WOMEN OF THE GOSPELS m. Streich

During his life, Jesus interacted with many people. This included women as well as men and some of the women became strong witnesses of his message, putting into practice what is often called “social justice” issues. Some of the women are unnamed but their example and challenge have become eternal reminders that God blesses people of faith and builds his kingdom through the lives of the humblest of his children.

 

The Woman at the Well

 

She is known as the “Samaritan Woman” or the “woman at the well,” and her story is recounted in John’s gospel (4). She is also one of the unnamed women in the gospels, an important group of believers that heeded the call to serve Jesus, were themselves healed or set deep and lasting examples of what it means to imitate the love and ministry of Christ.

 

Her story begins at Jacob’s well in Samaria and would never have merited eternal notice had Jesus not arrived to ask for a drink of water. When his disciples finally arrived (v.27), they found it remarkable that Jesus was conversing with a woman. This observation and amazement was compounded by the fact that Jesus was a Jew and the woman was a Samaritan.

 

This unnamed woman provides several insights into the ministry of Jesus. Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other (v.9). Not only did Jesus demonstrate that prejudice was not part of his ministry or message, but he showed that in the kingdom of God men and women were equal. The woman who was asked for a drink of water by Jesus went back to her village calling upon everyone to, “Come, see a man.”

 

The result of the woman’s witness was the salvation of souls: “And many more believed because of his word.” (v.41) The Samaritans asked Jesus to stay, which he did for two days. Jesus recognized the faith of this unnamed woman to bridge the gap of prejudice. Although he never compromised the actions of her lifestyle, he offered sincerity and compassion. It was the “living water” that lifted her from that lifestyle and gave her new purpose.

 

The Widow Gives All

 

Another unnamed saint appears in the opening of Luke’s gospel, chapter 4. The first two verses contrast the spirit of giving. It is a story of surplus and poverty (v.3). The “rich” were “putting their gifts into the treasury,” but according to Jesus – who was watching the event, a “poor widow” gave more than all of the others combined.

 

In four verses this gospel event uses the term “poor widow” twice and tells us that the widow’s gift was out of her poverty and represented everything she had. This unnamed woman’s example of charity represented giving her all to God. Additionally, the example of the “widow’s mite” is a reminder that God knows the motives of those that give.

 

The story is not an indictment of the rich. It is not a contrast in class struggle. Jesus never said that the rich needed to give more; he set no maximums or minimums on charity. Rather, he uplifted one unnamed woman, a poor widow, whose give of two copper coins demonstrated an unselfish act – the act of giving everything she owned. The action was also rooted in faith: God blesses those who give their all.

 

The Lesson of the Unnamed Women

 

The gospels contain many stories of women, named and unnamed, in the life and ministry of Jesus. They were healed, cooked for him, sat at his feet listening to his words, and stood by him when he died. Each of these women contributed to his definition of the kingdom of God through their faith and actions.

 

Reference:

 

New American Standard Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1973)