“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25).
“Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen” (Mark 16:1-2).
During the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, we often see Him in the company of women. Jesus ministered to women, with women, and allowed women to minister to Him. Women were welcome and wanted because the Lord knew and knows our worth and value.
He did not need or desire women as groupies, but faithful followers, devoted disciples who advanced His Kingdom on earth. One of my favorite Bible passages can be found in Luke 8:1-3. “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”
The Greek word for “provided for” is diakoneo. It is the word from which we get deacon: to minister to one, render ministering offices to, to attend to anything that may serve another’s interests. This passage says that certain women accompanied Jesus on His journeys, along with His disciples. Jesus knew the value of women and needed their services and ministry. He still does.
As we observe the Easter season, women hold a prominent place in the Passion of Christ. Faithful to the end, women were there exhibiting the gift of presence. I’m reminded of the old song, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? The answer is a resounding, “Yes,” women were there. Throughout His three-year ministry, women were there—weeping, worshiping, working, watching, waiting…
Women are so valued by the Lord that after His death, burial, and resurrection, He appeared first to women. “Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons” (Mark 16:9).
Women are also witnesses, heralding the Good News. It was a woman, Mary Magdalene, who was entrusted with the message at the very first “Son-rise” service.
As we worship this Easter Sunday, and every day thereafter, let’s continue to proclaim the marvelous message, “He is risen!”