Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
In Alyssa’s list of women (Mary Magdalene funding Jesus, Anna fasting and praying, Priscilla hosting and admonishing, widows washing feet and lodging strangers, Tabitha making garments, etc.), what picture of God’s priorities emerges from the kinds of work Scripture chooses to remember—and what kinds of “unremembered” faithfulness might God be noticing in your church right now?
Another way to ask: From the kinds of women and work the Bible chooses to remember, what seems most important to God? What faithful “behind-the-scenes” work might God be noticing in your church right now?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Alyssa’s survey of women suggests God honors faith expressed through service, hospitality, generosity, prayer, steadfastness, and encouragement—often in home-and-community work rather than public spotlight. That implies God may be noticing “small,” repetitive faithfulness in your church that rarely gets named but quietly holds people up.
- Alyssa lists remembered acts that are practical and relational: women “provided financially for Jesus,” widows known for “lodging strangers” and “washing the saints’ feet,” Tabitha making “garments.”
- She includes hidden spiritual labor: Anna “served God with prayer and fasting,” Lois/Eunice “modeled holiness,” Mary of Bethany’s “devotion… at the feet of Jesus.”
- She highlights encouragement and courage: Elizabeth “encouraging Mary,” Esther’s “courage,” Ruth’s “steadfast love.”
- She stresses variety: “they are all known for different things… We all have different giftings… don’t feel like you can do it all.”
- She urges realistic, stage-of-life service: “find an area… keep it small, keep it doable.”