An exorcism is tantamount to a miracle – an extraordinary intervention of God.[1]

Chapter 12

Mary Magdalene’s Story

Nighttime was terrifying for Mary. In the daylight hours, she could sometimes still the tormenting voices that spoke to her, telling her to do disgusting, destructive things that revolted her. At night, though, alone in the darkness, Mary could not help hearing them. Try as she might, she could not quiet them from her mind. Mary was desperate for help. In her despair, she often thought of ending her miserable life, but she never seemed to be able to follow through on any of her plans. Mary was a truly wretched soul in need of a Savior.

Mary Magdalene’s story is one of the most poignant and intriguing in Scripture. Very little is revealed of her personal life, but what is recorded shows us a woman living in spiritual bondage. Her transformation into a dedicated disciple gives hope to all who live lives controlled by forces beyond their power to overcome.

Unfortunately, Mary’s biography has taken on a life of its own. She has been depicted as everything from a reformed prostitute to the secret wife of Jesus. Much of the muddled information about her comes from misidentification of several individuals named Mary in the Bible as well as fictional stories written in the first two centuries about her. Even today, fictional accounts such as Dan Brown’s stories and movies add untrue details to her life. The Biblical record only speaks of her life before she met Christ briefly and then shows us glimpses of how prominent a role she plays in early Christianity.

The Mary Magdalene of the Holy Scriptures was healed of a terrible condition by Jesus. She was possessed by seven demonic spirits[2] that were exorcised by the Son of God. Her devotion to Jesus Christ sprung from the gratitude she had to Him for giving her back her life.

Whether or not a person believes in demonic possession is irrelevant. The Bible presents possession from evil spirits as fact. There are a total of 14 places in the New Testament where demonic activity is discussed. Jesus spent a lot of time in His ministry freeing people whose lives, like Mary’s, were enslaved to demons. The gospel accounts all agree that possession is quite real and that the Son of God has power over evil spirits.

Can you imagine what life was like for Mary? I have dealt with individuals whose lives were being systematically destroyed by a single demonic entity. Nothing in my experience or imagination can begin to comprehend just how thoroughly miserable Mary Magdalene’s life would have been, but I can extrapolate some things from examples of demonic possession found in the pages of the New Testament.

Mary’s self-esteem would have been degraded. Her will and desires were under the control of outside forces stronger than she was. To be dominated by not just one, but seven, unclean spirits, would have been exposure to evil on a scale permanently damaging to her psyche. In a very real sense, she was a slave. From what we see in various accounts throughout the four gospels and the book of Acts, those who were under the influence of evil spirits had other issues as well.

While no two possessions were identical, you can look at each of them and see the different kinds of effects the spirits had. Some people became violent, such as in the encounter between Jesus and the man from Gaderea.[3] Other possessed people in the New Testament lost the ability to speak, [4]had violent seizures, [5]suffered physical deformities, [6]and showed distinct personality shifts.[7]Still accounts in the Bible dealing with possessed individuals show them having supernatural knowledge, [8]superhuman strength, [9]and causing depression.[10]

Exactly what Mary experienced during the time she was possessed cannot be known for certain, although Luke 8:2 uses the word infirmities,[11]which always refers to physical sickness when used in a sentence with either the word(s) healed or demons. She did, at the very least, suffer physical sickness, loss of her will and tormenting thoughts. We can reasonably assume that years of illness would have led to depression and despair. With seven spirits in her, those problems would have been exponentially multiplied.

Mary needed a Savior. She found one in Jesus. He freed her from captivity. He gave her a new life, a life that contained joy, inner peace and purpose. When Jesus was crucified and buried, she was crushed. Her grief was as extreme as her devotion. How great was her joy at seeing the Resurrected Christ! How magnificent the privilege of being the first person to whom He appears!

When Mary became a follower of Jesus, she became fully sold out to Him. Two groups of disciples followed Jesus. The first group consisted of men, led primarily by Peter, as well as James and John. The second group consisted of women, led by Mary Magdalene. While other woman are listed, in every list Mary Magdalene’s name comes first, just as Peter’s does when the male disciples are mentioned. That is why I surmise that she was a leader. These women financially supported a lot of Jesus’ ministry.[12]

Do you see how far Mary Magdalene has come? From a wretched, tortured past, she has been cleansed, freed and taken up a position of responsibility. Her story shows us that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus. He comes to her, heals her and allows her a place of honorable service.

How does Mary relate to Renee? Both women were controlled by influences beyond their power to control. Both were outcasts – Mary because she was possessed, Renee because of how she viewed herself. Mary and Renee each found freedom in Christ, and devoted the rest of their days to worshipping Him through service. I believe Renee was influenced by the spirits in the idols she owned, just as Mary was by the seven demonic spirits Jesus cast from her. The dramatic change in the lives of both women stands as a powerful testimony to the healing power of Jesus.

There are many people, from all lifestyles, who would give anything to worship the Lord God, but they are unable to because of the control our Adversary has over their lives. It is good news to know that Jesus seeks them out and brings healing to them. Jesus breaks the chains of spiritual bondage; He sets free those who are captive to the Enemy so that they, too, can worship God the Father.

No one has to give in to despair, discouragement or hopelessness. That is one of the great truths of Christianity. It is one reason why the story of Christ’s redemption is good news. Not only does belief in Him grant us eternal life, but a life worth living here and now. Mary’s story reminds us that in Jesus Christ we find purpose, hope, comfort and a life full of exciting opportunities of service to Him. Whom do you know who could use good news like this? Go and tell them.

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[1] Gabriele Nanni, http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2005/02/18/vatican_backs_exorcism_course/

[2] Luke 8:2

[3] Luke 8:26

[4] Luke 11:14

[5] Luke 9:39

[6] Luke 13:11

[7] Luke 8:28-35, Mark 1:23-24

[8] Acts 16:16-18

[9] Matthew 8:28, Luke 8:29

[10] 1 Samuel 16:14-23

[11] In Greek, astheneia

[12] Luke 8:3