A common misconception is that Jesus never chose women as disciples. However, this assumption is far from the truth. While the Twelve Apostles were men, Jesus' ministry was inclusive, and women played a vital role. Let's explore biblical examples that demonstrate Jesus' heart for women.
1. The Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42): Jesus shared the Gospel with her, making her one of the first evangelists.
2. Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2): She was part of Jesus' inner circle, supporting His ministry financially. After Jesus' resurrection, he told Mary Magdalene to go tell the other disciples about the good news. She was the first witness to Jesus' resurrection.
3. Joanna and Susanna (Luke 8:3): These women, along with others, provided for Jesus' needs, showing their dedication.
4. Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42): Jesus valued their hospitality and devotion, affirming their roles in ministry.
Mary, Mother of Jesus :Mary, Jesus’ mother, gave a beautiful testimony of the divinity of Christ in Luke 1:46 often referred to as “Mary’s Magnificat,” or the Ode of the Theotokos or the Canticle of Mary.
5. The Women Who Followed Jesus (Matthew 27:55-56): Many women, including Mary Magdalene, followed Jesus to the cross, demonstrating their loyalty.
6. The Women at the Tomb (John 20:1-18): Mary Magdalene and the other women were the first to witness Jesus' resurrection, showing their importance in the narrative.
7. Phoebe, a Deaconess (Romans 16:1-2): Paul commends Phoebe, a woman leader in the early church, demonstrating women's roles in ministry.
These examples illustrate that Jesus:
- Valued women's contributions (Luke 8:3)
- Empowered women for ministry (Matthew 28:10)
- Showed compassion and empathy (Luke 7:11-17)
- Included women in His inner circle (Luke 8:2)
Women were not marginalized or excluded. Instead, they played a vital role in His mission. Let us continue to celebrate and honor the contributions of women in ministry.
