Women in Jesus' Ministry

"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." -Genesis 1:27

Women had a special place in the Bible.  They also had a special place in Jesus’ heart.

Consider these encounters Jesus had with women in the Bible: 

• "Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple... She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38

• "Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, 'Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.' And the woman was healed at that moment."  Matthew 9:21&22

• "Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples." Luke 8:1-3

• "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, 'Please give me a drink.' He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans." -John 4:7-9

• "While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head." -Matthew 26:7

• "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened."  -Luke 24:10

Many times there are cultural or religious assumptions when it comes to a woman's place in ministry or in the home.  But Jesus created a place for women wherever He went.  The Bible says we are to love and respect each other out of reverence for Christ.  (Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).