The faith of Jesus’ women followers offers powerful, timeless lessons for your own spiritual walk. Women like Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, the bleeding woman, and Priscilla weren’t just bystanders—they were bold, faithful, and deeply involved in Jesus’ mission. Whether it was standing at the cross, leading in the early church, or reaching out in desperation for healing, their trust in God moved them to action. Their stories prove that faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, obedience, and courage.
These women show us that no matter your background, past mistakes, or current struggles, God can use your faith in incredible ways. They weren’t defined by their circumstances, but by their willingness to believe and act. If you’re looking for inspiration to stay strong in your faith, lead with confidence, or just keep going when life is tough—this is for you. Keep reading for a deeper dive into their lives and discover what their faith can teach you today.
When you think of Jesus’ ministry, the names Peter, John, or Paul might come to mind first. But look a little closer, and you’ll see women were right there, too—listening, learning, giving, serving, and leading with deep faith. Their stories might not always take center stage, but they’re powerful. And their faith? It still inspires millions of us today.
Let’s dive into their lives, their courage, and the timeless lessons they offer you and me right now.
1. Mary Magdalene: Faith That Stood Firm
You’ve probably heard of Mary Magdalene. She’s often called the “apostle to the apostles” for good reason.
What Did She Do?
- Luke 8:2 says Jesus cast seven demons out of her.
- After that, she followed Jesus faithfully, helping support His ministry financially (Luke 8:3).
- She stayed by His side during the crucifixion (John 19:25).
- Most notably, she was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:16-18).
Why Does It Still Matter?
Mary stuck around when almost everyone else had fled. Her faith wasn’t just emotional—it was resilient. Even when hope seemed gone, she showed up. And because she did, she witnessed the resurrection first.
Takeaway: Don’t underestimate quiet, persistent faith. It positions you for encounters with God that others might miss.
2. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Obedience in the Face of the Unknown
Mary was a teenage girl from a humble town when the angel Gabriel told her she’d give birth to the Messiah (Luke 1:26–38). Think about that. She had every reason to say no. It was risky—socially, physically, emotionally.
Her Response?
“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
That’s it. No arguing. Just humble trust.
The Bigger Picture
Mary walked a hard road:
- Gave birth in a stable
- Fled to Egypt to protect Jesus
- Watched her son be rejected and crucified
But through it all, she trusted God’s plan, even when it didn’t make sense.
Takeaway: Real faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about saying yes to God even when the path ahead is unclear.
3. The Woman at the Well: Boldness After Brokenness
You’ll find her story in John 4. Jesus meets her at a well in Samaria—a place and a person most Jews would avoid. But He speaks to her with dignity and truth. She’s had five husbands, and the man she’s with now isn’t her husband.
Yet Jesus doesn’t shame her. He offers her living water—eternal life.
Her Transformation?
She runs into the town and tells everyone about Jesus. Many in the town believe because of her testimony (John 4:39).
Why It Matters
She could’ve kept quiet out of shame. But she didn’t. Her past didn’t define her. She let her encounter with Jesus change her and shared it with others.
Takeaway: Your story—no matter how messy—can lead others to Christ. Faith isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trusting God to use your life.
4. The Bleeding Woman: Faith That Fights Through Fear
Mark 5:25–34 tells us about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Doctors couldn’t help her. She was broke, isolated, and considered unclean under Jewish law.
But she still had hope. She thought, “If I just touch His clothes, I’ll be healed.” (Mark 5:28)
So she pushes through the crowd—likely terrified—and touches Jesus’ robe. Immediately, she’s healed.
Jesus’ Response?
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Mark 5:34)
What’s So Inspiring?
She didn’t wait for an invitation. She reached out. That’s raw, desperate, determined faith.
Takeaway: Don’t let fear keep you from Jesus. Reach out. Faith often means moving before you feel ready.
5. Priscilla: Faith in Action and Leadership
Priscilla and her husband Aquila are mentioned multiple times in the New Testament. But what’s striking is how often her name comes first—a rare honor in that culture.
She wasn’t just a helper. She was a teacher and leader in the early church.
Key Moments:
- She helped explain theology to Apollos, a powerful preacher (Acts 18:26).
- She hosted a house church (Romans 16:5).
- Paul calls her a fellow worker in Christ (Romans 16:3).
Why Her Faith Stands Out
She wasn’t in the background. She used her gifts boldly to build the church.
Takeaway: God doesn’t limit leadership to gender. If you’ve got gifts, use them. Priscilla’s story reminds us that women were always meant to lead in faith.
6. The Persistent Widow: Faith That Doesn’t Give Up
Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18:1–8 about a widow who keeps asking a judge for justice. She’s relentless. Eventually, the judge gives in—not because he cares, but because she wore him down.
Jesus’ Point?
If an unjust judge will act because of persistence, how much more will God respond to those who pray with that kind of faith?
“Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)
Why This Matters
Persistence isn’t nagging. It’s faith that refuses to quit. God isn’t annoyed by your prayers—He’s moved by them.
Takeaway: Keep praying. Keep trusting. God sees your persistence.
What Their Faith Teaches Us Today
These women weren’t perfect. But they were faithful. They show us that:
- Faith is bold (even when it’s quiet).
- Faith can be messy—and still powerful.
- Faith means saying yes even when it’s hard.
- Faith shows up. It gives. It leads. It believes.
And maybe most of all, their stories prove that Jesus saw them, valued them, and trusted them with His message.
Final Thoughts: What About You?
The faith of Jesus’ women followers wasn’t just for then—it’s for now. Their examples challenge us to:
- Show up when it’s hard
- Lead with courage
- Speak even when we’re scared
- Trust God with our story
You don’t have to be loud or famous. Just faithful. Like them.
And who knows? Your story might inspire someone else to follow Jesus, too.
FAQs: How the Faith of Jesus’ Women Followers Still Inspires Us
1. Who were some of the most influential women followers of Jesus?
Some of the most influential women followers include Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, the Samaritan woman at the well, the bleeding woman, Priscilla, and the persistent widow from Jesus’ parable. Each displayed bold faith in different ways.
2. Why does Mary Magdalene’s faith stand out?
Mary Magdalene showed unwavering loyalty to Jesus, even staying with Him at the cross when others fled. She was also the first to witness the resurrected Christ, making her the first person to proclaim the risen Savior (John 20:16–18).
3. How did Mary, the mother of Jesus, show faith?
Mary showed deep obedience and trust in God from the moment she said yes to bearing the Messiah (Luke 1:38), even though it put her at great personal risk. She remained faithful throughout Jesus’ life, including during His crucifixion.
4. What can we learn from the woman at the well?
Despite her past, the Samaritan woman boldly shared her encounter with Jesus, and many in her town believed because of her (John 4:39). Her story shows that your past doesn’t disqualify you from being used by God.
5. Why is the story of the bleeding woman so powerful?
Her story (Mark 5:25–34) is a testimony of desperate, persistent faith. After 12 years of suffering, she believed that just touching Jesus’ clothes could heal her—and it did. Her boldness moved Jesus to call her “daughter” and affirm her faith.
6. Who was Priscilla and how did she lead?
Priscilla was a teacher and leader in the early church who, alongside her husband Aquila, helped disciple Apollos, a gifted speaker. Her leadership and understanding of Scripture show that God equips women to teach and lead (Acts 18:26).
7. What does the persistent widow teach us about prayer?
In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus uses her story to teach that we should always pray and never give up. Her persistence in seeking justice symbolizes the kind of determined faith God honors.
8. How did Jesus treat His women followers differently?
Jesus gave women respect, attention, and spiritual responsibility in a culture that often dismissed them. He healed them, taught them, trusted them with His message, and included them in His ministry.
9. Can women still lead in the church today like Priscilla did?
Yes. Priscilla’s example in Scripture shows that women can teach, lead, and serve powerfully within the church. Her story highlights how spiritual gifts, not gender, qualify a person for ministry.
10. Why does this topic matter for believers today?
The faith of Jesus’ women followers continues to inspire us because their courage, obedience, and resilience reflect what strong faith looks like. Their stories remind us that God uses anyone—regardless of gender or background—who is willing to trust Him fully.
