We might discover that the stories of these women become a part of Jesus’ own story, their experiences and lessons woven into his parables and into his unfailing respect and compassion for women. We might recognize how he was formed by the stories of his people, including the women.

We might see these women as examples of those for whom he came, women who suffer injustice, then and now. Their stories serve as evidence of our failure to notice; their placement redirects us toward addressing that exclusion with all that it implies.

We might find hope that the God who planted their stories within the great larger Story provides purpose and meaning for our stories as well. We might even find that we read the Jesus story that follows somewhat differently, changed by what we have read.