As women, we often ask ourselves, “Am I making a difference?” We wonder if the meals we prepare, the prayers we whisper, the encouragement we give, or the quiet acts of service truly matter. When we look at the life of Jesus, the answer is a resounding yes.
Although Jesus was the Son of God, He chose to live among people. He allowed others to walk beside Him, encourage Him, and minister to Him. Throughout His ministry, there were faithful men and women who stayed close, even when following Him came at a great cost.
From the beginning, His mother, Mary, treasured every moment of His life. She watched Him grow, witnessed His ministry, and stood near the cross as He gave His life for the world (John 19:25–27). Imagine the strength it took to remain there in the darkest moment. Her love never wavered. I cannot fathom the pain she endured as she watched her Son suffer on the cross. Yet the courage and strength she displayed came from God. Even in unimaginable sorrow, she remained faithful.
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He did something remarkable: He revealed His true identity to her. After she spoke of the coming Messiah, Jesus said, “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26). In a world where many overlooked or rejected her, Jesus saw her, knew everything about her, and still offered her the living water of eternal life. Her encounter with Christ transformed her so completely that she left her water jar behind, ran back to her town, and boldly told others about the Savior she had found.
There were also women who faithfully traveled with Jesus. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others supported His ministry with their own resources (Luke 8:1–3). They weren’t seeking recognition. They simply loved the Savior and wanted to serve Him. Their generosity helped make ministry possible.
Mary of Bethany chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching. While others were busy with many responsibilities, she recognized that being with Jesus was the greatest priority. Later, she poured expensive perfume on His feet as an act of worship, preparing Him for His burial before anyone else fully understood what was coming (John 12:1–8).
Martha served with a willing heart. Though Jesus lovingly reminded her not to become overwhelmed by worry, her hospitality provided a place where Jesus could rest. Her home became a place of fellowship, friendship, and love.
Even in His final hours, many fled in fear, but several faithful women remained nearby. They stood at the cross when others could not. They watched where Jesus was buried. Then, before sunrise on the first day of the week, they returned to the tomb carrying spices to honor Him. Their devotion was rewarded with the greatest announcement in history: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).
These women remind us that faithfulness is often found in the ordinary. They served. They gave. They listened. They stayed. They loved.
Today, Jesus still calls women to walk closely with Him. We may not physically prepare meals for Him or stand at the foot of the cross, but we serve Him every time we love others, encourage the discouraged, teach His Word, pray faithfully, give generously, and remain steadfast in our faith.
The world celebrates those who are famous. Jesus celebrates those who are faithful.
Perhaps no one notices your quiet prayers for your family. Maybe your acts of kindness seem small. Maybe your service in your church goes unseen. But nothing done for Christ is ever wasted. Just as Jesus valued the women who faithfully followed Him, He values your devotion today.
May we be women who stay close to Jesus, not only when life is easy, but also when the road is difficult. May we sit at His feet like Mary, serve with love like Martha, give generously like Joanna and Susanna, stand faithfully like Mary, His mother, and boldly proclaim the risen Savior like Mary Magdalene.
Our greatest calling is not to be known by the world, but to faithfully walk with the One who gave everything for us.
Scriptures to Reflect On:
- Luke 8:1–3
- Luke 10:38–42
- John 12:1–8
- John 19:25–27
- Luke 23:49, 55–56
- Luke 24:1–10
- John 4:26
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the faithful women who walked beside You and showed us what true devotion looks like. Help us to love You with our whole hearts, serve without seeking recognition, remain faithful through every season, and boldly share the hope of Your resurrection. Help us not forget when the world seems to say you are just a woman, that we are loved and made whole by You. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Missy Burks
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#missyburksblogs