Heroes of Faith Session 16 - Three Women

The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know. 

Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.

Last week our hero was David King David, a shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, is a complex figure. He was a warrior, a poet, a musician, and a leader, yet he was also a man who sinned deeply. But above all these, David was known as "a man after God’s own heart"

This session we look at three women heroes of faith;

Today we are going to look at 3 women heroes of faith.

1. Mary the Mother of Jesus

2. Mary Magdalene

3. Mary Lazarus sister

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Last week our hero was David King David, a shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, is a complex figure. He was a warrior, a poet, a musician, and a leader, yet he was also a man who sinned deeply. But above all these, David was known as "a man after God’s own heart"

1 Samuel 13:13-14 NIV[13] “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. [14] But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”

We examined David’s life and how we can learn from his example.

Today we are going to look at 3 women heroes of faith.

1. Mary the Mother of Jesus

2. Mary Magdalene

3. Mary Lazarus sister

Next week we will look at three more

Priscilla

2. Tabitha (Dorcus)

3. Phoebe

Here, then, are six women in the New Testament to guide your walk with Christ:

1. Mary, Mother of Jesus

Here are some reasons why she is seen as a hero of faith:

• Her acceptance of God's will: Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel, knowing the immense social and personal implications, is a powerful example of faith and obedience.

Luke 1:35-38, 46-55 NIV [35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. [37] For no word from God will ever fail.” [38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 

[46] And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, [49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. [50] His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. [51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. [53] He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful [55] to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

In her time and culture, becoming pregnant outside of marriage carried a heavy social stigma. Mary faced potential ostracism, judgment, and even the possibility of being shunned by her community.

Her unwavering trust in God: Despite the challenges she faced, from the humble birth of Jesus to his crucifixion, Mary remained steadfast in her faith.

From the moment she received the angel's message, her life was turned upside down. She faced social stigma, the uncertainty of her future, and the immense responsibility of raising the Son of God.

The lesson here is that when the Lord asks us to do something, we should do so readily and with humility and complete obedience, just as Mary did.

Mary is also known to have brought about Jesus’s first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, at her insistence. 

John 2:1-11 NIV [1] On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, [2] and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. [3] When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” [4]  “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” [5] His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” [6] Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. [7] Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. [8] Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, [9] and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside [10] and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” [11] What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

There are two times in Luke where he said that Mary pondered things in her heart.

 Luke 2:16-19, 49-51 NIV [16] So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. [17] When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, [18] and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

[49]  “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” [50] But they did not understand what he was saying to them. [51] Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 

Mary's pondering suggests that faith is not a static thing. It's a journey of wrestling with questions, seeking understanding, and growing in trust. She didn't have all the answers, but she held onto the things she witnessed and pondered them in her heart, demonstrating a faith that was active and dynamic.

This is a faith marked by contemplation, humility, and trust, a faith that seeks understanding and allows God to work in His own time.

The act of treasuring something in your heart implies deep contemplation and reflection. Mary wasn't just passively observing the events unfolding around her.

She was actively thinking about them, trying to understand their meaning and significance in light of her faith. This shows a mind engaged with God's word and actions, seeking to discern His will.  

Here, we can learn much from her unwavering faith in her son – a faith we must have as well.  

Mary's life is a model for Christians, showing what it means to follow God with complete devotion and surrender.

Mary’s example reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God, but also about trusting in him even when life is difficult and uncertain.

2. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene a hero of faith! Her story is incredibly powerful and inspiring. Mary Magdalene is one of the most-mentioned women among Jesus’s earthy disciples. She traveled with him and cared for him as one of his followers and was present at his crucifixion. 

Mary Magdalene's story begins with her being freed from "seven demons" by Jesus. 

Luke 8:1-2 NIV [1] After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, [2] and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 

Jesus, in his compassion and power, delivered her. This experience was likely a transformative one for Mary This profound healing experience led her to become a devoted follower of Jesus.  She became what Paul later said was a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

She spent the rest of her life in utter devotion to the Lord. We, too, can and should do the same.

Mary Magdalene remained faithful to Jesus even when others abandoned him. She was present at his crucifixion, a time of great danger for his followers, and she mourned his death.

Matthew 27:55-56 NIV [55] Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. [56] Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. 

Mark 15:40-41 NIV [40] Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. [41] In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 

John 19:25 NIV [25] Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 

Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection. Jesus entrusted Mary Magdalene with the crucial task of sharing the good news of his resurrection with the other disciples. She became the first messenger of this transformative event.

 John 20:11-18 NIV [11] Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb [12] and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. [13] They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” [14] At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. [15] He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). [17] Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” [18] Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. 

This pivotal moment in Christian history highlights her deep faith and her special relationship with Jesus.

Mary Magdalene's story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of loyalty, and the courage to share our experience with God. Mary Magdalene is a role model for believers, demonstrating the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the importance of sharing that experience with others.

3. Mary, Lazarus’s Sister

Mary, the sister of Lazarus, is often considered a hero of faith. While her story isn't as prominently featured as Mary, the mother of Jesus, or Mary Magdalene, her actions and interactions with Jesus demonstrate a deep and admirable faith. Here's why:

The Gospels portray Mary as someone who sat at Jesus' feet, listening to his teachings while her sister Martha was busy with household tasks. 

Luke 10:38-42 NIV [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41]  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This act shows her prioritization of spiritual nourishment and her recognition of Jesus's authority as a teacher. It implies a faith that sought understanding and connection with Jesus's message.

This story highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and learning from Jesus, even amidst the demands of daily life. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's more important to sit at Jesus' feet than to be busy with other things.

Later on we see Mary again.  When Lazarus fell ill and died, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. 

John 11:1-7 NIV [1] Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) [3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” [4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, [7] and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

When Jesus finally got there Lazarus was dead.

John 11:28-32 NIV [28] After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. [32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Mary's grief was profound, but her statement to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died," suggests not a rebuke, but a deep belief in Jesus's power to heal. She expressed faith even in the face of death.

Then Mary witnessed the incredible miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead. 

John 11:38-44 NIV [38] Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. [39] “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” [40] Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” [41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” [43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 

This experience undoubtedly strengthened her faith and solidified her belief in Jesus's divine power. Being a close recipient of such a profound miracle is a testament to her connection with Jesus.

Later on we see Mary perform an act of great love and devotion when Mary takes some expensive perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet demonstrating Mary expressing her faith through tangible actions.

John 12:1-8 NIV [1] Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. [3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” [6] He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. [7]  “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. [8] You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Mary's story isn't filled with dramatic pronouncements or leadership roles. Instead, her faith is expressed through quiet devotion, attentive listening, unwavering belief in Jesus's power, and acts of love. This makes her a relatable figure for many and a powerful example of how faith can be expressed in everyday life.