Chapter 7

Mary Magdalene was an exceptional and influential follower of Christ. Unfortunately, like many women during her time, she received very little recognition and credit for her unwavering devotion and profound dedication. She was a witness to the crucifixion, and she was the first individual to whom Jesus revealed Himself after His resurrection, although she did not recognize Him.

“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” John 20:14-15.

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, dried the feet of Jesus with her hair as a sign of humility.

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound^[a] of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:1-3.

Sarah was Abraham’s wife, but she was barren for many years. She truly wanted Abraham to have children, so she gave her servant Hagar to him as a wife. After Hagar conceived, she treated Sarah with contempt. Sarah retaliated, and Hagar ran away.

“ And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.” Genesis 16:15.

Deborah was a judge and a leader in Israel at a time when they were oppressed by the King of Canaan. The military commander Barak would not go to battle without her. She accompanied him to liberate Israel from the Canaanites.

“Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” ⁹ And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.” Judges 4:8-9.

The Queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to bring gifts to King Solomon and learn from his wisdom. According to Ethiopian Orthodox Church, she was Queen Makeda. She bore his firstborn son Menelik who at the age of 22 visited King Solomon in Jerusalem.

“And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” 2 Chronicles 9:5-7.