The Messiah Had Sisters!
Biological and otherwise
If you open the credits of a blockbuster movie, you usually see the names of the Lead Actors in big, bold letters. Then, if you wait until the very end, past the CGI team and the caterers, you might see the “Extras.”
For centuries, the church has treated certain women in the Bible like Extras. They are mentioned in passing, often without names, usually in the background of a scene starring a man.
But if you zoom in? If you look at the footnotes? You realise that these “Extras” kept the show running.
Today, we are looking at the Hidden Figures. The women who were vital to the story but were ghosted by history.
1. The Nameless Siblings
(Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3)1
The Verse: “…He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us…”
The Tea: Pause. Rewind. We all know Yeshua had a mother (Miriam) and a father figure (Joseph). Many of us know he had brothers (James became a major church leader). But... sisters? Plural?
Yes. Yeshua probably grew up in a house full of women. He had sisters who watched him grow up, who probably played with him, argued with him, and wondered why their big brother was disappearing into the desert for 40 days. But we don’t know their names.
The Bible names all four brothers (James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas). But the girls are just grouped together as “sisters.” The hidden figures—living in the shadow of the literal Son of God, their identities erased by a text that didn’t think their names were worth the ink. But their existence matters.
2. The Venture Capitalists
(Luke 8:2-3)
The Verse: “…Among them were Mary Magdalene, […] Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”
The Tea: We often picture Yeshua and the 12 Disciples wandering around Galilee, preaching. But we rarely ask the logistical question: Who paid for the food? Yeshua quit his job (carpentry). Peter quit his job (fishing). Matthew quit his job (tax collecting). So, how did 13 grown men eat everyday for three years? Who paid for the Last Supper? Who paid for the lodging?
Enter Joanna and Susanna. Some translations of the Bible say they ministered “of their substance” (their own money). Joanna was the wife of Herod’s campaign manager. She was wealthy. She was high-society. And she (along with Susanna and others) was the Financial Backer of #TheYeshuaMovement. They were much more than “helpers.”
They were the Investors. Without their bankrolling, the ministry would have gone bankrupt. Yet, we rarely hear sermons about them.
3. The Negotiator
(2 Samuel 20:16, 18-19)
The Verse: “But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, “Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.”
The Tea: King David’s general, Joab (a man who loved violence), was about to destroy the entire city of Abel just to catch one rebel hiding there. He was building a siege ramp to crush the walls. The men of the city? Silent. Panic mode.
Enter the “Wise Woman” (again, no name). She marched to the wall. She demanded a meeting with the General. She negotiated a treaty. She told him: “…There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’ I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. […] Why do you want to devour what belongs to the Lord?”
In essesnce, “We are a city of peace. Why do you want to destroy us?” She struck a deal: The city would throw the rebel’s head over the wall if Joab spared the innocent citizens. She went back, convinced her people, got the head, and saved the city.
She was a Diplomat, a Strategist, and a Hero. And history just calls her “Wise Woman.”
4. The Authority
(2 Kings 22:14)
The Verse: “So Hilkiah the priest, […] went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah.”
The Tea: King Josiah found a dusty old scroll in the temple (the Book of the Law) and panicked. He needed to know if it was authentic. He needed a Word from God. Now, living in Jerusalem at that exact same time were famous male prophets like Jeremiah and Zephaniah. Did the King go to them? No.
He sent his high priest to Huldah. She authenticated the scripture. She delivered the prophecy. She was the ultimate spiritual authority in the land. It proves that in God’s eyes, a woman can be the supreme voice of Truth, even when famous men are standing right next door.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Why does it matter that we find these women?
Because representation is evidence. When the church tells you that women should be silent, point to Huldah. When they tell you women shouldn’t lead, point to the Wise Woman of Abel. When they tell you women are just “helpers,” point to Joanna, who signed the checks that kept the Gospel moving.
They might be hidden in the text, but their impact is impossible to miss. We just have to be willing to look for them.
May the sacrifice of Christ on this holy day bring peace and joy to your heart and life. Have a blessed Good Friday.
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*All scriptures referenced/quoted in this article were done so according to the New Living Translation (NLT).
This was very nice to readddd.✨
Blessed Good Friday!✨