An encounter with Jesus is never accidental. It is always intentional, planned to give one more opportunity to know the Master. The women who followed Jesus, who were healed by Him, forgiven, challenged, and accepted by Him, created a dichotomy within the Jewish culture. In a society where they did not participate in decision making and leadership, Jesus gave women dignity and opportunity to be a part of His message. And each one, whether through a single meeting or as a member of the disciple’s circle, added to the beauty of His call to women everywhere. It was to a woman that He first identified Himself as Messiah, to a woman He offered total forgiveness for an unforgiveable act, to others a part in His ministry of inclusion.
And still He calls to us - the daughters, the sisters, the mothers - to take our place beside those woman.
In the next few weeks, as we move into the Pre-Easter season and prepare for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, we invite you look with us to the women whose stories were a part of His story, who experienced encounters with Jesus.