The women who walked with Jesus weren’t side characters in His story—they were bold, faithful, and deeply committed to His mission. From Mary Magdalene’s loyalty at the tomb to the Samaritan woman’s powerful testimony, these women demonstrate that real discipleship isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, courage, and faith in action. Their stories challenge modern Christians to live with the same conviction, whether through worship, quiet faith, or support behind the scenes.
Each woman teaches a lesson still relevant today: your story matters, small acts of faith make a difference, and devotion to Jesus isn’t limited by background or title. If you’ve ever wondered what everyday faith looks like or how you can serve Jesus in your own life, their lives offer practical, relatable examples. Keep reading to explore their stories more deeply—and discover what they can teach you about walking closely with Christ.
When people think of Jesus’ followers, they often picture the Twelve Disciples. But the truth is, several women played key roles in Jesus’ ministry—and their stories still matter today. These women weren’t just passive observers. They showed courage, faith, and loyalty at levels many of us can only hope to reach.
If you’re a modern Christian trying to live out your faith in a real, impactful way, there’s a lot you can learn from the women who walked with Jesus.
1. Mary Magdalene: Loyalty When It Counts
Let’s start with one of the most well-known women in the Gospels—Mary Magdalene. She’s mentioned 12 times in the New Testament, more than most of the apostles.
She’s the one who:
- Was healed by Jesus (Luke 8:2 says she had seven demons cast out)
- Traveled with Him during His ministry
- Stayed at the cross when most of the men ran (John 19:25)
- Was first to the empty tomb (John 20:1)
- First to see the risen Christ (John 20:16)
Key Lesson: Show up when it matters most.
In John 20, Mary doesn’t run from the grief or confusion. She stays near Jesus, even after His death. And because of her faithfulness, she’s the first person He appears to after the resurrection.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” – John 20:16
Modern takeaway: Loyalty to Jesus doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes, it’s just showing up—praying when you’re discouraged, reading your Bible when it feels dry, staying in community when it’s tough. Stay near, even when it’s hard.
2. The Samaritan Woman: Your Story Has Power
In John 4, Jesus meets a woman at a well. She’s a Samaritan (already a cultural outsider), and her past is messy—five husbands, and now she’s living with someone who isn’t her husband.
But Jesus doesn’t condemn her. Instead, He reveals who He is to her: “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26). That’s huge. He tells her He’s the Messiah before telling His disciples.
And what does she do next?
“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’” – John 4:28-29
Her testimony leads many in her village to believe.
Key Lesson: God can use your story—even the broken parts.
You don’t need to have it all together before God uses you. He uses real people with real pasts to reach others.
Modern takeaway: Don’t be afraid to share how Jesus met you in your mess. Someone needs to hear it.
3. Mary of Bethany: Worship Over Worry
Mary of Bethany appears three times in the Gospels. Every time, she’s at the feet of Jesus.
- In Luke 10:39, she sits at His feet and listens while her sister Martha is busy serving.
- In John 11, she falls at His feet in grief after her brother Lazarus dies.
- In John 12:3, she anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair.
She gets criticized in every scene—for not helping, for being emotional, for being “wasteful.” But Jesus defends her every time.
“She has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42
Key Lesson: Don’t let busyness replace devotion.
Mary chose presence over performance. She knew sitting with Jesus mattered more than anything she could do for Him.
Modern takeaway: In a culture of hustle and noise, make space for worship. Spend time with God in prayer and silence. Let devotion come before duty.
4. The Bleeding Woman: Bold Faith, Quiet Healing
In Mark 5:25–34, we meet a woman who’s been bleeding for 12 years. She’s unclean by Jewish law and probably isolated from her community. But she’s desperate for healing.
She doesn’t even speak to Jesus—she just touches His cloak.
“If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” – Mark 5:28
And she is.
Jesus stops, acknowledges her, and says:
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” – Mark 5:34
Key Lesson: Faith doesn’t have to be loud to be real.
This woman didn’t preach. She didn’t beg. She reached out in faith. Quietly. Boldly. And Jesus noticed.
Modern takeaway: Even small acts of faith matter. Praying quietly in your room. Trusting God during health issues. Taking a step when no one sees. Jesus sees.
5. Joanna and Susanna: Ministry Behind the Scenes
In Luke 8:1–3, we get a rare mention of a few women who supported Jesus’ ministry financially:
“Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” – Luke 8:3
These women weren’t on stage. But their support allowed Jesus and the disciples to travel and teach.
Key Lesson: Every role matters in the Kingdom.
Not everyone is called to preach or be in the spotlight. But giving, encouraging, organizing, or even opening your home—all are valuable forms of service.
Modern takeaway: Don’t underestimate your role. God sees what you do, even when others don’t.
Key Takeaways for Today’s Christians
If you’re wondering how to live a real, grounded, and meaningful Christian life, take notes from the women who walked with Jesus. They weren’t perfect. But they were faithful, honest, bold, and devoted.
Here’s a quick recap of what you can learn:
- Be present like Mary Magdalene – Faithfulness matters more than status.
- Speak up like the Samaritan woman – Your past doesn’t disqualify you.
- Sit still like Mary of Bethany – Worship is more than a song; it’s time with Jesus.
- Reach out like the bleeding woman – Quiet faith still gets God’s attention.
- Support like Joanna and Susanna – Your behind-the-scenes work makes ministry possible.
Final Thought
The women who followed Jesus weren’t included in Scripture by accident. They remind us that the Kingdom of God values faith over fame, devotion over position, and courage over comfort.
Wherever you are in your walk, there’s a place for you—just like there was for them.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
Don’t just admire their stories. Live out the same kind of bold, faithful, humble discipleship in your own life.
❓10 FAQs: What Modern Christians Can Learn from the Women Who Walked with Jesus
1. Who were the women who walked with Jesus?
The women who walked with Jesus included Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, the Samaritan woman, the bleeding woman, Joanna, Susanna, and others. They supported His ministry, witnessed His miracles, and were present at the cross and the resurrection.
2. Why is Mary Magdalene important to modern Christians?
Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ and stayed loyal to Him even when the disciples fled. Her faithfulness reminds modern Christians to stay close to Jesus, especially during hard times.
3. What can we learn from the Samaritan woman at the well?
Her encounter with Jesus shows that no one is too far gone to be used by God. Her testimony led others to faith, proving your past doesn’t disqualify you from sharing the Gospel.
4. How did Mary of Bethany show true worship?
Mary of Bethany consistently chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, showing that worship is about relationship, not performance. Her example teaches Christians to prioritize time with Jesus over busyness.
5. What does the bleeding woman teach us about faith?
The bleeding woman shows that even quiet, desperate faith gets Jesus’ attention. She believed that just touching His robe would heal her—and it did. Her story encourages personal, bold belief.
6. Who were Joanna and Susanna in the Bible?
Joanna and Susanna were among the women who financially supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:3). They played a key role behind the scenes, reminding us that giving and support are vital in ministry.
7. How can modern Christians apply these women’s examples today?
By being faithful, honest, bold, and generous. Whether through worship, sharing your testimony, or giving quietly, you can live out the same values that these women displayed.
8. Were women involved in Jesus’ resurrection story?
Yes. In fact, women were the first to witness the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus. Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after rising from the dead (John 20:16).
9. What does the Bible say about the role of women in Jesus’ ministry?
The Gospels show that women were valued participants in Jesus’ ministry. They were healed, taught, entrusted with the message of His resurrection, and supported His mission financially.
10. What’s the main takeaway from the women who followed Jesus?
They show that real discipleship is about proximity to Jesus, not position or perfection. Their lives offer practical lessons for faith, service, and worship that modern Christians can apply daily.
