The wonderful women of Jesus’ circle

by Mark Congrove

We miss far too much in John 11, if we fail to observe the relationship between Jesus and his closest friends, in this case, two godly women, who provide us with plenteous food for thought.

In celebration of the women supporting Jesus

Mark Congrove

The women of Jesus’ circle

Greetings

In thinking about the women of Jesus’ interaction, causes me to reflect on the qualities of the women who have crossed my paths over the years-- part of a larger discussion I had with someone where the name of some prominent women in our common circles surfaced. And not only that, I’m Reminded of that again in the women responsible for bringing many of the details of missions conference together— All of this in the context of a culture in John 11, that largely downplayed the role of women. Notice what we discover about these two women: They are:

• Bold in their approach John 11:20-21;

• Personal in their relationships: John 11:3,5; Genuine in their love for him, His love divine in its character

• Distinctive in their personalities

• Competent in their doctrinal understanding John 11:24;

• Orthodox in her belief John 11.27; See quote: Metaxas- Bonhoeffer (forward)

• Authentic in their worship: John 11:2; 32;

• Practical in her views: John 11:3,39;

Any ministry, this ministry, needs its share of strong, godly, competent, and relational women.

MJC