The women who followed Jesus played powerful and often overlooked roles in His ministry. Far from being background figures, they were faithful disciples, financial supporters, and the first witnesses to His resurrection. Women like Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Joanna, and others stayed with Jesus when many others fled, showing deep devotion and courage in the most critical moments of His life.
These stories show us that Jesus broke cultural norms by honoring, teaching, and empowering women. Their faith and contributions remind us that everyone—regardless of gender—has a meaningful role in God’s story. If you’re curious about who these women were and why their stories still matter today, keep reading for a deeper dive into their lives and legacy.
When you think of the followers of Jesus, the Twelve Apostles probably come to mind first. But they weren’t the only ones walking alongside Him. The Bible shows us that many women also followed Jesus—some of them even more consistently and faithfully than the men. These women weren’t just background characters; they were active participants in His ministry.
In this article, we’ll look at who these women were, what roles they played, and why they matter to the story of Jesus—and to us today.
1. Why Women Followers Matter in Jesus’ Ministry
First, let’s set the stage. In 1st-century Jewish society, women didn’t typically follow rabbis or participate in public ministry. But Jesus flipped the cultural script.
- He spoke directly to women (John 4:7-26 – the Samaritan woman at the well).
- He healed them and restored their dignity (Luke 8:43-48 – the woman with the issue of blood).
- He defended them (John 8:1–11 – the woman caught in adultery).
- And He invited them into His circle of followers.
“There were also women looking on from a distance… among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When He was in Galilee, they followed Him and ministered to Him.” — Mark 15:40–41
These women weren’t just supporters—they were disciples in every meaningful sense.
2. The Named Women Who Followed Jesus
Let’s walk through the key women mentioned by name in the Gospels.
A. Mary Magdalene
Probably the most well-known female follower of Jesus.
- Mentioned in all four Gospels.
- Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2).
- She was at the crucifixion (John 19:25).
- She was the first to see the resurrected Jesus (John 20:14–18).
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord.’” — John 20:18
That makes her the first witness to the resurrection—arguably the most important moment in Christian history.
B. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
She’s central to the birth narratives, of course (Luke 1–2), but she also followed Jesus into His adult ministry.
- She was at the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1–11).
- She was at the crucifixion, where Jesus entrusted her to John (John 19:26–27).
- She was part of the early church in Acts 1:14, praying with the disciples.
C. Mary of Bethany
Sister to Martha and Lazarus.
- She anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume (John 12:1–8).
- She chose to listen to Jesus instead of being distracted by chores (Luke 10:38–42).
- Jesus said she had “chosen what is better” (Luke 10:42).
Mary of Bethany represents the devotional side of discipleship—listening, worshiping, and loving Jesus deeply.
D. Martha of Bethany
Often remembered for being anxious and busy (Luke 10), but don’t overlook her faith.
- She made a powerful confession:
“I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God” — John 11:27
This puts her in the same league as Peter (see Matthew 16:16).
E. Joanna
A lesser-known but very important figure.
- Wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager (Luke 8:3).
- A woman of status and wealth.
- She helped financially support Jesus’ ministry.
- She was at the tomb and reported the resurrection (Luke 24:10).
F. Susanna
Mentioned alongside Joanna in Luke 8:3. Though we don’t get many details, she was one of the women who supported Jesus “out of their own means.”
3. Roles These Women Played
The women who followed Jesus weren’t just spectators. They were active, engaged, and essential.
They Provided Financial Support
Luke 8:1–3 tells us:
“…the twelve were with Him, and also some women… who were helping to support them out of their own means.”
This means Jesus’ day-to-day ministry—travel, food, shelter—was funded in part by women. That’s significant.
They Were Present at Crucial Moments
While most of the male disciples fled when Jesus was arrested, many women stayed.
- At the cross (Mark 15:40).
- At the burial (Matthew 27:61).
- At the tomb on Easter morning (Luke 24:1).
They Were the First Evangelists
Mary Magdalene was told by Jesus:
“Go to my brothers and tell them…” (John 20:17)
She obeyed, making her the first person to proclaim the resurrection.
4. What This Tells Us About Jesus
Jesus didn’t just tolerate women in His ministry—He welcomed them. He:
- Healed them physically and spiritually.
- Taught them as disciples.
- Honored their faith publicly.
- Gave them responsibility and trust.
In a society where women were often seen as second-class citizens, Jesus lifted them up.
5. Lessons for Us Today
So what can you take from this?
A. Jesus Values Everyone Equally
Whether you’re a man or a woman, rich or poor, outsider or insider—Jesus sees you, values you, and invites you to follow Him.
B. Women Have Always Been Key to the Church
Women were part of the early movement of Jesus from the beginning. They weren’t an afterthought. They helped fund it, lead it, and spread the message.
C. Your Role Matters
Maybe you don’t have a platform or title. That doesn’t matter. If you’re faithful like Mary Magdalene, generous like Joanna, or devoted like Mary of Bethany—you’re doing kingdom work.
6. Quick List: Key Women Who Followed Jesus
| Name | Key Role/Contribution |
| Mary Magdalene | First witness to the resurrection |
| Mary, Jesus’ mother | Present at key events from birth to resurrection |
| Mary of Bethany | Anointed Jesus, showed deep devotion |
| Martha of Bethany | Confessed Jesus as Messiah |
| Joanna | Financial supporter, witness of resurrection |
| Susanna | Supported Jesus’ ministry financially |
| Salome | Witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection events |
Final Thoughts
The women who followed Jesus weren’t accidental or minor characters—they were central to the story. They showed faith when others ran, gave when others took, and believed when others doubted.
And their legacy continues. If you’re a woman wondering where you fit in God’s plan, just look at these stories. They prove that your faith, your presence, and your voice all matter deeply in God’s kingdom.
FAQs: Who Were the Women Who Followed Jesus?
1. Who were the women who followed Jesus?
The women who followed Jesus were faithful disciples like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, Martha, and others. They supported Him, learned from Him, and were present during key events like the crucifixion and resurrection.
2. Was Mary Magdalene the same as the sinful woman in Luke 7?
No. The Bible never directly says Mary Magdalene was the woman in Luke 7. She’s often confused with that figure, but Luke introduces Mary Magdalene after that story, identifying her instead as the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2).
3. Did women financially support Jesus’ ministry?
Yes. Luke 8:1–3 clearly states that women like Joanna, Susanna, and others supported Jesus and the disciples “out of their own means.” Their resources helped fund His traveling ministry.
4. Were women disciples of Jesus?
Absolutely. While the Twelve Apostles were all men, many women followed Jesus as dedicated disciples. They listened to His teaching, followed Him on the road, and remained faithful through His death and resurrection.
5. Why did Jesus include women in His ministry?
Jesus included women to show that the Kingdom of God is for everyone—men and women alike. He honored their faith, healed them, taught them directly, and gave them important responsibilities, which was radical for that time.
6. Who was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection?
Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Jesus and the first to proclaim His resurrection to others (John 20:14–18). This makes her the first evangelist of the resurrection message.
7. What role did Mary, the mother of Jesus, play in His ministry?
Mary was present at several key moments in Jesus’ life—His first miracle (John 2), His crucifixion (John 19:26), and she was part of the early church after the resurrection (Acts 1:14). She showed lifelong devotion.
8. What’s the difference between Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany?
Mary Magdalene was delivered from demonic possession and followed Jesus closely, even after His death. Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is known for her deep worship and devotion, anointing Jesus with oil (John 12:1–8).
9. Were any of the women connected to political power or wealth?
Yes. Joanna, one of Jesus’ followers, was the wife of Chuza, a manager in Herod’s household (Luke 8:3). She had access to resources and used them to support Jesus’ ministry.
10. What do these women teach us today?
These women show us that faith, courage, and devotion aren’t defined by gender or status. They were bold, generous, and faithful—even when it was dangerous. Their lives challenge us to follow Jesus with the same kind of commitment.
