose and fulfillment?  Think again.