Even in 2024, people are shocked when they discover that there were female disciples who were every bit as much a part of the Jesus Movement as the 12 we’re more familiar with.
Several women disciples helped fund the ministry and mission of Jesus (look it up). The oft-quoted scripture about Jesus bringing the homies to Mary and Martha’s spot, and Martha complaining because her sister wasn’t adhering to the customs of the day (women removing themselves from the room when men talked religion, politics, and revolution), speaks to their involvement in Jesus’ work to create a “Kingdom of God” here on earth.
Additionally, in that story, scripture says Mary remained at the foot of Jesus as he conversed with those gathered, and Martha made the crew some chicken wings in the kitchen. In ancient times, descriptions of someone positioned at the foot of another symbolized an ongoing master teacher/student relationship. Oh, Mary was mos def 10-toes down for the struggle.
Moreover, the “Three Marys” were there with Jesus to the very end, as he was being crucified (assassinated) by the Roman colonizers, unlike the bruhs who fled for their lives. And afterward, while the homeboy disciples walked around defeated, it was again Black women who had the eyes to see that their movement was not dead but still alive.
There are scores of messages and lessons we would do well to learn from these biblical sisters. One such lesson being, to begin appreciating the greatness, courage, dedication, and way-making spirit of the Black women we’ve been fortunate enough to encounter on our own spiritual walks.
We’ve got to do a better job of recognizing those movement sisters who have walked among us and recently joined the realm of the ancestors: sisters like Ada Edwards, Rose Upshaw, Mother Delaney, and Elder Jean Wilkins Dember.
As well, we must develop the eyes to see those Black women who walk in our midst presently who are carrying on that biblical tradition (and even more ancient soul sister legacy) of making “good trouble” and erecting the pyramids we need today. Some are national and global household names. Others are only “known” in the households in which they reside. Both groups are difference-makers who allow the inner divinity and messiah potential to shine for all the world to see.
