BIBLE CHARACTERS

Lesson #15

 

Mary Magdalene

From Demon Possessed to Eyewitness

Matthew 27:55-56; 27:61; 28:1-10; Mark 15:40-41; 16:1-9; Luke 8:2; 24:10; John 19:25; John 20:1-10; John 10:11-18

Victor M. Eskew

 

1.       What does Mary Magdalene mean?

 

2.       Mary Magdalene is often portrayed as a prostitute in books and movies.  Does the Bible picture her this way?  Why has this portrayal of Mary been set forth?

 

3.       Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2).  How does this help to explain Mary’s close association with the Christ?

 

4.       In Matthew 27:55 and Mark 15:41, we learn that Mary Magdalene and other women ministered unto Jesus during His earthly ministry.  What type of things might they have done in their service to Jesus at that time?

 

5.       The only apostle who is said to have been near the cross of Jesus at the crucifixion was John.  However, several women, including Mary Magdalene were close by the cross.  Why did she and other women want to be near such an ugly scene?

 

6.       Mary Magdalene witnessed the crucifixion, the burial, the empty tomb, and the resurrected Christ.  Can you explain the emotional roller coaster she must have experienced during those hours?

 

7.       When Jesus confronts Mary after His resurrection, she did not recognize Him at first (John 20:14-15).  Why do you think this happened?

 

8.       Why was Mary the first to see the resurrected Lord?

 

9.       Mary is sometimes referred to as “the apostle to the apostles.”  Do you believe this is an accurate description of her?