Women Followed Jesus: Martha and Mary

Martha and Mary were sisters and their brother was Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the grave. While the other women we have visited are seen traveling with Jesus and his disciples and ministering to them, all the mentions of Martha and Mary reveal Jesus visiting them or in the area where they lived. We’ve already looked at the meaning of […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Mary, the wife of Clopas

Mary was a popular name during Biblical times and remains a popular name today. Hence, to defferentate the various Mary’s there are relationships mentioned.  This is true for Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses and Mary the wife of Clopas. The name Mary means bitter, beloved, rebelliousness, and wished-for-child. Mary, the wife of […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Susanna

Susanna is mentioned alongside Joanna, as a woman who was healed. The name Susanna means a white lily. “…and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities”  And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”  {Luke 8:2-3} Along with being healed from evil spirits, Susanna must have […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Joanna, wife of Chuza

Another of Jesus followers is Joanna. “And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”  {Luke 8:3} The name Joanna means the Lord has been gracious. Apparently, Joanna is important.  Her husband is Chuza, who is Herod’s steward. Her husband worked for Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Mary, His Mother

Mary, the Mother of Jesus was his first follower and probably his greatest supporter. We do not know if she constantly followed him for the three years of his ministry, but she was there for some important moments. Mary was the one to encourage him to turn the water into wine before his earthly ministry began. {John 2:1-11} The only […]

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Women Followed Jesus: Mary Magdalene

In addition to his disciples, Jesus had many others who followed him. I found 34 references about “a large crowd who followed Jesus”. Women were part of the crowd who followed him, support him and the disciples and were part of his inner circle.  “oon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the […]

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Mothers of the Bible: Elisabeth, Forebearer to Christ

The story of Elisabeth is very reminiscent of that of Sarah in the Old Testament. Elisabeth is married to Zacharias, a priest. Zacharias and Elisabeth are “ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”  {Luke 1:6} The next verse says, “And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, […]

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Mothers of the Bible: Hannah, Praised God

Hannah was another mother that longed for a child.  She was married to Elkanah.  Hannah is her husband’s first wife and his favorite, but when she did not provide children, he married Peninnah. One can imagine how Peninnah tormented Hannah over her inability to have children. Each year they travel to the temple to worship God.  We are told that […]

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Mothers of the Bible: Naomi, from Sorrow to Joy

When we think of ideal mother-in-law, we may think about Naomi. Naomi was married to Elimelch and had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.   Due to famine the family moves from Judea to Moab.  While they are there both sons married women named Orpah and Ruth.  Elimelch dies and later both sons die, leaving their widows childless. This is where the […]

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Mothers in the Bible: Rachel, She Bargained

Jacob is fleeing from his brother, after he and his mother, Rebekah, deceive his father, Isaac.   Jacob is sent to his mother’s brother, Laban. So, as he arrives he probably thinks all of his troubles are over.   His troubles with his brother are for the time being, but a whole new set of issues is about to be stirred up. […]

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Mothers in the Bible: Leah, Longed to be Loved

I have to admit that there is something about Leah that resonates with me.   Whether it is the similarity in our names or the desire to be loved, my heart always goes out to Leah. So, on to Leah’s story. Jacob has arrived in Haran and already met Rachel, Leah’s younger sister, when she {Rachel} was tending to the sheep. We […]

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