Mark chapter 15 verses 40-41 (NIV)
Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
Mark Chapter 15 verse 47 (NIV)
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.
Luke chapter 8 verses 1-3 (NIV)
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Women in Jesus’ day were not given a prominent place in society. Many of the women who encountered Jesus had also had difficult lives. When Jesus changed their lives, they, like the disciples, set out to follow Him. They also faithfully supported His ministry in a very practical way, and they remained faithful at the darkest of times. Many of the crowds who were witness to the miracles and benefitted from Jesus’ teaching were probably unaware of all that these women did “behind the scenes” but they did what they could wholeheartedly. I wonder if that’s why they were the ones who bore witness to the resurrection? They were rewarded for their service, and acknowledged as truthful witnesses at a time when women couldn’t even give testimony in court.
However we are called to serve God, we too must do it faithfully. Not everything we do will be seen publicly by others, yet we must do it in a way that honours Jesus. It may be vitally important to the work of God , even if it is unnoticed by others. It is enough for us to know that we are doing His will, so that in the fulness of time we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That should be reward enough for us.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful for the example of the wholehearted, faithful service of these women. Help me to follow that example, I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.