One Woman Can Change the WorldSample

Day Four

World-Changers from the Beginning

Scripture: Matthew 15:21–28; Luke 24: 1–2

From the beginning, women have played a pivotal role in Scripture. Women asked the hard questions. Women took the risks. Women read the room and sounded the alarm. 

Shiphrah and Puah thwarted the plans of the Egyptians and saved a new generation of Israelites—all without raising their fists or their voices (Exodus 1:8–21). 

The daughters of Zelophehad stood up to lawmakers to negotiate for the rights to their father’s land (Numbers 27:1–11). 

Lydia became a role model because of her success in business and her commitment to serving others (Acts 16:11–15). 

Women were always active in Christ’s ministry too. He treated them with dignity, included them in the work of the gospel, loved them fully. He understood the rejection the woman at the well felt and stayed with her for two days as she boldly preached to the men in her village (John 4:1–42). He celebrated the gumption of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21–28). He moved a woman twisted in pain to the center of the temple, where her female ancestors had once been free to worship. And in front of everyone, He said, “Woman you’re free!” (Luke 13:10–17). He adored Martha and Mary, two sisters who were front and center in His public ministry and personal life (Luke 10:38–42). 

And on the morning of His resurrection, it was the women who showed up first (Luke 24:1–2). Mary Magdalene. Mary. Joanna. Their presence and participation remains a powerful reminder that women were never also-rans or second thoughts. They remind us all that we are “strong helper standing face-to-face.” 

Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus selected women who were willing to simply show up. They were bold and fierce and unafraid to risk for the sake of the gospel. They were unafraid to let go and embrace faith. They were willing to carry the load and walk unknown paths. 

It was these women who changed the world then. Married. Single. Old. Young. Wealthy. Impoverished. Aristocrat. Commoner. Since the beginning, women have been purposeful. They have been powerful. And we are too.

Do you think of yourself as purposeful? Powerful? Why or why not?