And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
I’m down to the final lesson in Jesus, the One and Only—a study of the Gospel of Luke by Beth Moore. I reread the story of the crucifixion and resurrection as I worked on my lesson this morning. Although familiar, this time, I caught some of the drama stirring among the women who followed Jesus.
During His ministry, it is recorded that the women looked after his needs. We know the names of some of them; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James—but there were others who remain nameless. (I would like to think I would have been there with them.) Women enjoy taking care of the needs of those they love and these women played an important part in the end of the story.
Picture the morning after the Sabbath rest. They had waited all day Saturday, as required, but used the time to prepare the spices for the body. Can’t you hear them chatting among themselves as they scurried down the dusty path just before dawn, wondering how to handle the heavy stone that covered the entrance into the tomb? What a surprise to find it open when they approached the tomb and saw it open! The story the angel told them rocked their world. Excited by their discovery, they suddenly remembered Jesus had told them this was going to happen. Just like women, they hurried back to tell the story to the all of the men. God knew how to get the word out!
In the Jewish culture, the men had all the privileges; women were relegated to the basement, so to speak. As Beth describes it, Jesus elevated women by adding a ladder to that basement and bringing them up to join in the work and ministry of the church. His resurrection brought life to all who believe – Jew or Gentile, man or woman, slave or free. We each have a role to play in the Kingdom and hierarchy ended when the veil was torn in two.
That day changed the world. We will never be the same. Thanks, ladies, for telling the story.
