Higgs’ The Women of Easter is an amazing study of this holy week

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During Lent, I am immersing myself in studying Christ’s final week and resurrection. I discovered a compact little book, The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs. Please consider getting a copy soon and read it before Easter gets here. Your celebration  and understanding of Easter will grow. Yes, it’s that amazing! Published in 2017, this book contains eight chapters with a study guide.

Three women are highlighted in the Resurrection story: Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene.

This book is amazing—wait, I already said that—but it’s true, and I highly recommend it if you want to dig into Scripture. The story of the Passion Week comes alive through the stories of these three women.

Although men may not always respect and honor women, Jesus does. Women played an important role in this life-changing, world-changing, historical event because women are important and special to God. We are reminded that women have valuable contributions and important work to do. Upon finishing this book I felt joy– joy over what Jesus Christ did for me and for each of us; joy over his extravagant love for women; and joy in the knowledge that the God of the universe cares about me and is concerned about everything, even what may seem insignificant to others.

Women witnessed the empty tomb first. Women spread the Gospel first.

Liz Curtis Higgs’ friendly, conversational, and passionate writing style builds up to our assignment—spread the Good News! Jesus is alive!

She digs into the Scriptures bringing all the pieces from the four Gospels and Acts to help us understand the events of that week.

The author tells us through the beautifully laid out Biblical account of Mary of Bethany, who has a teachable heart, quiet humility and breathtaking generosity. She illustrates how Mary of Nazareth is a woman of steadfast support, unflagging faith and boundless courage. We see Mary Magdalene’s deep commitment, her willingness to both lead and follow, and her boldness in spirit. As the author brings these attributes to light, one can’t help but nod and whisper, “Yes,” in awe.

Mary of Bethany helps us to know that the first step is to believe, to trust, and to rely on Him. “To place our lives in His hands and put our faith in God, who is ‘trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.’”

The resurrection of Lazarus and others foreshadowed Jesus’ own death. He proved he could resurrect the dead, yet when it was his turn, people doubted. I never thought of that before!

Mary of Bethany gave generously when she anointed Jesus’ feet. Others complained of the wasted expense, but this act is an example of her extreme devotion and love. How amazing it would be to give so generously without concern about the cost!

Examine for yourself the details about the Triumphal Entry, the anger in the temple, the widow’s offering and much more. See how this all applies to us today. Accept the challenge to respond unselfishly.

Even while Jesus suffers extreme pain, he thinks of his mother and of the women who are crying. He hears the heart of the criminal next to him. He is always compassionate even when evil is raging rampant around him.

She also talks about some of the prophecies.

I hope I’ve whet your appetite with the examples of things I learned.

This line by line study clarifies and gives examples of how they were brave and how they served and how we can do the same. God looks at our hearts. When hope seems gone, keep close to Jesus. Miracles will happen.

I found this book very interesting. I hope you will too.

How do you prepare for Easter?