Jesus’ life on earth is filled with powerful moments of compassion, truth, and transformation, but one of the most striking themes of the Gospels is how he values and honors women. In a culture where women were often neglected or treated as inferior, Jesus always showed respect, care and deep love. From healing and teaching to welcoming and restoring, he broke down social barriers and revealed the heart of God in ways that still speak today.
Throughout her life, women played a role faithful and significant role in His story. They supported his ministry, I stayed by his side in his sufferingand were among the first to witness his death and resurrection. Their devotion highlights a powerful truth: Jesus not only loved women, but he also included them in his mission. These stories remind us that his call to follow him and share his truth is for everyone.
Here are the women who loved Jesus and were a part of his life from his birth to his resurrection. Their stories show that Jesus did not treat women as background figures in the gospel narrative; He welcomed them, taught them, healed them, honored them, and gave them a meaningful testimony.
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Mary the Mother of Jesus
Married was chosen by God to bring his Son into the world. Even at a young age, his obedience and courage to do whatever God asked of him was incredible. The Bible says she “found favor with God.” And even though her own mind must have wrestled with many “hows” and “whys,” she answered his call by saying, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you said. (Luke 1:26-38)
During Elizabeth’s first visit, she sang a powerful song of praise to God, widely known today as “The Magnificat.” (Luke 1:46-55) Scripture goes on to recount Christ’s birth, his beginnings, and how Mary “kept all these things in treasure and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) And just as this strong, loving Mother watched her baby take his first breath, the Bible reveals that she also saw him suffer and take his last breath. What courage and strength she had. Held by a powerful God, she was charged with raising the Savior of the world.
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Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
The Bible records that after years of being unable to have children, this close relative of Mary became pregnant with his son at a crucial moment in history. God’s timing is perfect, for John the Baptist was destined to be the forerunner of Christ himself. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting during her visit, the scripture says “the baby leaped in her womb,” the Holy Spirit filled her and she praised God, offering blessings on Mary and her son. (Luke 1:39-45)
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Anne the prophetess who recognized Jesus
The Bible says that after the death of her husband, this woman was a widow for many years and “…never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:37) In her intimate and personal walk with God, she immediately understood, upon seeing Jesus with her parents in the Temple, that she saw the Chosen One to save us. “Approaching them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. » (Luke 2:38) She knew and recognized her Savior, she moved towards Him, she gave thanks and praise to God for her redemption.
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Mary and Martha, friends and disciples of Jesus
They were sisters who, along with their brother Lazarus, were friends and disciples of Jesus throughout his ministry. He loved them and visited their home, they served him and welcomed him, and we know several stories that reveal more of their lives. From the powerful miracle of bringing Lazarus back to life after he had been dead for 3 days, to the well-known story of Mary resting at Jesus’ feet while Martha actively worked (Luke 10:38-42), these women faithfully honored and served Jesus during their time with Him. Scripture indicates Jesus’ deep love for his friends when he was overcome with grief and moved with compassion over the pain of Lazarus’ death, through these 2 powerful words: “Jesus cried.” (John 11:35)
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Mary Magdalene, faithful witness to the resurrection
In Luke 8:2we read that Jesus had delivered Mary Magdalene from seven demons and that she continued to live her life faithfully following him. She was part of the group of women who were at the foot of the cross (John 19:25), and those who came to the empty tomb early that morning and discovered that Christ had risen (John 20:1). John 20:10-18 then tells us that she is the very first to whom Jesus appeared after the Resurrection, giving her the mission to go and tell others. In the Bible, she is usually mentioned first in lists of names, perhaps indicating that she was a leader among those who followed Christ.
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Mary of Bethany and the woman who anointed Jesus
Scripture calls this woman Mary of Bethany and emphasizes that this takes place in this city where Lazarus lived. (John 12:1-8) Martha is mentioned as serving there, so many believe this indicates that it was their sister Mary who anointed Christ with costly perfume, according to John 11:1-2. Others believe it’s because of scriptures that say she was a “sinful woman” (Luke 7:36-50), it designates Mary Magdalene and her previous life before Christ saved her. Regardless, it is a beautiful reminder and symbolic representation of Jesus’ worship as king and the preparation of his body for the death and burial he would soon face. Those who saw this event unfold had no idea what it really meant, but God had obviously led Mary of Bethany to lovingly pour costly perfume on the feet of her Lord, showing Him His deep love and also preparing Him for what was yet to come.
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Joanna and Susanna, women who supported the ministry of Jesus
These women, along with Mary Magdalene, had been healed by Jesus and freed from demonic spirits. The Bible says that they were with Jesus and his disciples as they traveled from town to town, and that they “helped them to provide for themselves out of their own means.” (Luke 8:3) Behind the scenes, they diligently supported the message of Christ by helping to financially provide for those who served. Joanna held an important position as the wife of Chuza, who was the manager of Herod’s household. I can’t help but think that God has placed her and so many others in key and important positions of authority and means to help provide financially for Christ and his followers. Joanna was also among the women at the tomb after Jesus’ resurrection, and her work continued alongside other believers.
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Pilate’s wife who spoke of the innocence of Jesus
According to Scripture, Pilate’s wife is the only one who spoke out for the innocence of Christ at the most urgent time. She begged her husband not to have anything to do with harming this “innocent man.” (Matthew 27:19) His courage and his obedience to God’s promptings, following disturbing dreams which must have inflamed his soul, offer us a challenge today. She was ready to talk about her innocence. She was ready to act and act quickly, decisively, wisely and discerningly. Even though her husband didn’t heed her words, I can only imagine how much her life may have changed over the years through the hope of Christ and the power of his resurrection.
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The women at the cross and the empty tomb
Besides Mary Magdalene and Mary, Mother of Jesus, Scripture names several other women who were at the cross and then came to the tomb after Christ’s death. “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices to go and anoint the body of Jesus. » (Mark 16:1) Salomé was also known as mother of Zebedee’s sonsor James and John. And yet another Mary, known as the mother of James and Joseph, is mentioned here, as being a close disciple of Christ. Joanna’s name appears in Luke 24:10with the group of women who discovered that Christ was resurrected. John 19:25 names Mary, wife of Clopas, who may have been Jesus’ aunt, to be among those at the foot of the cross.
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A prayer for women who love Jesus today
Dear women who love Jesus, for those who long to know him more or seek to follow him today, rest assured: no matter what you face, his heart is always with you. It gives you hope and a future. He sees, he hears, he knows your way. And He promises to be with you always. You are powerful, you are called and redeemednot because of who you are, but because of who He is.
Dear Lord,
We want to live today in your great strength, grace and power. We ask that you use every aspect of our your life as a testimony to the world of your goodness and your love. Bring us closer to you, and let others see Your light reflected powerfully through all that we do, through all that we are. We thank you for setting us free, we thank you for giving us purpose and hope. We love you and praise you for your great faithfulness.
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women Who Loved Jesus
- Who were the women who followed Jesus?
The Gospels name several women who followed Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susannah, Mary and Martha, Mary the mother of Jesus, Salome, Mary the mother of James, and other faithful women. - How did Jesus treat women in the Bible?
Jesus treated women with dignity, compassion, truth and respect. He healed women, taught them, welcomed their worship, upheld their worth, and included them in his mission. - Who did Jesus first appear to after the resurrection?
According to John 20Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection and sent her to tell the disciples that he was alive. - Which women were at the cross of Jesus?
The Gospels name several women near the cross, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary the wife of Clopas, Salome, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph. - What can Christian women learn from the women who loved Jesus?
Christian women can learn courage, devotion, worship, generosity, faithfulness, and bold testimony from the women who loved Jesus and followed him from his birth until his resurrection.
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Originally published on Tuesday April 4, 2017.
