Mary Magdalene was the first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection, a fact that’s both surprising and powerful given the cultural context of her time. While women’s testimonies were often dismissed, the Gospels consistently highlight Mary as the initial witness and messenger of this life-changing event. This not only shows the authenticity of the resurrection story but also reveals how God values and empowers women in His kingdom.
Beyond just Mary Magdalene, women played key roles throughout Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and the early church—showing their essential place in spreading the Gospel. Understanding their role helps us see the inclusive and transformative nature of Christianity from the very start. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the biblical accounts and what this means for you today.
When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, a central event in Christian faith, one question often comes up: Who was the first person to witness it? The answer might surprise you, especially considering the cultural context of the time.
It was a woman. More specifically, Mary Magdalene. Not Peter. Not John. Not any of the Twelve Disciples. This is a crucial detail that tells us a lot—not just about the resurrection story, but also about how women played a significant role in the early Christian movement.
Let’s walk through what the Bible says, why it matters, and what we can learn from it.
Mary Magdalene: The First Witness
If you look at John 20:1–18, you’ll find a detailed account of Mary Magdalene’s encounter at the empty tomb. Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Mary went to Jesus’ tomb and saw the stone had been rolled away. She ran to tell Peter and John. But after they left, she stayed.
Then something incredible happened:
“She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.” – John 20:14
Jesus then said her name—“Mary”—and she instantly recognized Him. That moment is profound. She became the first person to see the risen Christ.
Jesus then gave her a mission:
“Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” – John 20:17
In that instant, Mary Magdalene became the first preacher of the resurrection.
Why This Was Revolutionary
To understand how radical this moment was, you need to consider the historical context. In 1st-century Jewish society, women weren’t considered reliable legal witnesses. In courts, their testimony was often dismissed.
So why would the Gospel writers record that a woman was the first witness to the resurrection?
Two key reasons:
- It really happened.
If you were trying to fabricate a believable story in the 1st century, you wouldn’t make a woman the first witness. This detail actually adds credibility to the resurrection accounts because it’s not what you’d expect if the story were invented. - God flips expectations.
All through Scripture, God elevates those whom society overlooks. Choosing Mary Magdalene as the first witness fits God’s pattern of using the humble to show His power.
Women at the Cross and Tomb
Mary Magdalene wasn’t alone in her devotion. Several other women also played crucial roles during Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.
Here’s a breakdown:
- At the cross:
- Mary Magdalene
- Mary the mother of James and Joseph
- Salome
- Jesus’ mother (John 19:25)
- At the tomb (Matthew 28:1):
- Mary Magdalene
- “The other Mary” (likely the mother of James)
These women showed up when most of the male disciples had fled. Their courage and loyalty stand in sharp contrast to the fear-driven silence of others.
The Message Given to a Woman
One of the most striking moments in the resurrection story is that Jesus entrusted the most important message in history to a woman.
He didn’t appear to Pilate.
He didn’t show up in the temple to confront the high priests.
He revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene and told her to go and tell the others.
This speaks volumes about:
- The value of women in God’s kingdom.
- The reliability of their witness.
- The inclusiveness of the Gospel.
What About the Other Gospels?
All four Gospels agree that women were the first at the tomb. The details vary slightly, but the core truth is consistent.
| Gospel | First Witnesses |
| Matthew 28:1–10 | Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” |
| Mark 16:1–8 | Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome |
| Luke 24:1–10 | A group of women including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary mother of James |
| John 20:1–18 | Mary Magdalene alone is emphasized |
Mary Magdalene is named in all four accounts—a strong indicator of her key role.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Contrary to popular myth, Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute. That confusion likely comes from a misinterpretation of Luke 7, which mentions a sinful woman (not named Mary). Mary Magdalene is introduced in Luke 8:2 as someone from whom Jesus cast out seven demons.
She became a devoted follower, supported Jesus’ ministry financially (Luke 8:3), and stayed close during His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
The Role of Women in Early Christianity
Mary Magdalene’s story isn’t just a one-off. It reflects a larger pattern in the early church:
- Women hosted churches in their homes (e.g., Lydia in Acts 16:15).
- Phoebe is called a deacon in Romans 16:1.
- Priscilla, along with Aquila, taught Apollos, a powerful preacher (Acts 18:26).
Paul also acknowledges many women who labored for the Gospel:
“Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.” – Romans 16:12
Women were active, visible, and essential in the spread of Christianity.
What This Means for You
If you’re a woman reading this, you need to hear this loud and clear: You have a place in the kingdom. Not as a footnote. Not as an afterthought. But as someone God chooses, uses, and values.
If you’re a man, the takeaway is just as powerful: God doesn’t limit His call based on gender. The resurrection was witnessed and preached first by a woman. That truth should shape how we think about leadership, ministry, and voice in the Church.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Magdalene was the first witness of the resurrection.
- Jesus entrusted her with the first resurrection message.
- Women played a crucial role in Jesus’ ministry, death, resurrection, and the early church.
- The Bible elevates the value of women, often counter to cultural norms.
Final Thoughts
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. And it all began with a woman at an empty tomb, hearing her name spoken by the risen Christ.
That’s not just a beautiful story. It’s a revolutionary moment that reshaped history—and it still speaks to us today.
No matter who you are, the message of the resurrection is for you. And like Mary Magdalene, you’re invited to share it.
FAQs: Who Was the First Witness of the Resurrection? The Role of Women
1. Who was the first witness of the resurrection?
The first witness of the resurrection was Mary Magdalene. She discovered the empty tomb and was the first to see the risen Jesus, as described in John 20:1–18.
2. Why is it important that a woman was the first witness of the resurrection?
It’s important because, in the cultural context of the time, women’s testimonies were often discounted. The fact that the Gospels record a woman as the first witness adds credibility and shows how God honors women’s roles.
3. What role did Mary Magdalene play in the resurrection story?
Mary Magdalene not only saw Jesus first but was also given the task of telling the disciples about His resurrection, making her the first preacher of this pivotal event.
4. Were other women involved in the resurrection story?
Yes, several women were present at the tomb, including “the other Mary,” Salome, and Joanna. They were faithful followers who stayed when many disciples fled.
5. Did all four Gospels agree on the first witnesses of the resurrection?
Yes, all four Gospels agree that women were the first at the tomb, with Mary Magdalene consistently named as a key witness.
6. Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute as some myths suggest?
No, the Bible never calls Mary Magdalene a prostitute. She was a devoted follower from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2).
7. How did the role of women in the resurrection story impact the early church?
Women played vital roles as witnesses, supporters, and leaders in the early church, showing that God’s kingdom is inclusive and values all people.
8. Why would the Gospel writers include women as the first witnesses if they wanted to make up the story?
Because women’s testimonies were considered unreliable at the time, including them as the first witnesses suggests the story was not fabricated but based on true events.
9. What can we learn from the first witness of the resurrection today?
We learn that God values faithfulness, courage, and witness from everyone, regardless of gender, and that the resurrection message is for all people.
10. How does understanding the role of women in the resurrection change our view of Christianity?
It highlights that Christianity challenges social norms, elevates the marginalized, and calls all believers to participate fully in sharing the Gospel.
