8 Women of the Gospels: Examples for Today
Today we’re going to explore 8 women who had a major role in the life of Jesus. These women model different aspects of what a godly woman should look like. These women are inspirations for us in our relationship with Jesus 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.
It wasn’t just the woman who was transformed, but the whole region believed in Jesus because of the woman’s 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.
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.
Jesus commended Mary's choice, emphasizing the significance and better portion of intimacy with Him.
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.
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.
Recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah, she praised God and proclaimed the child's significance to all who were awaiting 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 is a reminder of the importance of steadfast devotion and readiness to recognize and welcome Jesus at any moment. She shows us an example of preparing for the unexpected arrival of our King.
Anna is a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ, who is to be ready at all times for the Bridegroom’s return.
I pray these 8 women inspire you in your relationship with the Lord. They are examples of generosity, devotion, zeal and love for Jesus.
Which woman resonated with you the most?