Wednesday: Some Women Who Followed Jesus
Read Luke 10:38-42. What important spiritual truths can we take from this story (see also Luke 8:14) for ourselves?
As the hostess, Martha was distracted with much serving
(Luke 10:40, NKJV) and was busy in getting the best for the guests. But Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word
(Luke 10:39, NKJV).
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So much so that Martha complained to Jesus that she alone was left to do the hard work. While Jesus did not rebuke Martha for her preoccupation with service, He pointed out the need for right priorities in life. Fellowship with Jesus is the first essential in discipleship; potluck can come later.
The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence, promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good.
-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 525.
Read Luke 8:1-3; Luke 23:55-56; Luke 24:1-12. What do these verses teach about the role of women in Christ’s ministry?
As His ministry expanded, Jesus went through every city and village, preaching
and teaching (Luke 8:1, NKJV), with the 12 disciples accompanying Him. Luke also records the powerful testimony that certain women whom Jesus had healed, who were touched by His preaching, and who were of wealth, also followed Him in His enlarged ministry. Here are some whom Luke mentions: (1) certain women healed of evil spirits, including Mary Magdalene; (2) Joanna, wife of Chuza, business manager of Herod; (3) Susanna; and (4)many others who provided for Him
(Luke 8:3, NKJV).
When we understand that Jesus died for every human being, we can better grasp the true equality of every person before God. How well do we reflect this truth in our attitude toward others? That is, how can you root out, if necessary, any attitude in which you might tend to look down upon others as somehow less worthy than yourself?
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I find it very interesting that in the passage below we find that Martha had an amazing grasp of the resurrection, who Jesus is and His power and connection with God the Father. I wonder if she always understood or if after the issue of Mary not helping she spent more time herself "at Jesus feet"?
These days time is very limited, so only those important to you tend to get your attention. I pray that God will lead me to give the attention to those that need to hear the gospel message.
It has been mentioned in previous days that women had their own compartment in the temple. In this scenario, what was Paul saying when he says 'women should not speak in church'. Who were they speaking 2 because men were in their own compartment
women who followed Jesus in his days worshiped him with true faith and they obtained grace and favor from the lord. it is an example for us to take the cross and work hard for the lord today. 1 Peter 2:9 is telling us that, the work is meant for all, is doesn't matter sexes..God bless us all
Martha was concerned about things to people; Mary was concerned about the Person who makes things happen to people.
I find the women, Joanna and Susana, very interesting in this part of the lesson! While Mary Magdalene could have had an attachment to Jesus for the good that He did for her, Joanna and Susana were following and even supplying to the needs of Jesus and company willing fully just! So to say that we don't need the savior to do something in our lives so as to follow! Sometimes there will be no big miracles, no healing, nor favors, but we still need to be convinced enough that the fact that we live and breath, is for example a miracle enough to follow Jesus. Most of Christ followers or purported followers need a miracle or at least a testimony to follow him. I feel Christ needs more Joanna's and Susana's, and other women of influence these days! And the MEN too
Many women were dedicated followers of Jesus during His ministry on earth. Some of these women seem to have been independent of fathers and husbands, and some were independently wealthy. These women left the relative comfort of their homes and travelled in rough conditions to faithfully follow and serve their Lord. There is little doubt that Jesus welcomed these women and valued their ministry, including their ministry of being his witnesses to the people of Israel and beyond, and he continually showed kindness and respect to the many other women he encountered during his ministry. One thing is certain: throughout the last two millennia many more women have continued to follow Jesus and serve him. And Jesus continues to welcome their company and value their ministry. As we study these lessons, let us ask ourselves, how can we learn from these women, how can we follow their examples of ministry, how can we glorify God?
Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him.She was for much serving; plenty,variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls.Christ declared, Mary has chosen the good part.Needful is one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ.The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the furthest,when we shall be taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the loveof Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us. So we should do the same preach the word of God like Susana,Joanna and others
God and Christ will not.
No Stephen go read the story of the sower he never sowed with partiality though he knew that rocky grounds seldomly support vegetative (propergative) life. Jesus said go preach to the whole world. Bear ye each other's burdens, be patient with everyone.God's plans know no hast no delay.Jesus travelled on a donkey but arrived on time. Don't favour rash for the fertile wet grounds ,God wants you to learn and improve something in your life. PATIENCE