Why God Chose a Woman to Announce the Greatest News in History
The Story of Mary Magdalene and What It Means for Women Today
As we approach Easter, one question quietly challenges tradition, culture, and even theology:
Why did God choose a woman—specifically Mary Magdalene—to announce the greatest news in history?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. Yet, the first preacher of this good news was not a disciple, priest, or political leader.
It was a woman.
And not just any woman—Mary Magdalene.
In a time when a woman’s testimony was considered legally unreliable, this decision was not accidental. It was intentional. It was revolutionary.
Let’s unpack why.
1. She Chose Presence Over Performance
We see a powerful pattern in the life of Mary of Bethany, often associated with deep devotion:
She sat at Jesus’ feet while others were distracted with activity (Luke 10:39).
Mary Magdalene embodied this same posture—a heart that longed for intimacy over busyness.
She didn’t just follow Jesus casually.
She lingered. She listened. She learned.
God entrusts revelation to those who prioritise relationship.
2. She Understood the Value of Jesus
In a moment that others misunderstood, a woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus—an act criticised by Judas Iscariot as wasteful.
But Jesus saw it differently.
“She has done a beautiful thing to me… She poured this perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:6–8)
While others calculated cost, she discerned worth.
While others questioned, she worshipped.
Those who truly see Jesus for who He is will never consider worship a waste.
3. She Remained When Others Left
At the crucifixion, when fear scattered many of Jesus’ followers, Mary Magdalene stayed.
She stood at the cross.
She watched where He was buried alongside Joseph of Arimathea.
She remained when it was painful, confusing, and hopeless.
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” (Matthew 27:61)
Faithfulness in the dark qualifies you for revelation in the dawn.
4. She Was Not Afraid to Be Identified With Jesus
In John 20, while the disciples hid in fear—including Peter, who had denied Him—Mary went boldly to the tomb.
Her words reveal her heart:
“They have taken my Lord away…”
Not a Lord.
Not the Lord.
My Lord.
Even in grief, she remained unashamed in her devotion.
God uses those who are not afraid to publicly belong to Him.
5. She Recognised His Voice
When Jesus called her name—“Mary”—everything changed.
She recognised Him instantly.
Why?
Because she knew Him.
Not intellectually.
Not distantly.
But personally.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Recognition is the fruit of relationship.
And here’s the deeper question for us:
Do we recognise when the Lord is speaking to us?
A Divine Statement to Society
In that culture, a woman’s testimony held little to no legal weight.
Yet Jesus chose Mary Magdalene as the first witness of His resurrection.
This wasn’t just a personal reward—it was a public declaration:
Women are not sidelined in God’s kingdom.
They are central to His story.
What the Cross Did for Women
The resurrection didn’t just bring salvation—it brought restoration of identity and position.
Because of the finished work on the cross:
✨ We Have Direct Access to Him
No mediator. No limitation. No hierarchy.
✨ We Have Equal Standing in His Kingdom
“There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
✨ We Are Entrusted With Kingdom Assignment
Mary carried the message that would change the world:
“He is risen.”
Final Reflection: You Are Still Being Chosen
Mary Magdalene’s story is not just history—it’s an invitation.
God is still looking for women who will:
Sit at His feet
Honour Him deeply
Remain when it’s hard
Boldly identify with Him
Recognise His voice
Women who will carry His message.
You don’t need a title.
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need perfection.
You need devotion.
Because the same God who chose Mary…
is still choosing women today.