Loyalty

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Few of us have known the fierce loyalty of a devoted friend like Mary Magdalene. Her commitment was steadfast. That means she didn’t speak of being loyal; she lived it. Interestingly, that’s not always the case. Perhaps you’ve had friends who profess loyalty but live the contrary truth when you need them most. Their actions prove anything but faithful, and most of us have experienced the pain of “fruitless devotion.” My grandmother called these “fair weather friends.” They’re in if it’s beneficial and asks nothing of them but let the storms come, and these often retreat. But not Mary Magdalene; she was a true friend, and her fidelity was unique! She was with Jesus until the very end, and then some! Alone at the tomb - she wept in anguish and asked “the gardener,” “Where have you taken my Lord?” (See John 20:13.) Take notice of the possessive determiner in Mary’s question, which is my!

Since Mary’s commitment pushed loyalty to its limits, we must explore the truth behind her commitment and steadfast devotion. Let’s begin by defining loyalty. At its core, it embodies a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Its meaning personifies faithfulness. Words like fidelity, devotion, constancy, dedication, commitment, and dependability are in view. So, yes, Mary Magdalene was loyal, but there was more. We must consider loyalty’s source, since at the end, Mary appeared more steadfast than His disciples. What drove her fidelity? Her love for Jesus, His divine deliverance, and its undeniable results. But, before we rejoice, we must consider her backstory. As always, before the glory, there was great pain and suffering! How so? Let’s take a look.

Demons had raged inside Mary Magdalene and took evil possession of her mind and soul. What does that mean? Simply this: Before Jesus delivered her, Mary suffered from an ever-present evil that held her mind in captivity. Indeed, her need was urgent because the mind controls the will, and the body responds accordingly. Mary’s affliction was to the uttermost, and only a dispensation of divine grace could set her free! Of her suffering, it’s been said: “…it was extremely severe, causing nervousness that may well be diagnosed as violent epilepsy.” Another scholar categorized Mary Magdalene as “a woman who had suffered from hysterics to the verge of madness.” Although these words don’t describe what we know and love about Mary, scripture reveals the number of Mary Magdalene’s demons as seven - the number of completeness.

According to Luke 8:2, “…and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons….” Note the inference here. Since seven represents a complete work, we can conclude that the demonic possession was effective and complete. If one demon was enough to wreak havoc and wholly unacceptable, we could only assume that her affliction was intense and debilitating. So, yes, even in Jesus’ day, demons controlled people and their suffering was severe - as was Mary’s.

If you’re unfamiliar with demonic possession, you may be thinking, “So what of demons?” But for those who suffer, the torment is not new or imagined. In some cases, horrifying acts have been committed and perpetrators report “they acted upon hearing the command.” Yes, these voices are demonic and there is no other explanation for such possessive evil. Although these tormented ones are not held by human captors, they are captive nonetheless. Unless and until divine help comes, these will suffer a relentless, enslaved and tortured existence. Note this, though. Because Jesus’ is not interested in our past - only who we become in Him, scripture provides no record of Mary’s exploits before deliverance. How thrilling and what good news for us! As evil as we might be, when we come to Jesus, He wipes the slate clean, makes us white as snow, reconciles us to God, and forgives our sins - past, present, and future - regardless of our past exploits! We can rejoice as Mary did, at long last, she was free.

Once delivered, Mary’s faith and loyalty ignited, and among Jesus’ female followers, none were more loyal than she. Notice that her fierce loyalty was not optional, nor did it spring from effort or forethought. Instead, it flowed naturally. Once Jesus freed her, it wrought faithful leadership and steadfast devotion, as the gospels record. She is mentioned 14 times and often in the company of other women, but her name always heads the list. What does that tell us? Once divine deliverance came, Mary Magdalene occupied the place of “supreme servant” or “first in service.” As it should be, her deliverance birthed faith; indeed, it was not dead - but alive!

What’s the takeaway? Only Jesus can set us free! We must never doubt His restorative work in us nor its benefits in this life and beyond. When we ask for deliverance, it’s accomplished! I see no scriptural evidence to the contrary. So believers, rejoice! Like Paul and Mary Magdalene, we should rest in divine victory and reckon it so! Our part is to trust Him, embrace His redemptive work, and walk it out by faith, and if need be, one baby step at a time. Will all joy, Mary Magdalene did!

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord! Heal our infirmities and woo us to faithfulness. May we find great joy in Your deliverance as we rest in the divine victory and reckon it so! Amen and amen.

*Verses that highlight Mary Magdalene’s loyalty are recorded in the gospels as follows:

Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1-19; Luke 8:2; 24:10; and John 19:25; 20:1-18.