Mark 16:9-11
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus chose to reveal Himself first not to a grieving mother or a powerful leader, but to Mary Magdalene, highlighting the radical inclusivity of His kingdom. This choice underscores that His resurrection power is for those society might overlook or deem unworthy, particularly those deeply impacted by spiritual brokenness.
After the women found the tomb empty and heard from the angels that Jesus was risen, they fled in fear and amazement, telling no one. Shortly after, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman from whom he had previously cast out seven demons. This initial appearance to Mary, and then to others, would be met with disbelief by the disciples.
After conquering death, who did Jesus reveal Himself to first? It wasn't Peter, James, or John, but someone unexpected.
The Gospel of Mark highlights a significant detail: Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance was to Mary Magdalene.
The woman Jesus first appeared to after His resurrection had a past filled with darkness. What does this tell us about God's redemptive plan?
Mark doesn't just name Mary Magdalene; he reminds us of her profound past: 'from whom he had cast out seven demons.' This detail is crucial for understanding the depth of God's grace.
Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings opposed to God and humanity who inhabit or oppress people. Casting them out demonstrates Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm and his mission to liberate the captive.
penthēō · Greek Verb
A deep expression of grief, sorrow, or lamentation. In the New Testament, it often follows the death of a loved one or reflects a state of spiritual brokenness before God.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
To accept as true or hold as a matter of conviction. In the New Testament, it often implies a trust or reliance upon God or His revelation, especially regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ.
zaō · Greek Adjective/Participle
The Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus' first appearance after resurrection was to Mary Magdalene, a woman previously delivered from intense spiritual affliction, demonstrating God's grace and His turning of the world's values upside down.
c. AD 30
Jesus Crucified
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, fulfilling prophecies and marking the central event of Christian faith.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week— this verse
Jesus Resurrected
Early on the first day of the week, Jesus rises from the dead. His tomb is found empty by His women followers, signaling the victory over death.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week
Appearance to Mary Magdalene
Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, a woman from whom He had cast out seven demons, at the empty tomb. She is commissioned to tell His disciples.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week
Disciples Disbelieve Early Reports
The disciples, including the apostles, initially dismiss the women's accounts of the resurrection as 'idle tales' or fantasies, struggling to believe the astonishing news.
This passage gives a more detailed account of Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, highlighting her initial grief and then her recognition and joy upon seeing Him, which deeply enriches Mark's brief mention.
Luke 8:2-3This passage identifies Mary Magdalene as the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons, providing crucial context for why Jesus might have appeared to her first after His resurrection, emphasizing His powerful healing and deliverance.
Matthew 28:9-10This passage also describes Jesus appearing to the women shortly after His resurrection, offering a parallel perspective and reinforcing the idea that the first appearances were to women, with Jesus specifically commissioning them.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8This passage lists Jesus' post-resurrection appearances as part of the core gospel message, explicitly mentioning an appearance to 'more than five hundred brothers at one time,' and also to James and all the apostles, showing the breadth of His victorious return.
cambridgeMark 16:9: "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."
9–11 . The Appearance to Mary Magdalene 9 . Now when ] On this section from 9–20, see Introduction, pp. 15, 16. he appeared first ] As yet, it will be observed, no human eye had seen the risen Conqueror of Death. The holy women had seen the stone rolled away, and the empty tomb, and had heard the words of the Angels, and announced all that had occurre…
calvinMark 16:8-11: "And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid."
- And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to inform his disciples. 9. And while they went to inform his disciples, then, lo, Jesus met them, saying, Hail. [305] And they approached, and held his feet, and worshipped him. 10. Then Jesus saith to them, Fear not; go, tell my brethren to go into Gal…
Jesus chose to reveal Himself first not to a grieving mother or a powerful leader, but to Mary Magdalene, highlighting the radical inclusivity of His kingdom. This choice underscores that His resurrection power is for those society might overlook or deem unworthy, particularly those deeply impacted by spiritual brokenness.
After the women found the tomb empty and heard from the angels that Jesus was risen, they fled in fear and amazement, telling no one. Shortly after, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman from whom he had previously cast out seven demons. This initial appearance to Mary, and then to others, would be met with disbelief by the disciples.
After the women found the tomb empty and heard from the angels that Jesus was risen, they fled in fear and amazement, telling no one. Shortly after, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman from whom he had previously cast out seven demons. This initial appearance to Mary, and then to others, would be met with disbelief by the disciples.
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The state of being alive, specifically used here to denote Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week
Appearances to Other Disciples
Jesus appears to other disciples, including the two on the road to Emmaus and later to the assembled eleven, gradually confirming His resurrection and strengthening their faith.
"Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was aliv…" — Jesus chose to reveal Himself first not to a grieving mother or a powerful leader, but to Mary Magdalene, highlighting the radical inclusivity of His kingdom. This choice underscores that His resurre…
