An Easter Devotional for Women to Know, Live & Share God’s Word
In the heart of spring, we celebrate Easter—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Woven into this sacred story are powerful examples for us as Christian women: the ways we can know, live, and share God’s Word.
Our example comes from three remarkable women—Mary the Mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene. Each woman responded to Jesus in a deeply personal way, showing us how to know, live, and share God’s Word. Each of these ladies is pivotal as we seek to become Christian women who understand the times and know what to do.
1. Mary the Mother of Jesus: A Heart That Knew God’s Word
From the moment the angel appeared to her, Mary, the mother of Jesus, embraced God’s plan with humility and faith. She knew God’s Word—not only through Scripture but through intimacy with the Lord.
When the angel of the Lord told Mary that the Holy Spirit would enable a miraculous conception of the Word of God made flesh, her response was one of humility and strength.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered: “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38 NIV)
Mary was willing to serve the Lord because she knew His word.
When Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, who also had a miracle baby on the way, Mary sang a song that reflected her knowledge of scripture. (Luke 1:46-56 NIV)
Mary’s love for God’s Word enabled her to navigate many otherwise strange encounters as the mother of Jesus.
Twice in Luke chapter 2, we find that Mary “pondered” in her heart. Once, when the shepherds came to worship Jesus in the poor man’s cave-like stable. Then again when she and Joseph lost Jesus on their way back home from visiting Jerusalem. (Luke 2:41-52 NIV)
To ponder is to meditate or to consider something carefully.
Mary already had a habit of meditating on God’s Word, memorizing its message of God’s faithful love and kindness. She endured the most wonderful and most agonizing roles as a woman of God because she had surrendered to God’s heart.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondered truth in her heart (Luke 2:19), trusted when she didn’t fully understand, and stood by Jesus from the manger to the cross.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew God’s Word.
Takeaway:
Mary teaches us that knowing God’s Word begins with a surrendered heart. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.
Reflection Verse:
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
2. Mary of Bethany: A Life That Lived God’s Word
It has taken me many years to overcome being nervous and self-conscious when I sing in front of others. I’ve doubted my ability to offer my voice way more than anyone who knows me realizes. Fear of judgment from others would swell in my mind, overflowing into my emotions.
I remember singing the song Alabaster Box in my younger ministry life as a volunteer in the music ministry at one of our former churches. I remember singing the song and suddenly feeling connected with a woman named Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
Mary of Bethany stepped into a room where a meal had been served to the disciples of Jesus and their host. Overcome with all that filled her heart, Mary walked into the space where she was otherwise to be unseen. She knelt at the feet of Jesus and broke open an expensive jar of perfumed oil. She didn’t just anoint His feet with a drop or two, she poured out all of its fragrant contents onto the feet of Jesus.
The room suddenly grew silent as each one around the table assessed in their hearts and minds, considering what they thought of such an audacious act of an unmarried woman touching the feet of a Jewish teacher. And she began to weep.
Her tears may have begun softly, but the more she surrendered her self-consciousness to the worship of Jesus, the more abandoned she became of what anyone else thought. She was worshipping Jesus by giving her complete self to Him.
Why would she do this? Why would she take the risk of such a costly judgment from others?
Mary of Bethany laid aside the social and cultural expectations. She laid aside her dignity and pride in the sight of all in the room that evening. Her demonstration of worship came from time spent listening and learning the words of Jesus.
Earlier in the life of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, when Jesus came to visit with extra guests, Martha was worried and distracted by all the preparations. Mary chose to lean in and learn from the words of Jesus. She wanted to know Him.
When the thoughts of those in the room revealed their silent judgement, Jesus defended her.
Mary’s devotion to Jesus in worship came from her devotion to His word. What she knew of Him and His word, she poured out. It was her turn to prepare for Jesus, but this time, it was for His death and burial, not an impromptu party.
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening, learning, and pouring out her devotion. While others were busy, she chose what Jesus called “the better part” (Luke 10:42). Her anointing of Jesus with costly perfume (John 12:3) was an act of extravagant worship and obedience.
From a heart that knew the words of Jesus to a life that lived the words of Jesus—Mary of Bethany shows us what active devotion looks like.
Takeaway:
Mary shows us how to live God’s Word by choosing Jesus above all else. Her worship wasn’t just in words, but in action—demonstrating that a life of devotion is a life well-lived.
Reflection Verse:
“She has done a beautiful thing to me.” – Matthew 26:10
3. Mary Magdalene: A Voice That Shared God’s Word
Once healed and set free by Jesus, Mary Magdalene became one of His most devoted followers. And on that resurrection morning, she was the first to see the risen Lord and the first to be commissioned to share the good news (John 20:17–18).
In the series The Chosen, there is a beautiful scene when Mary is asked by Nicodemus what had changed. Her witness was simple. “I was one way…and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.”
In one brief scene, she teaches us how to share our God story with others. As Christian women, we are called to share our faith with others, to tell of His life changing salvation to all. But we hesitate, we worry what others will think, we fear being left out of our circle of friends and their fun times.
Mary of Magdelene gives us courage to share the gospel. She was the first to proclaim the resurrection to the disciples of Jesus. Her footsteps echoed her joy as she told them of how he had called her by name.
Mary’s bold obedience made her the first evangelist of the resurrection!
Dear friends, Jesus calls you by name, too. He calls you to come into relationship with Him to know Him. When you get to know Him by His Word, your life will change and transform into what He has destined you to be. When you begin to Live His word, you begin to share His word.
Takeaway:
Mary Magdalene encourages us to boldly share God’s Word—not with perfection, but with passion and personal testimony. When you’ve encountered Jesus, you can’t help but tell others.
Reflection Verse:
“I have seen the Lord!” – John 20:18
Your Easter Invitation: Know. Live. Share.
As we look at these three women of Easter, we see a clear path of discipleship:
- Know God intimately, like Mary the mother of Jesus
- Live a life of devotion, like Mary of Bethany
- Share the good news boldly, like Mary Magdalene
Their stories are more than history—they’re an invitation. This Easter season, let’s follow in their footsteps and reflect the risen Christ in every area of our lives. Let’s become rooted and established as Christian Women in our spiritual growth journey.
Which Mary do you connect with most this Easter? Let’s chat in the comments below!
For your reflection and personal Bible study time, I’ve prepared a Women of Easter Three-Day Devotional and Journal Pages. Check these out HERE!
