Mary Magdalene was a Childfree Disciple of Christ.
Of all the Kingdom women spoken of in the Bible, Mary Magdalene is the one I relate with most.
Luke 8:2 tells us:
“Some women who had been healed of demons and diseases were with Him. Mary Magdalene, who had had seven demons cast out of her, was one of them.”
For many years in my 30’s, I battled a mysterious illness that never received a diagnosis. Some believed it was Lyme disease, others an autoimmune disorder. One doctor simply said it was my"lifestyle".
It wasn’t until I returned to church, entered the rooms of 12-step recovery, was baptized, and fully surrendered to God that I was truly healed. Maybe not the same as seven demons being cast out, but looking back now, I can see it clearly: a divine intervention and miraculous healing no human hands could cure.
Mary Magdalene was also childfree and unmarried. With no children dividing her heart or calendar, she was able to follow Jesus daily—undistracted, undivided, and fully committed to His mission. Her discipleship was wholehearted. Her devotion was her ministry.
As a Christian coach who walks alongside women today, especially coaching for Christian women without children, I understand this testimony at a soul level. Being childfree has its unique challenges. The Lord gently revealed to me in my early 30’s that biological motherhood would not be part of my story. I remember even asking my own mother if that reality would sadden her. Her answer was grace-filled reassurance: my brother had already given her grandchildren, and it was okay if my path looked different.
What I didn’t realize then, but I see now, is this:
God would use my childfree/childless position to serve Him at a level I never could have imagined.
When you marry the love of your life later in life (I said I DO at 44), it’s natural to dream of expanding your family and raising up little disciples. Menopause made that surrender heavier some days, I’ll admit. But my husband, a steady voice of prophecy and Kingdom alignment, reminds me often: our calling is unique. We were joined to serve God’s mission together, not to conform to earthly expectations.
Mary’s story echoes a similar theme.
Luke 8:3 (MSG) paints the picture beautifully:
“The Twelve were with him. There were also some women… Mary called Magdalene… Joanna… Susanna—along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company.”
She didn’t just follow Jesus, she supported His ministry. She showed up. She stayed consistent. She was wherever Jesus was.
John 19:25 adds:
“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
She witnessed it all. He was her healer, counselor, comforter, Lord, and Savior. And when Jesus rose, she was the first one He appeared to (John 20:11–18). He entrusted her—a woman—with the first message of the resurrection. In Jewish culture, this was radical. Unprecedented. Missionary-level discipleship influence that defied cultural norms.
Because of this, many refer to her as “Apostle to the Apostles.”
Mary inspires me still. Jesus healed her. Saved her. Led her. Honored her. And as a Kingdom woman disciple, this is how I want to live too—seeing my childfree/childless calling not as lack, but as assignment. Not as empty branches, but as fruitful ones because the Holy Spirit births new life in and through us when we share the Gospel.
John 1:13 reminds us:
“They are reborn—not of human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”
And as disciples, we assist in this birthing process when we share His gospel message. We don’t create salvation, we make room for the Spirit-led work of God to bring new life in Christ. The old life dies, and new life begins.
So whether you’re married or single, with children or without, may we all remember:
-
Disciples go where Jesus is
-
The Holy Spirit gives birth to new life
-
And obedience to His mission brings glory to the Father
Mary Magdalene walked The Way before it had a name—steadfast, surrendered, and Spirit-led. Her story is a reminder that disciples follow Jesus into Kingdom work, carrying the Gospel so the Holy Spirit can give birth to new life. Praise God for healing, saving, leading, and honoring us as we walk in biblical discipleship just like Mary Magdalene. May we go where Jesus is and make disciples with undivided hearts.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Where do you see God moving in or around your life today?
When is a time you went where Jesus was leading—and what was your experience?
How is God using your story (especially if you're without children) to bring new life or Kingdom purpose through your discipleship?