God's Odd Squad Part 2: Strong Women | Edward Jackson Jr | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

God's Odd Squad Part 2: Strong Women

Edward Jackson Jr

Friendship Baptist Church • Mar 9, 2025 • 95 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Edward Jackson Jr. examines Luke 8:1–3 to highlight how Jesus intentionally included strong women as equal partners in His earthly ministry. Departing from the cultural and religious norms of His era that marginalized women, Christ welcomed women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna into His core team. Believers are encouraged to recognize the divine strength, stewardship, and loyalty of women, while serving God out of genuine gratitude for Christ's transforming power.

Themes

Women in MinistryKingdom PartnershipRedemption and HealingFaithful StewardshipGratitude and Service

Pastor's Points

1.

Strong women were included in God's Squad

2.

Strong women serve because they've seen Him work

3.

Strong women know how to make it happen

Key Points

1.
Strong women were intentionally included in Jesus' core ministry team alongside the twelve disciples, breaking societal norms.
2.
In ancient society, rabbis refused to teach women and assigned them inferior positions, but Jesus welcomed women as equal kingdom partners.
3.
Strong women serve God out of genuine gratitude for the deliverance and transformation Christ has worked in their personal lives.
4.
Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute as inaccurate historical traditions claimed, but a faithful follower delivered by Jesus from seven evil spirits.
5.
Joanna came from financial abundance as the wife of Herod's household manager, yet her story demonstrates that money cannot fix spiritual and emotional needs that only Christ can heal.
6.
Susanna's unwritten backstory teaches us that a believer's private struggles remain between them and God, and true community respects personal boundaries.
7.
Strong women demonstrate faithful stewardship by utilizing their own personal resources, labor, and time to sustain gospel ministry.
8.
Loyalty is a vital quality that women brought to Jesus' ministry, remaining steadfast and supportive through every trial.

Sermon Moments

“It is the contributions and the presence of strong women that have helped us to endure some of the most difficult atrocities ever known to man.”

“When the real teacher came on the scene, Jesus had no problem allowing women to come and be a part of His team.”

“Women who serve aren't doing it for human praise; they serve because in their own lives they've seen God work.”

“How many women have had to live under narratives created by others that weren't even true?”

“There are some things money can't buy, but when you meet Jesus, He gives you what money could never purchase.”

“Susanna teaches us that sometimes what people have gone through and fought through is between them and God, and it's none of our business.”

“Strong women know how to make a way out of no way and resource the work of the kingdom.”

“One of the greatest qualities of a godly woman on the team is loyalty.”

This Week

Honor and actively celebrate the essential role, gifts, and leadership of women in your church, workplace, and family.

Refuse to give power to or repeat false negative narratives about others, choosing instead to view people through the lens of God's grace.

Serve God out of deep personal gratitude for what Christ has done in your life rather than seeking human applause or male approval.

Respect the privacy and personal boundaries of fellow believers, focusing on celebrating God's grace rather than prying into past struggles.

Practice faithful stewardship by using your financial means, time, and practical abilities to advance God's kingdom.

Look beyond material possessions and financial wealth to seek the inner healing, peace, and joy that only Jesus can provide.

Walk boldly into your God-given calling—whether in family life, professional careers, or gospel ministry—without allowing past labels to limit you.

Remember This

Jesus elevated and included strong women as vital partners in His kingdom work, calling the church to recognize their worth, respect their private journeys, and empower their faithful service.

A Challenge for You

Walk in the power and grace God has endowed you with, know that you are an essential part of God's team, and let us intentionally honor, build up, and empower our sisters to serve Christ with open hearts.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.