Confusion with the "sinful woman" in Luke 7:36-50
In this passage, a woman (unnamed) washes Jesus' feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints Him with ointment.
She is described as a sinner, but her identity is never given.
Some later wrongly assumed that this was Mary Magdalene.
Pope Gregory I’s Sermon (591 AD)
In the 6th century, Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) mistakenly combined three different women into one:
Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2 – had seven demons cast out).
The sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50 – anointed Jesus’ feet).
Mary of Bethany (John 11:1-2 – Lazarus' sister).
He incorrectly said that Mary Magdalene was the sinful woman in Luke 7, linking her to prostitution.
Cultural Misunderstandings
Over time, art, literature, and movies spread this false idea.
Many people wrongly assumed that having demons meant she was a prostitute, but there is no biblical support for this.
Who Was Mary Magdalene Really?
A faithful follower of Jesus who had seven demons cast out (Luke 8:2).
One of the women who supported Jesus’ ministry with her own resources (Luke 8:3).
She was present at the crucifixion, burial, and was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:11-18).
Why Does This Matter?
The false label of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute has distorted her true role as one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples.
The Bible presents her as a woman of faith, transformation, and witness—not as a former prostitute.
The truth is Mary Magdalene was a devoted servant of Christ, not a fallen woman.