Women played a vital and often underappreciated role in Jesus’ ministry. Far from being sidelined, they were active followers, financial supporters, and even disciples. Jesus taught them directly, broke cultural norms to elevate their dignity, and gave them key roles in His mission—including making them the first witnesses to His resurrection. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and others weren’t background figures; they were part of the movement shaping early Christianity.
Their impact didn’t stop with Jesus’ earthly ministry. Women continued to help build the early church through leadership, hospitality, and teaching. These examples show that Jesus welcomed both men and women into the heart of His mission. If you’ve ever wondered about your place in God’s plan, these stories prove you’re invited in. Keep reading to explore the surprising, powerful ways women shaped the Gospel story—and what it means for your faith today.
When most people think about Jesus’ ministry, they often picture the twelve male disciples. But that’s only part of the story. Women played a crucial, visible, and sometimes surprising role in the life and mission of Jesus. In fact, Jesus’ interactions with women were revolutionary for His time. He welcomed them, taught them, healed them, and included them in ways that challenged the norms of first-century Jewish culture.
If you’ve ever wondered about how women fit into the ministry of Jesus, you’re not alone—and the Bible gives us plenty to work with.
1. Women Were Among Jesus’ Followers
Let’s start here: women were not just in the background—they were part of the movement.
Luke 8:1-3 gives one of the clearest pictures:
“…The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene… 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.”
Key takeaways:
- These women traveled with Jesus and His disciples.
- They financially supported His ministry.
- They were named—something unusual in ancient literature, especially for women.
Names matter. Naming Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna tells us they were known, active participants—not anonymous bystanders.
2. Women Were Disciples Too
While the twelve apostles were all men, that doesn’t mean they were Jesus’ only disciples.
A disciple is simply a learner or follower, not necessarily one of the Twelve. Jesus had many disciples, men and women alike. He taught women directly—often in public.
Case in point: Mary of Bethany
In Luke 10:38-42, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to learn while her sister Martha works around the house.
That might seem ordinary to us, but in Jewish culture, sitting at a rabbi’s feet meant being a disciple. And Jesus praises her choice:
“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
He doesn’t scold her for stepping out of a traditional role. He honors her for choosing spiritual learning over domestic expectations.
3. Jesus Broke Cultural Barriers for Women
Jesus consistently treated women with dignity, even when society did not.
Here are a few striking examples:
- The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–26): Jesus speaks at length with a Samaritan woman—breaking both gender and ethnic norms. She ends up becoming one of the first evangelists, telling her entire town about Him.
- The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1–11): While the religious leaders want to stone her, Jesus defends her. He calls out the hypocrisy of the accusers, not the woman, and tells her to “go and sin no more.”
- The Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:25–34): This woman was considered “unclean” by Jewish law. But she touches Jesus’ garment in faith and is healed. Rather than rebuke her, Jesus publicly praises her faith.
These weren’t random encounters. Jesus was intentional. He showed compassion, offered forgiveness, and opened the door to new life—regardless of gender or status.
4. Women Were the First Witnesses of the Resurrection
This is one of the most powerful moments in Scripture, and women are front and center.
In Luke 24:1–10, women go to Jesus’ tomb to care for His body. Instead, they find the stone rolled away. Angels tell them He has risen. These women become the first people to hear the news of the resurrection—and the first to proclaim it.
Mary Magdalene, in particular, has a key role:
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” – John 20:18
In a time when women’s testimonies weren’t even valid in court, Jesus entrusted the most important message in history to them.
That’s not a footnote. It’s a statement.
5. Women Supported the Early Church After Jesus’ Ascension
The influence of these women didn’t end when Jesus ascended.
In Acts 1:14, right before Pentecost:
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus…”
Women were present, praying, and preparing for the birth of the church. And as the early church grew, women took on leadership and support roles:
Examples from the New Testament:
- Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2): Called a “deacon” of the church in Cenchreae. Paul entrusts her with delivering his letter to the Romans.
- Priscilla (Acts 18): A teacher alongside her husband Aquila. She helps mentor Apollos, a skilled preacher.
- Lydia (Acts 16:14-15): A businesswoman and the first recorded European convert. She opens her home for church gatherings.
6. Why This Still Matters Today
Understanding the role of women in Jesus’ ministry isn’t just about history—it has real relevance for today.
Here’s why:
- It corrects misconceptions that Christianity has always sidelined women. Jesus didn’t.
- It shows God’s inclusive kingdom. Jesus invited everyone to the table—male and female, rich and poor, clean and unclean.
- It encourages women to serve boldly. Whether teaching, leading, giving, or sharing the gospel—there’s biblical precedent for all of it.
Quick Recap: 6 Key Ways Women Served in Jesus’ Ministry
- They followed Him – traveling with Jesus and supporting His work.
- They were disciples – learning directly from Him, just like the men.
- They broke barriers – with Jesus’ help, they stepped into roles culture denied them.
- They witnessed the resurrection – and became the first evangelists.
- They built the early church – through leadership, giving, and hospitality.
- They inspire us today – to live boldly in our faith and service.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ treatment of women wasn’t accidental—it was intentional, radical, and deeply affirming. He saw their worth. He trusted them with truth. And He invited them into every part of His mission.
If you’ve ever felt like your gender disqualifies you from serving God, think again. Look at Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary of Bethany, the Samaritan woman, and others. Jesus didn’t limit them. He empowered them.
And He does the same for you.
FAQs: What Was the Role of Women in Jesus’ Ministry?
1. What was the role of women in Jesus’ ministry according to the Bible?
Women were active participants in Jesus’ ministry. They followed Him, supported His work financially, learned directly from Him, and played key roles in spreading the Gospel—even becoming the first witnesses to the resurrection.
2. Were women considered disciples of Jesus?
Yes. Although the twelve apostles were men, many women were also considered disciples. Mary of Bethany, for example, sat at Jesus’ feet to learn—something only disciples did in that culture.
3. Did Jesus allow women to teach or lead?
While Jesus didn’t formally appoint women among the Twelve, He empowered them to lead in their own right. In the early church, women like Priscilla taught others, and Phoebe served as a deacon and church leader (Romans 16:1–2).
4. Who were some of the most prominent women in Jesus’ ministry?
Notable women include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary of Bethany, and the Samaritan woman. Each played a unique and important role in supporting, spreading, or responding to Jesus’ message.
5. What was Mary Magdalene’s role in Jesus’ ministry?
Mary Magdalene followed Jesus, supported His ministry financially, and was present at the crucifixion. Most notably, she was the first person to see the risen Jesus and proclaim His resurrection (John 20:18).
6. Did Jesus break cultural norms by involving women in His ministry?
Absolutely. Jesus spoke to women publicly, taught them, healed them, and involved them in spiritual conversations—actions that went against the norms of His time.
7. Why were women the first to witness the resurrection?
Jesus appeared first to women after His resurrection, despite their testimonies not being considered legally valid in that era. This speaks to His intentional elevation of their role in the Gospel narrative.
8. Were women financially involved in supporting Jesus’ ministry?
Yes. Luke 8:1–3 specifically mentions that women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna used their own resources to support Jesus and the disciples.
9. How did women contribute to the early church after Jesus’ ascension?
Women prayed with the disciples, hosted church gatherings, led others in the faith, and were recognized by Paul for their leadership roles (e.g., Lydia, Phoebe, Priscilla).
10. What does Jesus’ treatment of women mean for Christians today?
It shows that Jesus valued and included women in His mission, breaking societal barriers. His example encourages today’s church to affirm the dignity, calling, and contributions of women in every area of ministry.
