# The Gospel Women explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter presents a poetic meditation on the women of the Gospels, exploring their encounters with Jesus Christ. It begins with Mary, the mother of Jesus, reflecting on her unique sorrows and joys as she raises a divine son. The chapter then moves through various women: the woman caught in adultery, the woman who anointed Jesus' feet, the woman with the issue of blood, the widow with two mites, the women who ministered to Jesus, Pilate's wife, the woman of Samaria, and Mary Magdalene. Each vignette highlights themes of faith, suffering, love, and redemption through their interactions with Jesus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Grace

Central to the chapter, as women like Mary Magdalene and the woman caught in adultery experience forgiveness and transformation through Jesus' love.

### Suffering and Purification

Mary's sorrows and the women's afflictions (e.g., the woman with the issue of blood, Mary Magdalene's torment) are portrayed as paths to deeper faith and purification.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The love of Mary, the devotion of the women who ministered to Jesus, and the grateful love of forgiven sinners are shown as powerful and transformative.

## Character check-ins

### Mother Mary

Portrayed as the lowly queen and mother of Jesus, experiencing grief, joy, and a deepening spiritual understanding of her son's divine mission.

### Jesus Christ

Appears as the divine child, the Lord of life, and the compassionate healer, interacting with various women and revealing his grace and authority.

### Mary Magdalene

Depicted as a woman tormented by demons, who finds peace and transformation through Jesus' forgiveness and love.

### The Woman Who Came Behind Him in the Crowd

A woman with a twelve-year affliction who touches Jesus' garment in faith and is healed, receiving the tender name 'Daughter'.

### The Syrophenician Woman

Implored Jesus for her daughter's healing, demonstrating persistent faith and receiving his commendation.

### VI The Woman

The woman caught in adultery, brought before Jesus, who receives mercy and forgiveness, becoming a testament to grace.

## Key lines

> He came, all helpless, to thy power, For warmth, and love, and birth; In thy embraces, every hour, He grew into the earth.

Jesus, as a helpless infant, depended on Mary for warmth, love, and physical life, gradually becoming part of the human world through her care.

_Highlights the incarnation and Mary's role in nurturing the divine child._

> Daughter, he said, be of good cheer; Thy faith hath made thee whole:

Jesus addressed the healed woman as 'Daughter,' affirming that her faith, not just the physical touch, brought her complete restoration.

_Emphasizes the personal and healing nature of Jesus' response to faith._

> He did not leave her soul in hell, ’Mong shards the silver dove; But raised her pure that she might tell Her sisters how to love!

Jesus did not abandon Mary Magdalene to her despair and shame, but lifted her to purity so she could teach other women the power of love.

_Illustrates redemption and the transformative purpose of forgiveness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/the-gospel-women
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters