Mary Magdalene: Bold Example of Living Sent

In an era when women’s testimonies held little social weight, Mary Magdalene shared history’s most important announcement: Christ has risen! Her boldness wasn’t rooted in status, education, or authority, but in an undeniable encounter with the resurrected Lord. When Jesus commissioned her with “go and tell,” she didn’t hesitate or defer to more “qualified” voices. She ran to the disciples and proclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!” Her courage to speak despite potential dismissal and her immediate obedience despite incomplete understanding make her an enduring model for authentic evangelism.  

Evangelism Begins with Personal Encounter

Mary’s proclamation—”I have seen the Lord!”—flowed directly from her own experience. She didn’t share theological arguments or secondhand information; she testified to what she had personally witnessed and how she has been personally impacted for the better from Jesus. Before we can live sent and effectively invite others into relationship with Jesus, we must know Him ourselves. Mary reminds us that the most compelling witness comes not from memorized talking points but from transformed lives and real experience.

Share Immediately, Not Perfectly

Jesus commissioned Mary to go and share while she was still processing the shock of the empty tomb. She hadn’t attended seminary, developed a systematic theology, or resolved all her questions. Yet Jesus sent her immediately: “Go to my brothers and tell them.” This challenges the notion that we must have everything figured out before sharing our faith. Living sent doesn’t require perfect understanding—it requires obedience. Mary’s willingness to go despite her limited comprehension shows that God uses willing vessels, not flawless ones.

Deliver the Message, Trust God with Results

Mary’s task was simple: tell what she had seen. She didn’t manipulate, pressure, or control the disciples’ response. She faithfully delivered the message and left the results to God. This principle liberates us from the burden of “converting” people. Our responsibility is to share truthfully and lovingly; transformation is the Holy Spirit’s work. When we grasp this, evangelism becomes less intimidating and more natural—simply sharing the hope we’ve found.