Stories of New Testament Women

by Anamcari

Mary:

I stood at the foot of the cross and watched as the life left Jesus’s body. I remembered everything I had heard since the angel had told me that I was to be the mother of our Lord. I didn’t understand why I would be chosen. I didn’t feel that I was worthy of the honour, but God’s wisdom is greater then my own. I was also told that my cousin Elisabeth was also with child. I rejoiced for her and went to see her. She surprised me with her greeting. She said that I was blessed among women. She knew that the baby I carried was to be the Redeemer. Her baby was to prepare the way for Him. I felt that I had been blessed.

When I got home I had to tell Joseph that I was with child. I knew that he could have me stoned. Joseph listened to God, when he was told that the Child was of the Holy Spirit. I don’t know if many men would have listened. I thanked God that Joseph listened to God. Joseph took me as his wife and cared for me as we traveled to Bethlehem for the census. He obeyed the Law when he took Jesus to the Temple to be redeemed as his firstborn son. While we were there, Simeon came to us to look at Jesus. He said, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” Then Anna, the prophetess, declared, “This is the promised Messiah, the Hope of Israel, the Redeemer of the world.” These things left me with a lot to think about.

After the kings and magi left, Joseph packed up our things during the night and fled to Egypt with Jesus and me. He had been told that Herod was trying to find Jesus and kill Him. We remained in Egypt until after Herod died.

The following years seemed ordinary in the life of a child. When He was twelve, we returned to Jerusalem to find Him in the Temple talking with the elders. He said that He has to be about His Father’s work. He returned with us and learned the skills of a carpenter from Joseph. He remained with us for 30 years.

He began His work at the wedding in Cana. I was grateful that He helped the couple with the wine. That was a small miracle compared to what He did during the next three years. He spoke to the people, performed miracles, and healed the sick. I knew that He was happy to be doing His Father’s work at last. Many believed that He was the Redeemer.

One Sabbath He came to Nazareth. He read from the Torah and said that the scriptures had been fulfilled. The people wanted to stone Him, but He walked away from them. The Pharisees and Sadduces were jealous of the attention that He was getting. They tried to test and trick Him. I felt as though a terrible storm was coming. The pressure in the air seemed to increase daily.

Passover was coming, but I didn’t want to celebrate. I prepare anyway, because the family would expect it. After the first night, I heard that He had been arrested, tried by the high priest, and sent to Pilate. I hoped that Pilate would release Him, but a murderer was released instead. He was to be crucified. As His mother, I wanted to take the pain away, but I knew that He had to suffer and die for the people. My heart seemed to be torn in two.

I knew how much He had loved me while He was on the cross. In His suffering, He thought of me. He gave me into the care of John. For the rest of my life I cared for John and he cared for me.

The sky became dark at midday, thunder filled the air. The veil in the Temple was torn. Jesus was dead. Joseph of Arimethia brought fine linen to wrap His body in and laid Him in his own tomb. The stone was rolled in front of the opening, and Roman soldiers were outside to guard it. I almost laughed. Neither of these things prevented the fulfillment of the prophecy. Jesus rose from the dead. My heart was filled with joy. My son was Lord of Lords, the Redeemer of Israel. I became the mother to a growing number of people who believed in Him.

My first contact with Jesus was when Mary came to see me. I should have been shocked to discover that though she wasn’t married, she was with child. Instead, when I looked at her, my heart was filled with joy. The baby in my womb leapt. We were both filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. I was surprised and grateful that the mother of my Lord came to visit me. I felt that Mary was the most blessed of women. She sang for me a song that would echo through the centuries. I couldn’t have been more blessed.

The three months we spent together was precious to me. I learned that my son was to prepare the way for Mary’s son. It was so exciting to see the scriptures being fulfilled. The time came for my baby to be born. Everyone wanted to name him Zachariah after his father, but I spoke out in the Temple to say that his name was John. They looked at Zachariah, to see what he thought. He wrote, “His name is John.” He began to speak and praised God for the gift of our son.

Mary and I kept in contact over the years as our sons grew. They would visit when they came to the Temple. I remember the time that Jesus remained in Jerusalem as Mary and Joseph traveled home. They were so worried when they couldn’t find Him. I could believe that He was talking to the elders in the Temple.

My son started his work first. He was to prepare the way. I wasn’t sure what to think when he went to live in the desert. He could have the finest food and clothing. I knew he had work to do and I hoped this would help him.

Many people repented when John spoke to them. It was difficult to listen and remain unswayed. He baptized everyone who repented. Then Jesus came to him and asked to be baptisted. John didn’t think he should be the one to baptist the Lord. Jesus explained that it was necessary. John baptized Jesus. He saw the light come down from heaven and heard the voice that spoke, “This is My beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” John was happy that he had done as Jesus had asked. Now he knew that the work for him was almost over. He sent some of his followers to go with Jesus.

John never gave up. Even after he was put in prison, he reminded people of the need to repent. Then Herodias had him killed. My son was dead, but he had done the job that he came to do.

Anna:

I came to the Temple after my husband died.I didn’t have any children to care for. I didn’t want to become a burden for the rest of my family. I realized that I could be of help here. There were a lot of things to do. I spent most of my time in prayer and fasting. I intend to remain here as long as the Lord gives me breath. Though some people say that I’ve been here a long time, it seems such a short time to devout to God.

One morning, as I was in my usual place for prayer, I saw a young couple with a baby approach the Temple. They redeemed the baby and then Simeon talked to them. His face filled with joy. I went over to see what was happening. I looked at the mother and then the baby. As my own heart filled with joy, I knew that this was the promised Messiah. He was the Hope of Israel and He was the Redeemer.

Words can’t express how I felt as I looked at the child. My years in service at the Temple had been rewarded. God had given me a chance to see His son. The only thing that I could think to do after that was to go and tell everyone I knew that the Messiah was here. People were sceptical, but they had come to know me over the years. They knew that I wouldn’t deceive them. I saw hope grow in their faces as they received the news.

I didn’t think that I would live to see Him grow up, but that glimpse of Him was enough for me. I rejoiced that God had given me the chance to see Him. After they left the Temple, I returned to my prayers and thanked God for sending His Redeemer for me to see.

Martha:

Jesus was our friend, but He was so much more than that. I loved to have everything perfect when He came. Sometimes it was difficult to have things the way I liked it. I would continue to work after He arrived. Mary would stop in the middle of what she was doing to listen to Him. I was embarassed when He said that Mary had chosen the better part when I asked Him to tell her to help me. I knew that I had to stop and listen to Him, too.

What I remember most about Jesus was when Lazarus died. Lazarus had been sick for a while and I sent word to Jesus. Lazarus died and there was no sign of Jesus. We were all in mourning. Four days after we buried Lazarus, Jesus came. I was upset that He waited so long. I told Him that Lazarus would not have died, if Jesus had been there. He told me that Lazarus would rise, I thought He meant at the time of ressurrection in the last days. The Jesus said, “I am the resurrectionand the life; he who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives andbelieves in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” I said, “Yes, Lord, I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”

He asked to be taken to the tomb. I thought that He was going to mourn with us. Then He asked that the tomb be opened. I thought of the odor of a body that had been buried for 4 days. I tried to talk Jesus out of opening the tomb. He had it opened anyway. I looked into His face and saw the tears that He shed for His freind, and I could say no more.

Jesus called to Lazarus, and he came out of the tomb. I found out that my belief was in my head and not mt heart. At that moment I began to believe with my heart. Our mourning turned to joy.

Jesus came to see us once more. It was six days before Passover began. I prepared a feast for Him. Lazarus was able to thank Him for giving him back his life.There was something different about Jesus. Mary seem to notice the chance, too. She got her jar of nard that was to be used for her burial. She opened it and annointed him with it. If she had done this for anyone else, I would have been angry. I realized that this is what Jesus needed at that time. Judas did speak up at the waste of money. As a disciple I thought he would understand why Jesus was being prepared for burial.

We heard that Jesus was arrested and crucified. It was done so quickly that Lasarus didn’t have a chance to go to Jerusalem before He died. We mourned for Him. Our friend was dead, our Lord was dead. I remembered His words to me, “I am the resurrection and the life.” I waited to see what would happen. Then the news came; Jesus was alive. He appearred to His disciples in the upper room. He ascended into heaven, but He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us.

Mary:

Martha is my sister. She always seems to be busy. I try to help, but I can’t do things the way she wants them. So when Jesus came for a visit I would stop and just listen to Him. I never married. I would have married Jesus, if he had asked. No one esle compared to Him. I never regreted giving up marriage to spent time with Jesus.

Then Lazarus died. I knew that Jesus was able to heal his sickness, so word was sent to Him. He didn’t come until Lazarus was in the tomb for four days. I took Him to the tomb and He cried. Then He asked that the tomb be opened. Martha objected because of the smell. I watch with expectation. Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth.” Lazarus came out of the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths. We released him and took him home. I was so happy to have my brother back. I was in awe that Jesus cared enough for us to raise Lazarus from the grave. This confirmed my believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Before this, everyone would have thought I was silly if I had said that to them.

The last time I saw before the crucifition was six days before Passover. He came to Bethany and Martha prepared her best meal for Him. I just wanted to be with Him. I sensed something about Him. I got my jar of nard, I hoped Martha wouldn’t be upset. We had each been given a jar of nard for our own burials. Lazarus’s was already gone. I gave mine to Jesus. I was embarrassed when Judas spoke up about the waste of money. Jesus rebuked him for it.

I had annointed Him for His burial, but when we heard that He had been cruicified, it was still a shock. I realized that the chief preists had been jealous of Him. They became angry when they heard that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. While we had rejoiced they had plotted to kill Him. The days after His death were very quiet. It suited my mood. When the news came that He rose from the dead, we rejoiced loudly. I was so grateful that I was able to see the Messiah and call Him my friend.

Woman with fever:

I meet Jesus because Simon, whom Jesus named Peter, was my son-in-law. He was good to my duaghter, even if he left to follow Jesus.

I had a fever several times over the years. I hated it when I was so weak I couldn’t get out of bed. I always took afew days to recover after the fever left. The family was very understanding.

The last time I had the fever, Simon showed me that he truly loved me. He brought Jesus to see me. I didn’t want Him to see me so sick, but He came anyway. He touched me and rebuked the fever. It left me so quickly that I rose from my bed. I felt better than I had in years. The only way I could think to thank Him for healing me, was to prepare a meal and serve it to Him. He seemed to realize without me saying anything how happy I was that He had healed me.

Only after Jesus was crucified did I know that He was the Son of God. Peter was right to leave his family to spend time with Him. When Peter returned to us, he was so upset. It was more than being upset over Jesus death. I got him to talk to me finally. I found out that Peter had denied Jesus and Jesus had told him that He would. Peter said, “I told Him that I was ready to go to prison and daeth with Him. I told people that I didn’t even know Him.” I asked Peter if Jesus said anything else to him. Peter had to think for a while, but said, Yes, He did. He said to me when you return comfort your brothers.” “Jesus knew that you would deny Him, but He also knew that you would come back to Him”, I said, “It is now time to comfort your brothers.” His face filled with joy. He thanked me and went to see the other disciples.

Woman with discharge:

I had a dischare of blood for years. I was considered unclean. I had to be careful not to touch anyone when I went outside. I tried every doctor and remedy that I heard of to stop the bleeding. Nothing helped. My money was all gone and I was still unclean. I hardly dared to talk to people anymore.

I heard of Jesus, who had healed so many others. I hoped that He was able to heal me. I didn’t want to pass my uncleanness to Him. He seem so kind. He was on His way to Jairus’s daughter. I thought that I might not get another chance to see Him. I thought to myself, “If I could just touch the hem of His robe, I would be healed. He wouldn’t be made unclean by that little touch, would He?”

I reached out quickly, to touch Him before He was gone. I barely touched my finger tips to His robe, but instantly I felt well again. He stopped and looked through the crowd. I was afraid that He would be angry because an unclean woman had touch Him. My fears seemed to be confirmed when He said, “Who touched Me?” The disciples tried to pass it off as due to the crowd, but He knew. He said, “Someone touched me I felt the power go out of Me.”

I came up to Him trembling with fear. I fell down before Him and explained why I had touched Him. I told Him that just touching His robe had healed me immediately. I waited to see if He would say that I couldn’t be healed because I had touched while I was unclean.

To my surprise and joy, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

This was much more than I expected. I was able to go out without worry. I delibrately touched people as I walked back to my house.

Crippled woman:

They tell me it was an evil spirit that bend me double for 18 years. No one could rid me of it. I could barely walk anymore. My steps were slow and painful. It would not be long before I was no longer able to walk at all.

One day I decided to make one last effort. It was the Sabbath. I made my way slowly to the Temple. I heard someone call me, but I couldn’t tell who it was, because I was unable to look up. I went over to Him. He said to me, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” Then He touched me. I straightened up. I was able to look Him in the face. I knew that God had healed me. I rejoiced and glorified God.

I heard murmurs in the crowd. They were saying that healing was wrong to do on the Sabbath. I didn’t understand how that could be. Sabbath was set aside for worshipping God and He had healed me. They must be wrong.

Jesus said, “You hypocrites, does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead him away to water him? And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for 18 years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

His opponents were humiliated. The crowd rejoiced with me. I could spend the rest of my life glorifying God.

I didn’t really meet Jesus, but He changed my life. I had been sick for a long time. I didn’t find out until later that my father had been told I was dead. I was wrapped in darkness, when light overtook it. I felt at peace. I heard someone say, “Talayta”. I thought, “Who’s Talayta?” I realized that He was talking to me. He is calling a little lamb. Sometimes my father would call me that. Then He said, “Arise.” I didn’t think that I had the strength to do it. For Him I would try. I got up and was suddenly very hungry. He told my parents to give me something to eat. They were so happy that I was alive, they hadn’t thought I might be hungry. They sent for food to be brought to me. Jesus then told us not to tell anyone what happened.

Canaanite woman;

My daughter was demon possessed. no one seemed able to drive out the demons. I heard of a Jewish man that had driven demons out of some Jews. Would He be willing to help my daughter? I went in search of Him.

When I found Him, I called out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, my duaghter is cruelly demon possessed.” He ignored me, but I continued to call after Him. His disciples told Him to send me away. He was my last hope for my daughter. I would not be turned away. I came up to Him, bowed before Him, and said, “Lord, help me.”

I knew He didn’t think very highly of me when He answered, “It is not good to take away the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” I could not give up, so I said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.”

My presistance had paid off. Jesus said to me, “O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.” My daughter was healed and the demons never troubled her again.

Salome:

I am the mother of James and John, also known as the sons of thunder. I knew that my sons were very close to Jesus. I wanted them to have more. I went to Jesus and asked, as I knelt before Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one one Your right and one on Your left.”

Jesus said “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” My sons replied, “We are able.” Jesus said, “My cup you will drink: but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give., but it for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” I realized that I had made things worse for my sons rather than better.

The other disciples started to grumble among themselves; they were not happy that I had asked for places of honour for my sons. I was very embarassed.

When Jesus was crucified, I waited at a distance with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph. It was hard to stand and watch, but we had to be with Him until the end. I knew that Jesus had forgiven me, when He entrusted His mother to the care of my son John.

After the Sabbath was over, we went to His tomb with spices to annoint His body. We arrived just as the sun had risen. We knew that the three of us would not be able to roll away the stone. We talked among ourselves, trying to decide who we could get to move the stone. We looked up to see that the stone was already moved.

We entered the tomb to see a young man dress in white. We didn’t know what to think. None of us had ever seen him before. He spoke to us saying, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ’He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you.’”

We left the tomb and fled, we trembled with fear and astonishment.

Samaritan woman:

I had to walk through the heat of the noon day sun, to get water. The other woman went in the morning or evening, when it was cool. I found that it was better for me, if I didn’t go with them. Their words hurt, and I would rather put up with the heat.

I didn’t choose the life that I have lead. I just seemed to end up this way. It’s too late for me to change now. The years will become harder and harder for me to bear. I felt weary and burdened.

I was so troubled by my thoughts, that at first I didn’t see the man at the well. Then, He spoke to me, “Give Me a drink.” I was shocked that a Jew spoke to me, a Samaritan woman. I thought, “If He knew what I was He wouldn’t speak to me, or ask me for water.”

Then He said, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Now I was more confused. I said, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep: where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and cattle?” He replied, “Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” I had never heard of this water, but I wanted to have it.

I said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw.” Instead of giving me water, He told me to get my husband. I told Him that I didn’t have a husband. He said, “You have wll said, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband; this you have said truly.” How could He know that I’ve had five husbands? I said, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Then He surprised me again.

He said, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father. You worship that which you do not know; we worship that which we know, for slvation comes from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

I said, “I know the Messiah is coming; when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Of all the things that He could say to me, I didn’t expect what He did say, “I who speak to you am He.” I had been talking with the Messiah! I left my waterpot and ran into town. I told the men, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done. This is not the Christ, is it?” Many people went to see Him and came to believe that He was the Messiah. He stay for two days with us.

After He had gone, people came to me to say. “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”

I was happy that the Messiah had come and talked with us. It made such a difference to the people in our town. They now had hope. Mostly, He made a difference in my life. I was no longer considered a fallen woman. People began to talk to me. Everyone remembered that the Messiah had come to us.

Mary Magdalene:

It isn’t surprising that I don’t remember much of my life before I meet Jesus. He cast seven demons out of me. When they were gone, I felt clean and new. From that point on, I focused my whole life around Him. Along with other women, I traveled with Him and the disciples, providing whatever they needed, whether it was food, shelter, or a warm cloak.

Some people thought that Jesus was in love with me. How foolish! He loved me a lot, but it wasn’t the kind of love that would lead to marriage. Love was a part of Him, and it was difficult for Him to not show love to the people around Him. I loved Him, too. It was a love mixed with awe and worship. When I was with Him, I felt bathed in love.

While we traveled with Him, I listened to everything He said. I watched everything He did. I stored all of this in my heart. He didn’t have much time to spend with us, but I wanted to remember everything.

There were few times when I wasn’t with Him. I couldn’t be with Him when He was arrested and tried. I stayed as close as I could. I followed Him as He carried His cross. I waited there with His mother. I thought that His cruiciftion must be very difficult for her. I reached out to her and we clung together as the day grew dark. I felt as though the whole world mourned for Jesus’s death.

They say He died very quickly, but each moment was agonizing. I was grateful when it was over. I remained at the cross until Joseph of Arimathea came and wrapped Hid body in fine linen. I followed them to Joseph’s tomb. I watched as the stone was rolled into place. When the soldiers came I left. For the first time since the demons left me, I was not with Jesus. I was empty.

I waited until the Sabbath was over before going back to the tomb. I brought spices with me to annoint Jesus’s body. We hadn’t been able to do it before the Sabbath started. Dawn was breaking as Mary and I approached the tomb. The earth shook as an angel of the Lord, rolled away the stone. His appearance was like lightning; his garments were as white as snow. The soldiers saw him, too. They shook with fear and became like dead men.

The angel said, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.

I ran to tell the disciples that Jesus was not in the tomb and I didn’t know where He was. Two of them came to see for themselves. They saw His graveclothes inside the tomb, but no body. They went home. I remained at the tomb and cried. I wanted to know where He was. I turned and saw a man in the garden. I didn’t know who He was until He said my name. Then I knew that Jesus was alive. Jesus said, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My father; but go to My brethren, and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.

Again, I ran to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” I don’t think they really believed me, until Jesus came to them. Then everyone believed and understood the things that Jesus had said to them.

I didn’t return to Migdol, but remained with the disciples. I helped them anyway I could. I talked to people about Jesus and how He came to me after He rose. I wanted everyone to know that death had no power over Him. Jesus is alive.

Pilate’s wife:

I never meet Jesus. I wouldn’t have known about Him, if the high priests had not brought Him to my husband to condemn. Then I began to have bad dreams. I sent to my husband a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.

I am sorry to say that I could not over come the high priests. He was going to release Him according to the custom at Passover. My husband was afraid of the people. The people wanted Barabbas released. I thought my heart would break. Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

I watched as Jesus was lead out of Jerusalem. I saw Him placed on the cross. When the sky grew dark and thunder filled the air, I grew afraid. What had Pilate done?

I wanted to find out all I could about this Man and His followers. I couldn’t let too many people know that I was interested. I found a maid in the palace, who told me about Him, after I reassured her that I wouldn’t have her punished. I was fascinated in everything she said. I didn’t come to believe in Him until after He rose from the dead.

After that I did all I could to help the believers. My maid was able to help with this. I had to keep my belief a secret for long time. After a while it didn’t matter that anyone knew. My belief was greater than the need to keep it a secret.

Pilate did not do as well as I. He was sent to France in disgrace. I tried to help him, but he became depressed and wouldn’t listen to me. Later, he killed himself.