Women of WorthSample

Yesterday, we considered God’s bigger vision for our lives. Our second key is to study examples of godly women from the past. We’ll look at several women who lived out this bigger vision.

Men weren’t the only ones who followed Jesus. We often forget about the women who played key roles in his ministry. Two of his closest friends were Mary and Martha. The three main financial supporters of Jesus’ ministry were also women: Mary, Joanna, and Susanna.

When Jesus and his disciples left their jobs to travel and preach about the kingdom, they still needed money. They had ministry expenses just like any ministry does today. When the women of means who had been drawn to Jesus saw the financial need, they didn’t make a one-time gift and then disappear. Instead, they courageously decided to follow Jesus and join the disciples on the adventure. They offered their presence and their resources. They became partners in Jesus’ ministry.

Mary, Joanna, & Susanna are specifically named as members of Jesus’ traveling band of followers who kept the ministry budget in the black. We know that they served Jesus even through his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.[1] These women were well-known among the disciples as influencers. They played a strategic role in Jesus’ gospel proclamation.

We see something similar in the ministry of the apostle Paul. Paul entrusted his most important theological letter to a wealthy and influential woman named Phoebe, who would hand-carry it to Rome on his behalf. In the letter, Paul described Phoebe as “a patron of many and of myself as well.”[2]

One of the key roles we can play is that of a Gospel Patron. Like Phoebe, we can come alongside others in the body of Christ who have been given a mission to proclaim Jesus’ good news. We can leverage our finances, networks of relationships, experience, and understanding on behalf of these eternity-focused leaders. We will find increasing joy as we step into faith-filled generosity.

Jesus has called women throughout history to walk with him in faith and generosity. Watching other godly women model how to live empowers us to do the same. Aspirational examples help us find our part to play.

How do these women of Scripture inspire you? As a woman of worth, what next step could you take to live with godly purpose and generosity?

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[1] Matthew 27:55-56, 61; Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25; 20:1, 18

[2] Romans 16:1-2