A Significant Role An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 We don’t know when Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, but we know his reaction: he …
Mary of Bethany
At the Feet of Her Teacher, Friend, and Lord 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.” John 11:32 Three biblical events feature Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha, and in each one we find her at …
Woman with the Alabaster Jar
Extravagant Gratitude Jesus said, “The one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 The risk was great, the ridicule inevitable. But she went to the Pharisee’s feast anyway because the love in her heart couldn’t be contained. She had to see Jesus. In her arms she carried an alabaster jar filled with perfume. She pushed her way through the …
Syrophoenician Woman
Lord, Help Me! I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17 We don’t know her name. She could be called many things—a Syrophoenician, a Canaanite, and a Gentile. Jews usually considered Gentiles unclean and wouldn’t …
Joanna
No Matter the Cost Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9:13 As the wife of Chuza, King Herod’s financial manager, Joanna had status and influence. Yet …
Anna
Choose to Spread Hope and Joy She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:37 Life didn’t work out as Anna hoped. Like most other Jewish women, she probably dreamed of marriage to a devout Jewish man, followed by the birth of several sons. But after seven years of marriage, she became a widow, …
Simeon
Waiting on God It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:26 I don’t usually feel grateful or happy when I have to wait. And yet the Bible often tells us to wait on the Lord. For example, David wrote, “Wait patiently for the Lord. …