8 Women of the Gospels: Examples for Today

Eight women played a major role in the earthly life of Jesus: Mary His mother, the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary of Bethany, the Canaanite woman and Anna. Each one models a different picture of what devotion to Jesus looks like, and each one has something to say to you today.

Quick Answer

The 8 women of the Gospels are Mary the mother of Jesus, the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary of Bethany, the Canaanite woman and Anna. Together they model surrendered faith, bold testimony, generous giving, devoted worship, persistent prayer and watchful readiness for the Messiah. Their examples still show believers how to follow Jesus wholeheartedly today.

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mary’s journey began with the angel Gabriel’s announcement of her divine calling. And this was certainly no ordinary calling!

Mary was chosen by God to birth the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Imagine the overwhelming responsibility and pressure she faced as a young girl who would become supernaturally pregnant as a virgin. Her life was going on as usual and all of a sudden, she was tasked with birthing the Savior of the world!

Her humble response to the angel Gabriel’s unexpected announcement was,

Luke 1:38

…Let it be to me according to your word…

This illustrates her strong faith and submission to God’s will.

Throughout Jesus’ life, Mary stood as a pillar of strength, from His birth in Bethlehem to His ministry and ultimately His crucifixion. Her presence at the foot of the cross shows her true devotion to her Lord. Despite the agony of witnessing Jesus’ suffering, Mary remained resolute, embodying faithfulness and devotion.

Perhaps she was still treasuring in her heart the wonder of all God had done in her life (Luke 2:51).

2. The Samaritan Woman

This unnamed Samaritan woman (known as the woman at the well) encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well in Sychar, where He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah.

In John 4, we find Jesus making a special trip to Samaria. He traveled over 30 miles on foot out of His way just to talk to one woman!

But that’s not all.

The Samaritans and Jews were enemies, so to see Jesus, a Jew, speaking with a Samaritan, let alone a Samaritan woman, was breaking all cultural norms at the time.

Jesus left the big crowds to go speak to one woman, leaving the 99 to minister to one person (Matt. 18:12).

Despite societal barriers and her checkered past, the woman boldly engaged in theological discourse with Jesus. Through their conversation, Jesus unveiled her need for living water, symbolizing the eternal life only He can give.

And the woman was not the only one transformed. The whole region believed in Jesus because of her testimony!

John 4:28-30:

The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him.

Verse 39 says,

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

Her transformation from an outcast to an evangelist is a testament to the power of encountering Jesus and the inclusivity of His salvation.

3. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene’s life was transformed by Jesus’ liberating power. She was tormented by seven demons until she encountered Jesus, who freed her from bondage and restored her dignity.

Mary became one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, financially supporting Him throughout His ministry and witnessing His crucifixion and resurrection.

She was honored to be the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus entrusted her with proclaiming the good news of His resurrection to the disciples.

Mark 16:9 tells us,

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.

A woman was the first person to preach the gospel!

John 20:18,

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

If Mary Magdalene’s story stirs something in you, she is one of many examples of women in ministry whom God has used mightily.

4. Joanna

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, supported Jesus’ ministry financially and served Him faithfully (Luke 8:3).

Her commitment to the Lord was evident as she stood faithfully at the cross and witnessed Jesus’ resurrection.

Luke 23:49,

But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Joanna’s example reminds us of the importance of using our resources to support the work of Christ and the significance of loving devotion in following Him even when it’s hard.

5. Susanna

Although Susanna’s appearance in the Gospels is brief, her contribution to Jesus’ ministry was significant.

Alongside other women, she supported Jesus and the disciples out of her own means, demonstrating generosity and selflessness.

Luke 8:2-3,

…and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene…and Joanna…and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Susanna’s quiet service exemplifies the importance of sacrificial giving and humble dedication in advancing God’s Kingdom.

6. Mary of Bethany

In Luke 10, we find the contrast between Mary and her sister Martha.

Mary’s posture at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha busied herself with serving illustrates the priority of intimacy with Jesus over excessive busyness.

He told Martha in Luke 10:42,

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

Mary’s example challenges us to prioritize cultivating a deep relationship with Christ, recognizing that spending time with Him is foundational to serving effectively. There is more to glean from these two sisters, and I share it in lessons from Martha and Mary.

7. The Canaanite Woman

The Canaanite woman’s persistence in seeking Jesus’ help for her demon-possessed daughter is a testament to her unwavering honor for Christ.

She persisted in her conversation with Jesus despite His seemingly offensive comment to refer to her as a dog.

Matthew 15:21-28 tells us her story,

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

But He answered her not a word.

And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She kept a good attitude, acknowledging Jesus’ authority and pleading for His mercy.

Jesus commended her great faith, shown in her honor for Him regardless of the outward appearance.

Her example shows us the power of honor in bringing about miracles and the power of persistence in prayer.

8. Anna

Anna was a prophetess who lived in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus’ birth. Widowed after just seven years of marriage, Anna devoted herself to worship and fasting in the temple, where she encountered the infant Jesus.

Luke 2:36-38,

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess…She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Anna’s faithful devotion and prophetic witness highlight the role of women in recognizing and proclaiming the arrival of the Savior.

Her story reminds us to stay steadfast in devotion and ready to welcome Jesus at any moment.

Anna is a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ, who is to be ready at all times for the Bridegroom’s return.

What Can We Learn From the Women of the Gospels?

I pray these 8 women inspire you in your relationship with the Lord. They are examples of generosity, devotion, zeal and love for Jesus.

Friend, the same Jesus who saw, welcomed and commissioned these women sees you too. If you want to keep studying, meet 15 strong and inspiring women in the Bible from both the Old and New Testaments.

Which woman resonated with you the most?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection?

Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus. Mark 16:9 says He appeared first to her after rising early on the first day of the week, and in John 20:18 she announces to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” Jesus entrusted a woman with the very first proclamation of the resurrection.

Which women supported Jesus’ ministry financially?

Luke 8:2-3 names Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna among many others who provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own means. Joanna was the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, so her giving likely came at real personal cost. Their generosity kept a traveling ministry supplied.

Why did Jesus talk to the Samaritan woman at the well?

Jesus intentionally traveled through Samaria to meet one woman at Jacob’s well, crossing deep cultural barriers between Jews and Samaritans. He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah, and her testimony led many in her city to believe in Him (John 4:39). Her story shows that no past places anyone beyond His reach.

What do the women of the Gospels teach us today?

They model surrendered faith like Mary, bold testimony like the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene, generous giving like Joanna and Susanna, devoted worship like Mary of Bethany, persistent faith like the Canaanite woman and watchful readiness like Anna. Their lives show that Jesus welcomes, transforms and commissions women to carry His good news.