Women play a great role in ministry. When we talk about ministry, we don’t just mean standing on the altar to preach or become a missionary or evangelist. Ministry generally means “Service to God and others”. All of us are called to serve in one way or the other, be it with our time, energy or resources. In Jesus’ ministry, the main people we often refer to as the disciples of Jesus are the 12 men who constantly walked with Jesus. However, there were a few women who played a key role in the life and ministry of Jesus. We can literally say that they were the bedrock of the gospel even though they often go unrecognized. These women were Mary Magdalene, Johanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna and many others and the bible says “they were helping to support them (Jesus and his disciples) out of their own means.” (Luke 8:1-3). Our focal point today is on one of these Women, “Mary Magdalene”, whose life is an illustration that God is ready to use anybody with a willing and obedient heart.
Mary Magdalene is described as “the woman whom Jesus had driven out 7 demons from her.” After that, she became an ardent follower of Jesus. We see her in every key area of Jesus’ life especially when others deserted him. She was one of the women who followed him to the cross, watched him crucified and buried and she was the first person Jesus appeared to when he resurrected and entrusted to her the message of the resurrection which is the essence of our faith.
Read More about her in Luke 8:1-3, Matt 27:55-56, 28:1-10 & 61, John 19:25, 20:1-18 and Mark 15:47, 16:1-11
Lessons from Mary Magdalene for every believer.
Obedience: God is not looking for the most righteous people to use or to entrust his message to. He is simply looking for someone with an obedient and willing heart. He wants us to just follow him even without understanding why. The only thing Mary knew was her testimony about Jesus. No one could tell her nothing else. So she was willing to follow Jesus, even if it meant endangering her life. This is an area that many of us still find it very difficult, especially because we have many voices around us. The voice of God, our careers, self, friends, etc this makes us to constantly be in rebellion to God even unintentionally. Remember, those who are obedient grow in understanding. The more we follow, the more we understand.
Encounter with God: An encounter with God is the foundation of unwavering faith. Jesus casted out 7 demons from Mary and she followed him everywhere after that. Its easy to say we know God or we have faith in God but that faith does not suffice when challenges come. We easily give up or get into depression questioning God because our encounter with God or knowledge of Him is pretty much based on “head-knowledge” not “experiential knowledge”. If we all have encounters with the person of Jesus, it will be easy for us to follow him. If you were in Mary’s shoes will you ever want to leave the sight of the person who saved you from death? We easily give up on God because we don’t know him. We have only heard about him but we don’t have any encounter with him and that’s what each believer should strive for. Our testimony about Jesus should not be what we have heard but what we have seen, experienced and now we pass on.
A watchman (watchwoman): Women played a great role and still play a great role in the kingdom of God. Mary was a watchman (or watch woman). She watched Jesus being crucified, buried and watched the tomb after his burial despite the fear that erupted in the hearts of all the other followers. She did not know as much as the disciples knew from the teachings of Jesus but she had faith from her encounter with Jesus, which made her persevere against all odds. With the posture of her heart, God entrusted to her the message of resurrection to tell others. From one woman, the message of the resurrection which is the most important thing in Christianity spread to the world. Can God trust us enough to convey an important message to save humanity? Are you willing to tarry in faith? What is your posture in relation to what God wants you to do in our generation?
As we reflect on Mary Magdalene’s life, we are reminded that God is not searching for perfection but for posture. A heart that is willing, obedient, and anchored in genuine encounter with Him. Mary’s story shows that anyone who truly meets Jesus, follows Him wholeheartedly, and remains faithful even in seasons of uncertainty can be entrusted with Heaven’s most precious assignments. Her devotion challenges us to examine our own walk: Are we willing to stay when others retreat? Are we attentive enough to hear God’s voice and courageous enough to act on it? May her example inspire us to realign our hearts, deepen our faith, and position ourselves to be vessels God can trust. As we continue this study, may the Holy Spirit illuminate other attributes of Mary that equip us for ministry and prepare us for greater Kingdom service.
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