Mary Magdalene: The Tower
- Amber Irwin
- Apr 20
- 4 min read
NEW TESTAMENT
Luke 8:2; Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25; Matt. 27:61; Mark 15:47; Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 20:1, 11; Mark 16:9; John 20:14–18
As followers of Jesus Christ, we promise to “mourn with those that mourn.”
Despite going through excruciating sadness and risking her personal safety, Mary Magdalene stayed at the feet of Jesus throughout his suffering and death on the cross. Russell M. Nelson taught, "Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die” Doctrine & Covenants 42:45 (Russell M. Nelson, Doors of Death General Conference, April 1992). Even though it can be one of the hardest callings we have in this life, mourning with those who mourn is one of the most sacred opportunities we can take part in. Ponder on the times when you have been comforted. What are some ways we can truly help those that are grieving?
Study for a deeper understanding of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. See also The Grave Has No Victory by Reyna I. Aburto and Sunday Will Come by Joseph B. Wirthlin.
For those suffering from the loss of a child, I hope you may find joy in this illustration, The Lost Children by Annie Poon and comfort in these words of Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished."
You can bring hope to others by sharing your witness of Jesus Christ.
In the October 1996 general conference, James E. Faust spoke about Mary Magdalene. He said, "The grieving Mary Magdalene was the first to visit the sepulchre after the Crucifixion, and when she saw that the stone had been rolled away and that the tomb was empty, she ran to tell Peter and John. The two Apostles came to see and then went away sorrowing. But Mary stayed. She had stood near the cross. She had been at the burial. And now she stood weeping by the empty sepulchre. There she was honored to be the first mortal to see the risen Lord. After He said, “Woman, why weepest thou?” she was instructed by Him: “Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (James E. Faust,“Woman, Why Weepest Thou?” General Conference, October 1996). In verse 18, we read that she went and did just as the Lord had asked.
Like Mary, we've been invited to share our testimony of Jesus Christ and to spread the joy and hope that His sacrifice and message bring. Think about some ways you can share your testimony with others.
Not sure how to share your testimony? Read Sharing in Word and Deed by Gary E. Stevenson or see How to Share Your Testimony More Naturally
CONVERSATION STARTERS
In a time of grief, how can someone best serve you?
What have you done in order to help yourself get through adversity?
How have you become a better person as a result of your trials?
What eternal truths might we look to for comfort when we grieve the loss of a loved one?
OTHER STUDY RESOURCES
Mandy Green, Mary the Magdalene Reflecting Light Podcast, July 2024.
Mary Magdalene: An Example of Modern Discipleship with Janiece Johnson Magnify: An LDS Living Podcast, March 2023.
Mandy Green, Mary Magdalene and the Christianity We've Never Tried Reflecting Light Podcast, April 2022.
Easter - Mary Magdalene with Mandy Green Talking Scripture Podcast, April 2020.
Catherine Gines Taylor, Mary Magdalene at the Tomb BYU Maxwell Institute, April 2019.
Margot Hovley, Mary Magdalene—Tower of Strength Ensign, June 2019.
Camille Fronk Olson & Elspeth Young, What We Know About Mary Magdalene Ensign, June 2019.
Learn how you can better offer understanding, support, and help to those who are grieving.
Mourn with Those That Mourn Hope Works, Video Collection.
Ministering to Those Who Have Lost a Loved One Hope Works, Video Collection.
Death, Grieving, and Loss ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Life Help Resources.
Read Young Widows and Widowers Open Up About Dating, Remarrying in the Church LDS Living Article.
Listen to Leading Saints Podcast | Ministering to Individuals Who Lose a Child with Julie Cluff
Listen to All In: An LDS Living Podcast | Jenn Knight: On the Other Side of the Veil
Listen to All In: An LDS Living Podcast | Jenedy Paige: The Power of a Personal Relationship with God
ACTIVITIES
Stand with someone who is grieving.
We can join those who are grieving, just as Mary Magdalene did when she stood by the cross. See who in your community has suffered a loss and could use some help or cheering up. Remember, grief is not limited to the passing of a loved one. Grief can often be the result from a job loss, unforeseen medical issues, or unmet hopes and dreams. The sudden loss of a limb, receiving results of infertility, a withdrawn job offer, or a rejection letter from a dream college are all events that could cause significant grief. Find someone near you who is suffering from any loss and ask them how you could best support them, then go and do!
Visit with the Widows.
Take some time out of your week to visit with a widow in your area or drop off a kind note to let them know someone was thinking about them. If you have some extra time, offer to help them write down some of their recollections of their spouse, assist them in creating a book of memories, or help them in uploading videos to the family history website.
Write your testimony and insert it into a Book of Mormon to share.
In the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ appears in the America's after the crucifixion and proclaims His atonement. Add your witness to this remarkable event! Pray for inspiration about who you should share this book and your written testimony with.