The Bible clearly shows that women played a vital role in supporting Jesus throughout His ministry. From financial backing to faithful presence, women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna didn’t just follow from a distance—they actively helped make His work possible. They were with Jesus during His travels, stood by Him at the cross, and were the first to witness and proclaim His resurrection. Their involvement wasn’t accidental or secondary. It was central and intentional.
This challenges the idea that women were merely background figures in the gospel story. In truth, they were among Jesus’ most dedicated supporters and leaders in the early church. If you’ve ever wondered about the role of women in ministry or what the Bible says about it, this topic is more relevant than ever. Keep reading for a deeper dive into Scripture, real examples, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.
When you think about Jesus’ ministry, you might picture Him teaching crowds, healing the sick, or confronting religious leaders. But there’s something just as important that often gets overlooked—the role women played in supporting Jesus. The Bible makes it clear: women weren’t just in the background. They were essential to Jesus’ work on earth.
Let’s break down what Scripture actually says about this, what it means for us today, and why it matters.
1. Women Were Among Jesus’ Closest Supporters
Luke 8:1-3 gives us a direct answer:
“Soon afterward He went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene… and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” (Luke 8:1–3, ESV)
What does this tell us?
- Women traveled with Jesus. They weren’t passive observers—they were active participants.
- They gave financially. The phrase “provided for them out of their means” shows that these women helped fund Jesus’ ministry.
- They were faithful followers. These weren’t just wealthy women dropping off donations. They stuck with Jesus, even when things got dangerous.
2. Women Supported Jesus Financially
Let’s focus on that key phrase: “provided for them out of their means.”
This means women were helping cover:
- Travel expenses
- Food
- Lodging
- Possibly even resources for teaching (scrolls, supplies)
Who were these women?
- Mary Magdalene – Often misunderstood, but clearly one of Jesus’ most loyal followers.
- Joanna – A woman of influence. Her husband worked for King Herod.
- Susanna – Not much is known, but she’s named specifically, which matters.
These were not passive donors. They gave with purpose and presence.
3. Women Were There at the Crucifixion
While most of the male disciples fled when Jesus was arrested, women stayed.
“There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him.” (Matthew 27:55, ESV)
They didn’t just support Jesus in comfort. They followed Him all the way to the cross.
Here’s who was mentioned:
- Mary Magdalene
- Mary, the mother of James and Joseph
- The mother of the sons of Zebedee
They showed up, even when it was dangerous. Their support wasn’t conditional.
4. Women Were First at the Empty Tomb
This is a big one. After Jesus rose from the dead, the first people to witness it weren’t Peter or John—it was the women.
“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” (Matthew 28:1)
And then:
“Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.’” (Matthew 28:10)
Why does this matter?
- They were the first witnesses of the resurrection.
- They were the first evangelists. Jesus told them to “go and tell.”
In first-century Jewish culture, women’s testimonies weren’t considered reliable in court. Yet Jesus chose them to deliver the most important news in history.
That speaks volumes.
5. Women Continued to Support the Early Church
Women didn’t stop supporting after Jesus ascended. They were vital to the early church.
A few quick examples:
Lydia – Acts 16:14-15
- A wealthy businesswoman who sold purple cloth.
- Hosted Paul and his companions.
- Helped start the church in Philippi.
Phoebe – Romans 16:1-2
- Called a “servant” (or deacon) of the church.
- Likely the one who delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Priscilla – Acts 18:24-26
- Taught Apollos, a well-known preacher, alongside her husband Aquila.
- A trusted teacher and church leader.
These women weren’t just helpers—they were leaders, hosts, and teachers.
6. Key Takeaways for Today
So, what should you do with this information?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Don’t underestimate women’s role in ministry. Jesus didn’t.
- Financial support is spiritual support. Those who give make ministry happen.
- Presence matters. Being with Jesus, even in hard times, speaks volumes.
- You don’t need a title to make an impact. These women weren’t apostles, but they changed the world.
7. Why Jesus’ Inclusion of Women Was Revolutionary
In Jesus’ time, women were often excluded from religious leadership or public teaching. But Jesus:
- Spoke to women publicly (John 4 – the Samaritan woman at the well)
- Taught women directly (Luke 10 – Mary sits at Jesus’ feet)
- Healed women and praised their faith (Luke 8:48 – “Daughter, your faith has made you well”)
He broke cultural norms by including and honoring women, not as background characters but as central to His mission.
8. What Does This Mean for the Church?
Too often, the modern church forgets the full story.
- Women funded Jesus’ ministry.
- Women stood by Him when others ran.
- Women were first to preach the resurrection.
It’s not just about history—it’s a model for how we view ministry today.
A healthy church:
- Values the contributions of women.
- Creates space for women to lead and teach.
- Acknowledges the spiritual significance of generosity and presence.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Bible supports women in ministry or questioned your role in the church, take another look at Jesus. He welcomed women into His inner circle. He allowed them to give, to serve, to learn, to lead—and to be the first to share the gospel after the resurrection.
That’s not just a side note. It’s central to the story.
So if you’re a woman wondering whether your gifts, presence, or support matter in the kingdom of God—they absolutely do.
And if you’re part of a church community, make sure you’re encouraging and honoring those contributions, just like Jesus did.
TL;DR:
- Women supported Jesus financially (Luke 8:1–3).
- They stayed with Him at the cross (Matthew 27:55).
- They were first at the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1).
- They led in the early church (Romans 16, Acts 16).
- Jesus valued and empowered women—and so should we.
FAQs: What Does the Bible Say About Women Supporting Jesus?
1. What does the Bible say about women supporting Jesus financially?
The Bible says that several women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, “provided for them out of their means” (Luke 8:3). This shows they gave their own resources to support Jesus and His disciples during their ministry.
2. Did women travel with Jesus during His ministry?
Yes, women were part of Jesus’ traveling group. Luke 8:1-3 clearly states that women accompanied Jesus and the twelve disciples as He moved from town to town, sharing the gospel.
3. Were women involved in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?
Absolutely. Women were present at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55) and were the first to discover the empty tomb and speak with the risen Jesus (Matthew 28:1–10).
4. Who were some of the women who supported Jesus?
The Bible names Mary Magdalene, Joanna (wife of Herod’s steward), and Susanna, among others. These women were healed by Jesus and became key supporters of His ministry.
5. Were women involved in the early church after Jesus’ ascension?
Yes. Women like Lydia (Acts 16), Phoebe (Romans 16), and Priscilla (Acts 18) played major roles in the spread of the early church by hosting, teaching, and serving in leadership capacities.
6. Did Jesus value women as part of His ministry?
Yes. Jesus included, taught, and empowered women in ways that were culturally radical at the time. He spoke publicly with women, affirmed their faith, and entrusted them with the gospel message.
7. Is there biblical evidence that women were leaders in the church?
Yes. Romans 16 mentions multiple women by name, including Phoebe (a deacon) and Priscilla, who helped teach early church leaders. These women were respected and entrusted with significant responsibilities.
8. Was Mary Magdalene important in Jesus’ ministry?
Very much so. Mary Magdalene is mentioned more than most apostles and was the first to see the risen Jesus. She supported Him financially and stayed close during His suffering.
9. What does this say about women’s roles in ministry today?
The biblical record shows that women have always been essential to ministry. Their giving, leadership, and faithfulness were recognized by Jesus and should still be valued today.
10. How can I learn more about women in Jesus’ ministry?
Start by reading Luke 8, Matthew 27–28, and Romans 16. These passages give direct examples of women supporting Jesus and the early church. The more you study, the more you’ll see their vital role.
