Yesterday we told you about a Women’s History Month event here on Kauai. We have also periodically hosted women’s events here at Makanalani. This made use wonder about women in the Bible.
We all know of course about Mary, that most blessed of women, & Mary Magdalene. Lot’s unfortunate & rebellious wife, Eve & others, but did you know that there are over a hundred women included in the Bible stories? Some are only briefly mentioned, of course, but that still leaves a lot of women & shows the importance of women in the Hebrew tradition & the early Church.
We thought we’d take the next few days to bring you brief biologies of these women, starting with Mary, the most important of all.
Mary is, of course, most remembered as the mother of Jesus. We love the story of her discussion with the Angel Gabriel when she was told that she would be blessed to carry the son of God & her joyful acceptance of her burden.
Mary came from Nazareth, a city that would have meaning throughout the New Testament. As far as we know, she was only 18 when the great event that was to change her life & change history happened.
Of course she was betrothed to Joseph when she became pregnant, but was married before the birth. We think this shows the depth of her belief & the devotion of Joseph, as well as his understanding that this was indeed an extraordinary & holy event.
We don’t know a lot about her life from the time of the glorious birth until the crucifixion. Did he receive reports of the miracles performed by her Son? We suspect that He must have stopped by to see her when he was in the area, returning to His humble roots & maybe even helping Joseph with some of his projects. Of course the Gospels don’t mention this, but it is fun to speculate about this things, & from what we know of the nature of Jesus, a visit home would seem likely.
Of course she was present at the wedding at Cana, & it was her suggestion that Jesus turn the water into wine.
Many think Mary was part of the lineage of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi, but there are also those who believe she was part of the House of David & the Tribe of Judah. This is the genealogy presented in Luke 3, & makes sense for the prophecies of the Messiah.
She was, of course, present at the saddest of days, the crucifixion. How difficult such a thing must of been, even for a mother of such strength & faith. Poor & blessed Mary, she who would bear Our Savior & bear the sorry of his fate. A women of immense fortitude & also of great humility. Truly a fine model for all women in faith.
