C.A.C Sunday School Manual For August 24, 2025 Lesson 31: Title - JESUS PREPARES SOME WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For August 24, 2025 Lesson 31: Title - JESUS PREPARES SOME WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP  

Unit 4: Leadership Preparation In The New Testament (I)

Title - JESUS PREPARES SOME WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP 

 Memory Scripture

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers (Acts 1:14). 

Jesus empowered women for leadership by affirming their value, teaching them directly and enabling them to spread His message, challenging cultural norms and promoting equality.

 BRIEF COMMENT

Acts 1:14 portrays a significant aspect of the preparation of women for leadership in in the early Church. It depicts women, along with the male disciples, gathered together in prayer prayer and unity after Jesus' ascension, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This verse shows the active participation of women in the foundational moments of the Church, demonstrating their integral roles in the community of believers. It signifies their readiness to receive the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which would equip them for leadership roles in proclaiming the gospel and building up the Church. Our Memory Scripture underscores the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and His recognition of women as valuable partners in His mission, preparing them alongside men for leadership responsibilities in spreading the Gospel of salvation.

 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

 1. God is still in the business of handpicking men and pruning them till they become who He desires, but such must cooperate with Him.

 2. The propagation of the gospel across generations is facilitated by God, Who reaches out to all individuals, regardless of gender, transforming them into agents of change.

 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Luke 14:25-32; Romans 9:19-24

 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

 AIM: To aid the understanding of how Jesus prepared some women for leadership. 

 OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

I. mention some women in the Bible whom Jesus prepared for leadership and how He influenced them for leadership; and 

ii. defend why women should be prepared for godly leadership.

 INTRODUCTION:

 TEXTUAL SOURCE: Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-42; John 11:1ff; 12:1-3; 19:25; 20:11-18

Our Lord Jesus has, in different ways, revealed to us the importance of preparation; He prepared before embarking on His earthly ministry, He prepared His disciples to continue with the ministry of reconciliation, etc. Among the disciples were women whom He had predestined to be part of the gospel carriers and the birth of the Church. 

The topic for this week's lesson is, JESUS PREPARES SOME WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP. May God open our eyes of understanding that we may identify and maximise Jesus' work in, and through us, especially for the responsibilities He has for us in Jesus' name. Amen.

 *LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. MARY MAGDALENE (Lk. 8:1-3; Jn. 19:25; 20:11-18)* 

And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons (Lk. 8:2). 

a) Mary Magdalene hailed from Magdala. She isn't the sinful woman in Luke 7:36, or Mary of Bethany (Jn. 11:1).

 b) Lk. 8:2: Jesus delivered Mary Magdalene from 7 demons, laying the foundation for her leadership journey by instilling in her gratitude, devotion and loyalty to Him.

 c) vv. 1-3: She was a close disciple of Jesus (member of His inner circle of supporters), showing Jesus' recognition of her potential and the value of her contributions to His ministry.

Although the story of Mary Magdalene's healing is not detailed, it can be noted that beyond following and listening to Jesus, a personal encounter with Jesus or experiencing a transformation or healing can strengthen our faith and commitment. 

Mary placed herself at the service of Jesus and the disciples. 

She joined a group of people who provided for their needs.

 There is no one, man or woman, who cannot be useful in evangelization. 

It all depends on the experience we have.

 d) vv. 1-3: She had the privilege of witnessing Jesus' miracles and firsthand teachings, along with other women, which deepened her faith and understanding of His divine power

e) Jn. 19:25: She stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross, witnessing His crucifixion. She also observed the events leading up to His death and His teachings during that time. What a great privilege!

These days, very few people attend teaching sessions. 

And even during preaching sessions, very few are willing to follow. 

Yet the Bible confirms that faith comes from hearing.

 The determination with which Mary Magdalene and the other women followed the events surrounding Jesus' passage from the cross to the tomb is an advantage for the spread of the gospel.

 Since the disciples fled for fear of being captured, these women may have been eyewitnesses.

 f) 20:11-18: She was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection and was commissioned by Him to tell the disciples (Matt. 28:1-10; Mk. 16:1-8; Lk. 24:1-12). Imagine the impression this scene had on her.

It is clear that the death of Jesus must have affected Mary Magdalene. 

It was a time of turmoil and despair. Meeting the risen Jesus was the most glorious event she could have ever expected. 

Being entrusted with bringing the good news to others was a great privilege, revitalizing and strengthening her faith.

 She was nicknamed the Apostle to the Apostles.

 May Jesus enable everyone to live out his testimony.

 g) vv. 17-18: This act of commissioning highlights her role as a messenger and leader in spreading the news of Jesus' resurrection, making her one of the first evangelists in Christian history.

 h) Overall, Jesus prepared Mary Magdalene for leadership by transforming her life, including her in His inner circle, entrusting her with important tasks, and commissioning her to share the good news of His resurrection. What is He doing in your life now? The future will tell!

 *II. MARY AND MARTHA (Lk. 10:38-42; Jn. 11:1ff; 12:1-3)* 

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil (Jn. 12:3). 

a) Lk. 10:38-42: Mary and Martha's hospitality to Jesus showcased their commitment to serving others and learning from Him, exemplifying servant-leadership relationship (cf. Matt. 25:35-40).

 b) Jn. 11:1-3: Their demonstration of faith in Jesus' ability to heal Lazarus revealed their trust in His power and authority, fostering resilience and reliance on God in leadership roles (cf. Heb. 11:6).

 c) Jn. 11:38-44: Witnessing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead deepened their faith in His divine power and strengthened their confidence in God's miraculous intervention (cf. Mk. 9:23).

John 11:3 Lazarus's sisters had faith in Jesus' healing power. Like Mary Magdalene, they had learned much from Jesus and all he had accomplished. 

But their faith was not to stop there; it was to grow. Jesus voluntarily stayed two more days, waiting for Lazarus to die before going to her. John 11:14. 

John 11:32, 43 Jesus raises Lazarus to strengthen his sisters' faith and glorify God.

 From now on, Jesus is no longer just the one who heals, but He gives life.

 d) vv. 20-27: Through conversations with Jesus and His teachings (Lk. 10:38-42) they gained spiritual insights and wisdom, equipping them for leadership roles (cf. Prov. 9:9).

 e) 12:1-3: After Lazarus' resurrection, Mary and Martha's testimony became a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, proving their leadership credibility and influence within the community of believers (cf. Acts 1:8).

The leadership preparation phase is an important time for everyone. 

No part of our growth should be overlooked. 

It is our lived experiences that will enrich our testimony, which must be alive.

 f) Through their encounter with Jesus, witnessing miracles, personal teachings, and acts of service, Mary and Martha were prepared for leadership roles within the community of believers.

 *LESSONS DERIVED* 

 1. God prepares all His children, regardless of gender, or background, for their roles in His kingdom.

 2. Jesus' preparation aims to mould individuals into His likeness, requiring unrepentantly and obediently following him in all aspects of life.

 QUESTIONS

 1. Describe Mary Magdalene's expression towards Jesus' influence.

 2. In what ways did Jesus influence Mary and Martha's attitude in bringing Lazarus back to life?