Women Through the Gospels
A Look at How Jesus Engaged with Women
Disclaimer: I am not a scholar or theologian. These are simply my observations from reading and cross-referencing the Gospels alongside some research.
Contrary to popular belief, the Gospels are filled with stories of women—not just as background characters, but as central figures in Jesus’ ministry. Over and over, Jesus empowered women in ways that were both radical and culturally offensive at the time. He openly spoke to women—even those considered taboo due to their race, sin, or illness—and He had no problem challenging both religious leaders and His own disciples when their attitudes toward women fell short.
Jesus made it abundantly clear that He loved, trusted, and discipled women. In fact, I’d argue that He did have female disciples—several women traveled with Him and were part of His inner circle! Let’s take a closer look at some of these remarkable women and Jesus’ interactions with them.
1) Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome
These women were the first to witness Jesus’ resurrection. Each Gospel account mentions different women, but Mary Magdalene is consistently present (Mark 16, Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20). What’s astonishing—especially given the cultural context—is that Jesus chose a woman to be the first to see Him and proclaim the Good News. Not one of the Twelve, but a woman was the first preacher of the Gospel message!
2) Women at the Crucifixion
Women were also present during Jesus’ greatest times of trial. When He got arrested, his 12 male disciples fled — and aside from Peter and John, they weren’t really mentioned in the accounts of the crucifixion. But when we read through these accounts, who do we see the most during this time? Women. The women who followed Jesus chose to remain steadfast. They are consistently mentioned in each of the Gospels as standing by Jesus while he was being tried, tortured, and ultimately murdered on the cross. See Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. 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.” — Mark 15:40-41
3) The Woman at the Well (John 4)
Jesus broke multiple cultural barriers when He engaged with a Samaritan woman—first by speaking to her, then by ministering to her, and finally by revealing His identity as the Messiah. She, in turn, became one of the first evangelists, spreading the news of Jesus to her entire town.
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.” — John 4:39
As Pope John Paul said in his book “Pope John Paul II Speaks on Women”: This is an event without precedent: that a woman, and what is more a “sinful woman,” becomes a “disciple” of Christ. Indeed, once taught, she proclaims Christ to the inhabitants of Samaria so that they too receive him with faith. This is an unprecedented event, if one remembers the usual way women were treated by those who were teachers in Israel; whereas in Jesus of Nazareth’s way of acting such an event becomes normal.
4) Women Traveling with Jesus (Luke 8)
Luke 8 explicitly states that women traveled with Jesus and the disciples, supporting His ministry financially and logistically.
“The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” — Luke 8:1-3
Seems to me that Jesus had quite a female following. And what better word for them than disciples?
5) Mary and Martha (Luke 10)
Mary and Martha are mentioned frequently in the Gospels, highlighting their close relationship with Jesus. Mary of Bethany notably sat at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him—an act traditionally reserved for men in that time. Yet, Jesus openly welcomed her. When Martha, burdened with preparations, expressed frustration, Jesus gently corrected her:
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
This moment underscores Jesus' affirmation of women as disciples, valuing their spiritual growth just as much as men's.
“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:42
6) The Woman Who Anointed Jesus (Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 12, Luke 7)
A woman (likely Mary of Bethany) anointed Jesus with expensive oil in front of the disciples and religious leaders. While the men objected, Jesus honored her act of worship, saying:
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” — Mark 14:9
Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” — Matthew 26:10-13
7) The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8)
A woman caught in adultery was dragged before Jesus by religious leaders seeking to trap Him. Notably, her male counterpart was nowhere to be found. Instead of condemning her, Jesus responded:
“Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.”
One by one, her accusers left, and Jesus told her:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” — John 8:11
8) Jesus and His Mother (John 2)
At a wedding in Cana, Mary told Jesus the wine had run out. Though He initially resisted, she confidently instructed the servants to listen to Him. She literally ignored Him and just instructed the servants to just do whatever Jesus said to do. Jesus honored His mother’s request, performing His first recorded miracle—turning water into wine.
9) The Women in the Crowd (Matthew 12:46-50)
While Jesus was teaching, someone told Him His mother and brothers were outside. He responded:
“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Then, pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
He included sister and mother, indicating that women were among those considered His disciples.
10) The Woman with the Blood Issue (Mark 5)
For twelve years, this woman suffered from a bleeding condition that made her ceremonially unclean. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ robe, she would be healed. And she was. Jesus turned, looked at her, and said:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” — Mark 5:34
11) The Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13)
In a synagogue, Jesus healed a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. The religious leaders were outraged that He did this on the Sabbath, but Jesus rebuked them:
“Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free?” — Luke 13:16
This is the only recorded time a woman is called a daughter of Abraham—a significant affirmation of her spiritual inheritance.
Jesus and Women: A Radical Love
Nowhere in the Gospels do we see Jesus treating women as anything less than valuable, equal, and worthy of honor. His interactions were countercultural, even offensive to the religious elite. It’s no surprise that His treatment of women was part of what led them to seek His death.
Jesus deeply valued women, and in turn, they deeply loved Him—because it was rare for a man to treat them as equals.
So, my takeaway? GO AND DO LIKEWISE.