MEMORY SCRIPTURE
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers
(Acts 1:14).
Jesus empowered women for leadership by affirming their value, teaching them directly and enabling them to spread His message, challenging cultural norms and promoting equality.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 18: Jesus Female Followers (Lk.8:1-3)
Tue. 19: Jesus And The Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:4-26)
Wed. 20: The Woman With Issue Of Blood (Mk.5:25-34)
Thurs 21: The Sinful Woman’s Anointing (Lk.7:36-50)
Fri. 22: The Women At The Tomb (Lk.24:1-10)
Sat. 23: Women in The Upper Room (Acts 1:12-1 4)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
God is still in the business of handpicking men and pruning them till they become who He desires, but such must cooperate with Him.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-42; John 11:1ff; 12:1-3; 19:25; 20:11-18
Our Lord Jesus has, in different ways, revealed to us the importance of preparation; He prepared before embarking on His earthly ministry, He prepared His disciples to continue with the ministry of reconciliation, etc. Among the disciples were women whom He had predestined to be part of the gospel carriers and the birth of the Church.
The topic for this week’s lesson is, JESUS PREPARES SOME WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP. May God open our eyes of understanding that we may identify and maximise Jesus’ work in, and through us, especially for the responsibilities He has for us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- MARY MAGDALENE
- MARY AND MARTHA
LESSON EXPOSITION
MARY MAGDALENE (Lk. 8:1-3;Jn. 19:25; 20:11-18)
And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons
(Lk.8:2).
a) Mary Magdalene hailed from Magdala, She isn’t the sinful woman in Luke 7:36, or Mary of Bethany (Jn. 11:1)
b) Lk. 8:2: Jesus delivered Mary Magdalene from demons, laying the foundation for her leadership journey instilling in her gratitude, devotion and loyalty to Him.
c) vv.1-3: She was a close disciple of Jesus (member of His inner circle of supporters), showing Jesus recognition of her potential and the value of her contributions to His ministry.
d) vv. 1-3: She had the privilege of witnessing Jesus’ miracles and first-hand teachings, along with other women, which deepened he faith and understanding of His divine power
e) Jn. 19:25: She stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross, witnessing His crucifixion. She also observed the events leading up to His death and His teachings during thattime. What a great privilege!
f) 20:11-18: She was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection and was commissioned by Him to tell the disciples (Matt 28:1-10; Mk 16: 1-8; Lk 24: 1-12). Imagine the impression this scene had on her.
g) v. 17-18: This act of commissioning highlights her role as a messenger and leader in spreading the news of Jesus’ resurrection making her one of the first evangelists in Christian history.
MARY AND MARTHA (Lk. 10:38-42; Jn. 11:1ff; 12:1-31)
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil
(Jn. 12:3).
a) Lk. 10:38-42: Mary and Martha’s hospitality to Jesus showcased their commitment to serving others and learning from Him, exemplifying servant-leadership relationship (cf. Matt.25:35-40).
b) Jn. 11:1-3: Their demonstration of faith in Jesus’ ability to heal Lazarus revealed their trust in His power and authority, fostering resilience and reliance on Godin leadership roles (cf. Heb. 1 1:6).
c) Jn. 11:38-44: Witnessing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead deepened their faith in His divine power and strengthened their confidence in God’s miraculous intervention (cf. Mk. 9:23).
d) vv. 20-27: Through conversations with Jesus and His teachings (Lk 10:38-42) they gained spiritual insights and wisdom, equipping them for leadership roles (cf. Prov.9:9).
e) 12:1-3: After Lazarus’ resurrection, Mary and Martha’s testimony became powerful tool for spreading the gospel, proving their leadership credibility and influence within the community of believers (cf Acts 1:8).
LESSONS DERIVED
- God prepares all is children, regardless of gender, or background, for their roles in His kingdom.
- Jesus’ preparation aims to mould into His likeness, requiring unrepentantly and obediently following him individuals into in all aspect life.
QUESTIONS
- Describe Mary Magdalene’s expression towards Jesus’ influence
- In what ways did Jesus influence Mary and Martha’s attitude in bringing Lazarus back to life?
