Five Women Who Were Close To Jesus

Throughout the Bible, there is an undergirding presence of women who possessed great faith. Reaching far back to the Old Testament, we find examples such as Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Rahab, and several others. Arriving at the New Testament, we see five women who shared a place within the lineage of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah), and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Through the life and ministry of Jesus, we find several women of significance who have an association with our Lord. We see five who had a very close relationship with our Lord.

First, there is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was the virgin whom God chose as the vessel for bringing His Son into the world. Her husband would be Joseph, but before any relations were undertaken, she would be found with child by the Holy Spirit (Matt 1:18) - fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. She was given the responsibility of nurturing and raising God's own Son.

Second, there is Mary of Bethany. She is the sister of Martha and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11). Additionally, she is the Mary who anointed the feet of Jesus (John 12:3). A deep appreciation for what the Lord had done, coupled with a recognition of who He was, the Lord God, led to her worshipping Him.

Third, there is Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene had personally experienced the awesome power of Jesus. Jesus healed her of possession by seven demons (Luke 8:2). Again, having a deep appreciation for what He had done, and recognizing by what He had done who He is — Lord and God, she accompanied Jesus (Luke 8:1) and cared for Jesus (Luke 8:3).

Fourth, there is Mary, the wife of Clopas. She is the mother of James and Joseph (Matt 27:56). She is the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:25). She is one of the women who came to the grave of Jesus with supplies, only to find the grave empty (Matt 28:1; Mark 16:1). 

Fifth, there is Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Often remembered for her frustrations with Mary when hosting Jesus, we ought to remember when the roles were reversed. In John 11, Mary carried frustration, and Martha confessed to Jesus' deity, "She said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." (John 11:27).