Jesus had a personal relationship, but not a sexual relationship, with a woman who was alleged to be a prostitute. The woman was Mary Magdalene. Jesus cast seven demons from her, and she is listed among those women who gave financial support to Jesus and the disciples (Luke 8:1-3).

Was this Mary really a prostitute? The idea that women from the town of Magdala were prostitutes is the stuff of legend. Even if it were true, however, there is no proof that Mary Magdalene was one of them.

Why then has there been the suggestion that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were romantically linked? This notion was popularized by a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis (and later in a movie) called The Last Temptation of Christ, and by the play (and movie) Jesus Christ Superstar. But there is nothing in ancient literature to suggest that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were anything more than friends and co-workers in the Kingdom of God.