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Answer:
Dr. Alexander Roman
alex@unicorne.org
Yes, Mary Magdalene was indeed the sister of
Lazarus and Martha of Bethany.
In John 11.5 this is mentioned and it is mentioned in the twelfth chapter
of John as well when the Lord Jesus returns to Bethany to spend some time
with His close friends, Lazarus, Mary Magdalene and Martha.
Mary Magdalene is often perceived as a harlot etc. and there is no
evidence in scripture for this.
We do know that Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Christ's who was at the
foot of the Cross with the Mother of God and John the Beloved Disciple.
She is praised by Christ for having chosen the "better part" in listening
to and meditating upon His preaching.
Mary of Magdala was, according to tradition, a wealthy woman who became a
central figure in the early Church.
Her social prominence led Tiberius Caesar to invite her to Rome to dine
with him - the Roman Emperor himself!
While at his table, Mary Magdalene began to tell Caesar about the Lord
Jesus in response to Caesar's inquiries. Origen of Alexandria tells us
that Pilate wrote a report about his condemnation of Christ to Caesar, on
the basis of which Pilate was recalled to Rome where he was beheaded . .
At the first mention of Christ's Resurrection, Caesar tried to change the
subject, it is said. Then he picked up an egg on the table and told Mary:
"A man could no more rise from the dead after enduring such a death than
this white egg could turn red."
Mary of Magdala then picked up another white egg and showed Caesar. The
egg turned red in her very hands!
The Eastern Church writes this icon of Mary Magdalene holding an egg in
her hand which is especially used at Pascha/Easter. We colour Easter eggs
red, symbolizing the Blood of Christ shed for our salvation, recalling to
mind the miracle of St Mary Magdalene who is also called
"Equal-to-the-Apostles."
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