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By PAULETTE ARTEAGA Sacrificial Attitudes Behind The Scenes - The Women Worked
The authors of the four gospels describe a group of women who were devoted to special ministries to Jesus. These women served, supported, contributed funds and even traveled in order to pave the way for Jesus and His disciples to continue teaching and preaching. Because Mary was a very common name in the first century – many of these women who knew Jesus shared this name. Mary, Jesus’ mother, Mary the sister of Lazarus, Mary called Magdalene after the city from which she came, Mary, the mother of James and Joses which most believe she was also the Mary identified as the wife of Clopas found in John 19:25 We can also refer to these women as the many “behind the scene” followers of Jesus. Scholars have revealed that women in the Bible had enormous influence over their families, communities, and nations. This same kind of influence is evident in today’s world. People from around the world were inspired by Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, moved by Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. Of course it made a difference that Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy graced the White House. Humor became more lovable in the antics of Lucille Ball. We can go on. The point is, women use their gifts, and talents to lead movements, rear families, and nurture the body of Christ. Women have a real ability to impact society in their homes and in their professional lives by practicing the same sacrificial attitude of these women whose testimonies are found in the scriptures. Mary the mother of James and Joses was one of these women. As for a matter of fact she was one of the few followers who did not desert Jesus at Calvary. She remained for the entire tragic event! One can only imagine the wrenching of her heart as she helplessly watched the torture, humiliation, and Crucifixion of the One she found to be so gentle. As the crowds left the sight of death, she and a few of this loyal group followed Joseph as he took Jesus’ body to the tomb. And though they saw Him die, they could not let him go – not quite yet. They needed to know where His body would rest. Join us in Sunday morning for continuation of the greatest story of all time.
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