We know that these 3 women had difficult pasts, which is only a few of the ones mentioned in the Bible. What is more important, is how they are transformed by faith in Jesus Christ.
Looking at these women a little closer will help us understand where they came from, which causes their journeys to be harder than normal.
As women, we can have a natural relationship with their emotions as we are very familiar with loneliness, feeling left out, even being looked down upon at times.
Let’s refresh these emotions as we look on their unconventional lives.
This lesson, we are going to look at:
- Rahab
- The Samaritan Woman
- Mary Magdalene
Rahab
Background
Rahab was a prostitute who had an inn in Jericho which set on the wall. She was aware of the Israelites and that the Lord had parted the Red Sea for them to escape the Egyptians. Her people were very afraid of Israel because of what they had done to “Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:10-11 NIV
Circumstances
The Israelites went to Rahab’ house and stayed. The King of Jericho knew that they were there and sent word to Rahab to turn them over. She told him she didn’t know who they were but they had left at dusk before the gate closed. She said if they would hurry, they might could catch up with them. The men left in pursuit.
Rahab had hidden the Israelites on the roof under some flax. Before bedtime, she went up on the roof and told them what she knew about Israel and how afraid they were of them. She asked them to swear they would save her family.
“Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.” Joshua 2:14 NIV
She agreed to tie a scarlet cord in the window she was going to let them down in. Her family needed to be with her to be protected. If they went into the street, they would be responsible for what happened.
She let them down and then tied the cord in the window.
The spies reported to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
What can we learn from Rahab?
- Rahab had strong faith in God even though her people did not. When she heard about God and what He had done for Israel, she trusted that He could do anything for those who love Him.
- Rahab did what was right, even when she faced danger.
- Rahab was thoughtful of others. She made sure her family would be protected too.
- Because of her faith in God, she was transformed into new person.
- She was obedient to God and His will.
Because of her faith in God, and helping Israel, she became a part of Israel and later married Salmon. She is honored for her faith in God by being include in the lineage of Jesus Christ. She is the mother of Boaz, Ruth’s husband.
Matthew 1:5 NIV “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
She also is included in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11:31 NIV. “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
The Samaritan Woman
Background
The Samaritans and the Jews did not get along. The Jewish people in Samaria had intermixed with the Assyrians and the Jews didn’t think of them as their people. They also had differing opinions about their faith.
She also had 5 husbands and was not married to the man she was living with. She probably was not well respected.
Circumstances
Jesus was on His way to Galilee and was going through Samaria. He stopped at Jacob’s well because He was tired and thirsty. The woman came up to draw water and Jesus asked her for a drink. The disciples had gone into town to buy food.
She was surprised He talked to her. John 4:9 NIV “The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Being a Samaritan and woman didn’t bother Jesus. “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NIV.
She asked Him how was He to get this living water since He didn’t have anything to draw the water with? Was He greater than Jacob?
He explained that the water from the well would not satisfy the thirst He was talking about.
John 14:14-15 NIV ‘but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’”
This is when He asks her about her husband and she tells Him she has none. He tells her that is true and that He knows she has been married 5 times. She recognizes He is a prophet.
She talks about how the Samaritans worship on this mountain (where they are) but the Jews worship in Jerusalem. Jesus then explained in verses John 4:24-26 “‘God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’ The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’”
The disciples return about this time and ask why He’s talking to Samaritan woman.
The woman then dropped her jug and ran to town to tell them to come see Him who had told her all she had done. Could this be the Messiah? They then came from town to see Jesus.
Because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony, many Samaritans believed in Jesus.
What can we learn from the Samaritan Woman?
- She was honest with Jesus about her past. She didn’t try to sugar-coat the truth.
- She was knowledgeable about her faith. She was looking for the Messiah.
- She was willing to listen to what Jesus had to say.
- When she realizes that He is the Messiah, her life is transformed.
- She became a bold witness for Jesus Christ and brought others to Him.
Mary Magdalene
Background
Mary Magdalene was from the town of Magdala, which was a thriving town in the time of Jesus. She was thought to have been a woman of means and a supporter of Jesus.
Circumstances
When Mary Magdalene met Jesus – He cast out 7 demons and healed her. She became a loyal follower of Him.
Luke 8:1-3 NIV “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
She was present at the foot of Jesus Christ’s cross – even though this could be dangerous for her and the other women.
John 19:25 NIV ”Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection – She was crying outside of the tomb because she couldn’t find His body and was afraid they had taken it away.
John 20:14-18 NIV “At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.”
What we can learn from Mary Magdalene?
- Mary Magdalene was transformed by her faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus healed Mary from the demons. She then accepted Him as her Lord and Savior.
- Because of her grateful heart, she was supportive of Jesus financially.
- Mary was a true follower of Jesus. She followed Jesus to the cross and made sure everything was taken care of.
- She was a leader of women. Mary Magdalene almost always headed up the list of women.
- Mary has been portrayed in a false light. She was not a prostitute.
Mary Magdalene was present with the disciples after the transfiguration of Jesus, in the room where they were staying.
Acts 1:12-14 NIV “Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Conclusion
Rahab, the Samaritan Woman, and Mary Magdalene could have been handicapped by their pasts, but Jesus didn’t care. He loved them without prejudice and transformed their lives into lights for Him.
If you are concerned about your past, don’t be. We all have one and the Lord loves us anyway. Satan will use it against you and hamper your walk with Christ.
These women were changed into vessels for Jesus Christ and did wonderful things for Him.
Our Wonderful Father,
We are so glad you do not judge us for what we are but for our faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to see ourselves as You do, “Saved by grace”. Strengthen us to push forward in You and forget the past. You are about the future.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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