HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, The Widow’s Mite

In the passage just before this one, Mark talked about the scribe who had asked Jesus about the greatest commandment and was impressed with Jesus’ answer. Jesus was also pleased. He told the scribe he was very close to entering the kingdom of heaven. With such a warm endorsement from a scribe, this was a … Continue reading HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, The Widow’s Mite

HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, The Sinful Woman

We don’t know this woman’s backstory at all, whether she was young or old, her culture or clan. Some in our Bible study thought perhaps she was the woman who had committed adultery and was forgiven privately by Jesus after everyone had left (John 8:11). Maybe! We really have no information on her at all … Continue reading HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, The Sinful Woman

HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Woman Caught in Adultery

Most Bibles point out that the earliest manuscripts do not include this story, and sometimes it appears in Luke However, Jerome, in 383 AD, included it in his translation of the Gospel of John, right after chapter 7, where it is usually found today. Jerome noted that many ancient Greek and Latin manuscripts at his … Continue reading HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Woman Caught in Adultery

HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Herodias

Herodias’ story is introduced in both Mathew’s gospel and Mark’s with Herod Antipas hearing reports about Jesus’ astonishing miraculous powers. "Some were saying, 'John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.' But others said, 'It is Elijah.' And others said, 'It is a … Continue reading HER STORY: Christ’s Ministry, Herodias

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Esther

There is some debate as to whether the book of Esther is historical, or possibly written as a play or allegory. Haman’s seventy-five foot gallows, the difficulty in establishing which king—and more notably, which queen—Esther’s story describes, and the depiction of a few unlikely scenes such as a massive, three-day civil war which is completely … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Esther

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Huldah

Have you ever even heard of Huldah?I bet not!Most timelines for the history of ancient Israel place prophets alongside the kings they advised. Even prophets without their own books, such as the prophet Nathan who counseled King David, are listed. But as much as I look for her, I have yet to see the prophet … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Huldah

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Jezebel

Just the word “jezebel” evokes a whole evil, erotic, seductive mystique, doesn’t it? I looked “jezebel” up in the dictionary, and here’s what Webster-Merriam has to say: “an impudent, shameless, or morally unrestrained woman.” According to other definitions, A jezebel is a wicked, evil, scheming female who is manipulates her victims into giving her wealth, … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Jezebel

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Bathsheba

Bathsheba had grown up admiring the handsome, charismatic king David. It had been an exhilarating time in Israel’s history, and her dad Eliam, one of David’s might men, had been all wrapped up in the thick of it, close with David ever since the young shepherd had been on the lam, running from King Saul. … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Bathsheba

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Abigail

Abigail’s story begins during a traditionally joyful time, the sheep shearing festival. Many guests had gathered, and there was much feasting. Abigail was well-known for her gracious hospitality, and all the tables were generously supplied. As the celebration wore into the evening, ten plainly dressed men entered the pavilion and came to address Nabal. Would … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Abigail

HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Michal

Embedded within the story of David, Israel’s most beloved king, and of whom the Lord said was a man after God’s own heart, is the tragic story of Michal, a Benjamite princess and daughter of king Saul. Her story begins in Late Bronze Age Canaan. The twelve tribes of Israel were still in the throes … Continue reading HER STORY: Kings and Queens, Michal