There is a place where every step draws you deeper into the presence of a love that rewrites destinies. Nestled along the shores of the Sea of Galilee lies Magdala, a town once bustling with fishermen, merchants, and seekers… and one woman whose life was utterly transformed by the voice of the Saviour.
Now, in the midst of the ruins of ritual baths and marketplaces, time seems to pause. And in that pause, something eternal stirs. This place feels like holy ground; a canvas on which Jesus painted one of His most tender masterpieces: the redemption of Mary Magdalene.
Magdala comes from the Hebrew word מִגְדָּל (Migdal), which means “tower” or “fortress”, symbolising strength and prominence. It’s fitting that from this place, Jesus raised up Mary Magdalene, turning a life of shame into a tower of testimony.
Magdala Rediscovered Beneath the Dust
For centuries, Magdala was buried, its name only spoke in Scripture and ancient memory. But in 2009, during the construction of a Christian retreat centre at coast of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the earth gave up this wonderful treasure.
The Legionaries of Christ, planning to build a spiritual campus near modern-day Migdal, began routine excavations. What they uncovered stunned the archaeological world: a first-century synagogue, beautifully preserved. It is one of the very few ever discovered from the time of Jesus.
This is one place where we can say: Jesus likely taught here. Mary likely worshipped here.
Surrounding the synagogue were ritual baths (mikva’ot), stone streets, homes, and market stalls, confirming Magdala’s prominence as a devout, flourishing Jewish town.
Today, the beautifully built Duc In Altum worship centre stands on the site. Its Encounter Chapel is built over the original marketplace. And its atrium honours women of faith, especially Mary of Magdala. Her name rises once again, not in shame, but in honour.
Isaiah 58:12 speaks prophetically:
“Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations…”
Today we are witnesses: Magdala has been raised.
A Story for the Forgotten
Magdala matters because Mary matters. And Mary matters because you matter.
Mary Magdalene’s life was marked by torment, misunderstanding, and deep shame. But in her encounter with Jesus, she didn’t just find freedom, she found identity, intimacy, and purpose.
Mary Magdaline’s life is a mirror to everyone that has ever asked:
“Can God still use someone like me?”
Luke 8:2 tells us that she was a woman “from whom seven demons had gone out.” The number seven in scripture, speaks of completeness. Mary wasn’t just broken; she was utterly and completely bound.
Yet Jesus didn’t flinch. He met her there in that state. And in one encounter, her shame was shattered, and destiny was born.
Why Magdala? He Calls Us by Name
Mary’s transformation didn’t stop at her deliverance. She followed Jesus. She supported His ministry. She stood at the cross when others fled. And on resurrection morning, while others fled and hid, she went to the tomb.
But long before she saw Him risen, she heard Him speak her name.
We can only imagine the first time Jesus said, “Mary” on that day He cast out seven demons from her. What must His voice have sounded like in that moment? That name, spoken not with fear or judgement, but with compassion, authority, and tenderness. In that moment, her torment ended, and her true identity began. She was no longer defined by bondage, but by belonging.
Then, after the cross, after the trauma of seeing Him crucified, she came to the tomb, heartbroken and confused. And again, she heard that same voice.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’” (John 20:16)
The same name. The same voice. But this time, spoken by the Risen Lord.
What began in deliverance now bloomed in resurrection. Her name marked the greatest journey a soul can take. It started from death to life, then from life to commission.
Jesus didn’t just heal her. He knew her. And by name, He called her into the centre of redemptive history.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
John 10:3 says, “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” That’s what He did with Mary. And it’s what He does with you.
He speaks your name in your darkest moment. And again, when hope dawns. The first time to set you free. The second, to send you forth into purpose.
John 20:17 records His commission to her:
“Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”
The first person to proclaim the resurrection… was the woman from Magdala.
The 1st apostle to the apostles… was the woman that was bound seven times over.
What could He do with you?
Standing at Magdala
Walking through Magdala is like walking through a resurrected memory. The stones carry weight and the silence whispers with revelation.
Magdala is deeply significant for women. Jesus chose to restore, empower, and commission women in a culture that often silenced them. He honoured the faith of the woman with the issue of blood. He cast out seven demons from Mary. He welcomed women as disciples, supporters, and witnesses. And He chose a woman, Mary Magdalene, to be the first preacher of the resurrection.
Magdala reminds us that Jesus gives women space. Space to be seen, healed, discipled, and sent. And as a Church, we are called to continue that. Women’s ministry is not a footnote; it is a flame that Jesus Himself lit. This holy ground affirms that the voices of women are not secondary, they are key to the Gospel.
For women in ministry, Magdala is a commissioning ground. A place to say, “He sees me. He calls me. He sends me.”
And in that, there’s something here for men of God.
As a man, when I stand at Magdala, I am reminded that Jesus modelled a radically honouring posture toward women, one that did not compete or control, but protected, elevated, and released. Jesus led by creating space for women.
For men in ministry, Magdala becomes a mirror. Will we walk like Jesus did? Will we be men who make room for the daughters of God to rise into their full calling, without fear, resistance, or pride?
At Magdala, we are reminded that Jesus showed us how.
Magdala awaits you
Jesus still meets people in Magdala.
He still speaks names.
He still restores callings.
He still commissions.
Let Magdala minister to both the Marys and the Peters, the broken and the bold, the shamed and the sent.
He is not ashamed of your story. In fact, He’s about to write His glory upon it.
Let Mary’s journey from shattered shame to radiant commission become your own.
Stand with us on our next trip to Magdala, and let your name be spoken fresh by the One who knows it best.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
🦅 Soar Higher. Walk in His Footsteps.
Your faith will rise. Your spirit will soar.
Join us in Magdala, where everything changes when He says your name.