Jesus’ female followers played a crucial role in His ministry and the early church, showing us lessons that are just as relevant today. They were faithful supporters, courageous witnesses, and active participants who deeply understood Jesus’ message. Their lives demonstrated transformation, service, and leadership, proving that women are essential partners in spreading the Gospel and building strong faith communities.
By embracing these lessons, your church can grow healthier and more vibrant. Valuing women’s contributions, encouraging their leadership, and creating spaces for spiritual growth will strengthen the entire body of Christ. Keep reading to dive deeper into how these powerful examples from Jesus’ female followers can inspire practical change in your church and personal faith journey.
When you think about the followers of Jesus, who comes to mind first? The disciples, right? Usually, we picture the twelve men He chose. But did you know Jesus’ female followers played a huge role in His ministry? Their stories have powerful lessons for today’s church—lessons that can shape how you lead, serve, and engage with your faith community.
Let’s dive into what these women teach us and how their example can impact your walk with Christ and the church you’re part of.
1. Women Were Faithful Disciples
Women were among Jesus’ closest followers. Luke 8:1-3 tells us about a group of women who traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry financially:
“Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their own means.”
This shows two important things:
- Women weren’t just passive listeners; they were active supporters and participants.
- They gave generously, showing commitment beyond just attending services.
Lesson for today: Women’s faithfulness is a vital resource for any church. Churches thrive when they value and empower women’s contributions—not just in welcoming but in leadership, service, and support.
2. Women Witnessed Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Bible makes a point of highlighting women as the first witnesses of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Mark 15:40-41 and John 20:11-18 show that women stayed near the cross when many disciples fled, and Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ.
Why is this significant?
- In a culture where women’s testimony was often discounted, Jesus entrusted them with the most important news of all—the Resurrection.
- Women were not sidelined; they were front and center in God’s greatest moment of redemption.
Lesson for today: Women should be trusted with leadership roles and spiritual responsibilities. If Jesus entrusted them with the Gospel’s core message, so should the church.
3. Women Demonstrated Courage and Initiative
Take Mary Magdalene again. She didn’t wait for instructions; she ran to tell the disciples, even when it might have seemed risky or embarrassing (John 20:18).
Also, consider the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume (Mark 14:3-9). She boldly broke social norms, acting in deep love and faith.
Lesson for today: Courage and initiative are key to a vibrant church. Women’s willingness to step out boldly can inspire the entire community. Don’t wait for permission—if God is moving, join in.
4. Women Showed Deep Understanding and Spiritual Insight
Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, offer two models of discipleship. Martha busied herself with hospitality, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, absorbing His teaching (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus praised Mary’s choice, showing that spiritual listening and learning are crucial.
This teaches us:
- Women sought Jesus’ teaching actively.
- They were deeply connected to His message, not just helpers behind the scenes.
Lesson for today: Women desire and deserve robust teaching and spiritual growth opportunities. If you’re in ministry, create spaces where women can learn deeply and contribute insightfully.
5. Women’s Lives Demonstrated Transformation
Mary Magdalene’s story is a powerful example of personal transformation. Jesus healed her from seven demons (Luke 8:2). After that, she became one of His most devoted followers.
This shows:
- Jesus transforms lives, and those transformed become His strongest advocates.
- Women’s testimonies of change carry huge power in encouraging others.
Lesson for today: Share your story and encourage others to do the same. The church grows when people’s real-life transformations are visible and celebrated.
6. Women Modeled Hospitality and Service
Women like Mary and Martha weren’t just spiritual learners; they served Jesus practically. Hospitality was an essential ministry in the early church. Acts 9:36-42 speaks of Tabitha (Dorcas), known for her good works and acts of charity.
Lesson for today: Service matters. Women’s natural gift of hospitality and care can be harnessed for church outreach and community building. Don’t overlook these ministries—they form the church’s heart.
7. Women Are Partners in Evangelism and Ministry
Women like Priscilla (Acts 18:26) taught and mentored new believers. She and her husband Aquila worked alongside Paul, showing partnership in ministry.
This partnership model shows:
- Women are not only helpers but teachers and leaders.
- Ministry is most effective when it’s shared equally.
Lesson for today: Promote shared leadership. Encourage women to teach, mentor, and lead in your church community.
8. Women Persevered Through Persecution and Hardship
Early Christian women faced hostility but stayed faithful. Phoebe, a deacon mentioned in Romans 16:1-2, carried Paul’s letter and was commended for her service.
Lesson for today: Women bring resilience. Your church can learn from their perseverance in trials, inspiring all believers to stand firm in faith.
Putting It Into Practice: What You Can Do Today
You might be wondering, “How do these lessons apply to me and my church right now?” Here’s a quick checklist to help you start:
- Encourage women’s involvement in all areas of church life: leadership, teaching, outreach.
- Create learning opportunities specifically designed for women, encouraging spiritual growth.
- Recognize and celebrate women’s testimonies of transformation and faith.
- Promote joint leadership models where men and women serve side by side.
- Value hospitality and service ministries as essential to church health.
- Support women facing hardship by providing practical help and spiritual encouragement.
- Trust women as key witnesses of the Gospel and champions of your church’s mission.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ female followers were not just side characters; they were pillars of His ministry and the early church. They showed faithfulness, courage, insight, transformation, service, and leadership.
If you want your church to thrive, listen to what these women teach. When you honor and empower women, your church will reflect the fullness of Christ’s mission on earth.
Remember, the Bible shows us a diverse body of believers. It’s not just about men or women alone—it’s about all of you working together to build God’s kingdom.
FAQs: Lessons from Jesus’ Female Followers for Today’s Church
1. Why should today’s church learn from Jesus’ female followers?
Jesus’ female followers provide examples of faithfulness, courage, leadership, and service that remain relevant. Their stories encourage the church to embrace women as vital contributors to ministry and community life.
2. What roles did women play in Jesus’ ministry?
Women supported Jesus financially, witnessed His death and resurrection, served in hospitality, and actively participated in teaching and evangelism, showing they were integral to His mission.
3. How can women’s faithfulness inspire today’s church?
Women’s consistent support, generosity, and dedication—like Mary Magdalene’s devotion—remind the church of the power of faithful service and commitment to Christ’s work.
4. What can today’s church learn about leadership from Jesus’ female followers?
Women like Priscilla taught new believers and partnered in ministry, showing that leadership is not limited by gender but is about calling, gifting, and action.
5. How did Jesus’ female followers demonstrate courage?
They stayed by Jesus during His crucifixion and boldly shared the resurrection news, teaching the church the importance of courage in faith even during hardship.
6. Why is hospitality an important lesson from Jesus’ female followers?
Women like Martha and Tabitha modeled hospitality as a key ministry, emphasizing that serving others practically is essential for church growth and community connection.
7. How can churches support women’s spiritual growth?
By creating teaching and mentoring opportunities, encouraging study groups, and valuing women’s insights, churches help women deepen their faith and leadership abilities.
8. What does Mary Magdalene’s story teach about transformation?
Her healing and subsequent devotion show that personal transformation through Jesus is powerful and can lead to passionate discipleship and witness.
9. How did women’s testimony shape the early church?
Women were the first witnesses of the resurrection, which established the credibility of the Gospel and set a precedent for trusting women’s voices in the church.
10. How can churches practically apply lessons from Jesus’ female followers today?
Churches can empower women through leadership roles, celebrate their testimonies, support them in hardship, and encourage shared ministry alongside men.
