Lesson 11: The Women Who Followed Jesus Introduction: Although Christ was a "man of sorrows" and no place to lay His head, He was not without friends who loved Him dearly. He was surrounded by His disciples, and as they worked, they were ministered to by certain women (Luke 8:1-3). This would seem necessary since these men gave up their professions to follow Christ. There are many references to the women who served Jesus. Most are not mentioned by name, but we know that there were many (Matt. 27:55). Luke 8:1-3 mentions that one of them was the wife of one of Herod's stewards. I. Mary Magdalene A. Mary was a favorite name among Hebrew women. This Mary was called "of Magdala" which was a small town near Tiberias on the SW coast of the Sea of Galilee. B. She was possessed with 7 demons whom Jesus cast out (Luke 8:2). C. She became a devoted disciple and followed Christ to the crucifixion (Matt 27:54-56, see also Mark 15:40-ff). D. She helped with the burial of Christ. She was the first person Christ appeared to after His resurrection (Matt 27:59-61 Mat 28:1-10, Mark 16:9, see also John 20:1ff). E. There is no firm evidence to suggest that she was an immoral woman as tradition has taught. This belief comes from the fact that the first mention of her comes immediately after the story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 7:36-50). Principles: 1. As Mary Magdalene was healed, we also have been healed. 2. We should also give our lives in service out of gratitude and love. II. Mary of Bethany A. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:1). B. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His words. Martha was more worried about being a good hostess and thus Jesus commends the better choice that Mary made (Luke 10:38-42). C. Mary had a strong faith in her Lord. She knew of Jesus' power to raise men from the dead (John 11:1-57). D. Mary washed Jesus' feet with a costly oil as if for His burial (John 12:1-8). Principles: 1. We need to make sure our priorities are proper (Matt. 6:33). 2. We can spend our whole lives making sure of our physical needs, but in the end, only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41-42; Philippians 3:7-9; Eccl. 12:13-14). III. Martha A. Martha welcomed Christ into her house (Luke 10:38-42). B. She was "distracted with much serving". C. Jesus loved this family (John 11:5). Bethany may have been the place Jesus felt most at home while on this earth. Both Martha and Mary knew the power of Jesus, both of them stated that if Jesus had arrived sooner, Lazarus would not have died (John 11:21 and 32). But it was Martha who stated her confidence in the resurrection (John 11:24), and then confessed that Christ was the Son of God who had come to save the world (11:27). Principles: 1. Christ should be a welcome guest in our homes. 2. We must be confident of the resurrection (I Cor 15:12-19). IV. Salome A. She was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John. Compare Matt 27:56 with Mark 15:40 and 16:1. B. She was one of the women who companied with Jesus in Galilee (Mark 15:40). C. She was present at the crucifixion and was among those who went to Christ's tomb to anoint His body (Mark 16:1). D. Zebedee and his family were of some means as evidenced by the hired servants for their fishing business (Mark 1:18-20). E. She asked that her sons be given places of honor in the kingdom (Matt 20:20-22). Principles: 1. These women gave of their time and money. We must cheerfully give of our means (II Cor. 9:6-8). 2. Salome did not understand the nature of the kingdom when she asked for positions of honor for her sons, but it is admirable that she wished for her sons to be with Christ. We must train our children according to God's word so that they may be with Christ. Questions 1. Of what was Mary Magdalene cured? Read Ezekiel 16:1-14 and comment on God's love for His people. Are we that helpless? What was Christ willing to do for us and what debt do we owe Him? See also Rev 3:14-17. 2. What is your first priority in this life? Can others tell what is most important to you? How? 3. What was the "one thing" Jesus referred to in Luke 10:42? 4. How can Christ be a welcome guest in our homes? Is there more than one way? See Matt 25:34-46. 5. How did Martha know that there would be a resurrection? How do we know that we will be raised up from the dead? John 5:28-29, John 11:24,25, Acts 2:31, Acts 4:33, Rom 6:5, I Cor 15. 6. What things did these women give to Christ? What attitude accompanied their gifts? What is the nature of giving in the Church? 7. What do parents hope for their children? What is more important: a good job, financial security, influence, education, or serving the Lord? Eccl. 12:1. How can we teach our children godly priorities? How may we give them conflicting messages regarding what is important in this life? 8. Critics of the Bible (especially of Paul's epistles) say that New Testament teaching is demeaning to women. How would you answer such criticism? 9. Even if new converts learn much about the Bible, they are not qualified to become elders (I Tim. 3:6). Why is this? 10. What does Paul say about temptations (I Cor. 10:13)? 11. In the parable of the sower (Mk. 4:3-20), Jesus describes many reasons why people fall away. The seed that fell by the wayside represents what type of falling away? The seed that fell on the rocky ground represents what type of falling away? The seed that fell among thorns represents what type of falling away? List some things that can make us fall away like the seed that fell among thorns. 11. How did Joseph and David react differently when tempted (Gen. 39:7-10 & II Sam. 11:2)? What was the result? -------------------------------