THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES a) Highlight nine roles played by women in the resurrection stories according to the synoptic ...

(a) Nine roles played by women in the resurrection stories according to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24)

The Synoptic Gospels give women a prominent part in the events of the resurrection:

1. They had followed Jesus from Galilee and stood watching at the crucifixion, and they saw where His body was laid.
2. They prepared and brought spices and ointments to anoint the body of Jesus.
3. Very early on the first day of the week, at dawn, they went to the tomb.
4. On the way they wondered and asked among themselves who would roll away the heavy stone from the entrance.
5. They found the stone already rolled away and discovered that the tomb was empty.
6. They saw and received the message of the angel(s), who told them that Jesus had risen as He said and invited them to see the place where He had lain.
7. They remembered the words of Jesus, spoken while He was still in Galilee, that He would be crucified and rise on the third day.
8. They were commissioned to go and tell the disciples, and Peter, that Jesus was risen and was going before them to Galilee.
9. They ran from the tomb with fear and great joy and reported all these things to the eleven and the others; in Matthew, the risen Jesus met them, and they took hold of His feet and worshipped Him, becoming the first witnesses of the resurrection.

(b) Three roles played by women in the church today

• Evangelism and teaching. Women preach the gospel, teach in Sunday schools and lead Bible study and women's fellowships.
• Prayer and intercession. Women form strong prayer groups and support the spiritual life of the church.
• Service and charity. Women care for the needy, visit the sick, welcome and organise church activities, and give material and financial support to the work of God.