why did jesus appear first to mary magdalene after his resurrection?

When viewing the accounts of the discovery of Christ's Resurrection, we read "Mary Magdalene" is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts and is listed first. Matthew 28:1 tells that "came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary." Mark 16:1 states it was "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome." Luke 24:10 says, "It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna." The same is found John 20:1, which states "cometh Mary Magdalene." Mark 16:9 states, "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared FIRST [emphasis mine] to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." 
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The question is, "Why?" It is obvious Mary Magdalene was a special person with some leadership qualities because she is mentioned first in each listing. The key is the words in the latter part of Mark 16:9, which reads, "Out of whom he had cast seven devils." Look at her brokenheartedness and appeal recorded in John 20:11-15. Verse 11 says, "Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping." In verse 15, she appealed, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said in Luke 7:47, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." She love very much. She was moved and grieved by her great love and was rewarded.

Earl R. Borders

From the September 2024 issue of The Gospel Trumpeter