Presented by Lauren Stibgen

As women at work, we are still faced with many challenges despite all the progress that has been made. More than ever, women have excelled and held leadership positions. Pay equity has improved but surely isn’t perfect, and there is still bias in the workplace as seen in how people respond to men presenting an idea versus women. What does this have to do with being an ambassador? Well, if self doubt creeps in, your role as an ambassador can feel diminished or difficult. But we would be remiss if we didn’t look to an amazing example in the Bible of how the women who followed Jesus were walking counter culturally for their time.

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).

Again, we see women with imperfect past lives were following Jesus and providing for the ministry!

What is significant about this? Mary Magdalene.

In John 20:11-18 we find Mary at the tomb looking for the body of Jesus. He appears to her first as the resurrected Christ and tells her,

“Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:17-18)

In Mark 16:11, we learn that when they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

This did not stop her from serving as an ambassador to Jesus in the resurrection! She boldly went to them and proclaimed he had risen.

To me, Mary is an encouragement. Despite her likely knowing she would not be taken seriously, she still did as Jesus commanded her.

How can you follow Jesus’ command today even if you are feeling self-doubt? Surely, he will equip you for every good work!