Jesus restored her
Mary Magdalene's name likely distinguishes her from other women named Mary by connecting her with Magdala, a town near the Sea of Galilee. Luke introduces her among women who travelled with Jesus and the Twelve. He records that Jesus had cast seven devils out of her (Luke 8:1-3).
We are not told what this experience involved, so Scripture does not invite us to speculate. It does show a real rescue and a grateful response. Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and other women used their own resources to help provide for Jesus and his disciples (Luke 8:3). Her faith was practical, not merely private.
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
She was not named as a prostitute
A long-standing tradition has sometimes described Mary Magdalene as a prostitute, or identified her with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet. But the Bible itself never makes that identification. Luke tells of the unnamed woman, then begins a fresh account in which he names Mary Magdalene among Jesus' followers (Luke 7:36-38; Luke 8:1-3).
Nor do the Gospels explicitly say that Mary Magdalene was Mary of Bethany, Martha and Lazarus's sister. Christians have made these connections at different points in history, but the Gospel writers do not state them. It is best to let Mary Magdalene's own story speak for itself.
She stayed through the cross and burial
Mary Magdalene was present when Jesus was crucified. Mark names her among the women watching as Jesus suffered and died (Mark 15:40-41). That was no small thing. In a moment marked by fear and grief, she did not simply disappear from the story.
She also saw where Joseph of Arimathaea placed Jesus' body after his death (Mark 15:46-47). This matters when the women later find the tomb empty. Mary knew where Jesus had been buried. Her witness was rooted in what she had personally seen.
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
She met the risen Lord
On the first day of the week, Mary came to the tomb and found the stone removed (John 20:1). John describes her weeping outside after Peter and John had gone. She saw Jesus but did not recognise him at first. Then he called her by name, and she knew who was speaking (John 20:11-16).
Jesus told Mary to take a message to his disciples, and she went to tell them that she had seen the Lord (John 20:17-18). Her place in the resurrection story is striking. The risen Jesus entrusted this faithful woman with news that would change everything.
Mary Magdalene's life points to Jesus' power to restore people and his welcome of devoted witnesses. Read her appearances in the Gospels slowly. They show not a legendary figure, but a real disciple whose love for Jesus endured through sorrow and turned into resurrection joy.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.