Rebecca Of Arimathea

Jesus commissioned twelve women to preach the gospel beginning with his Third Preaching Tour. The last two members to join the women’s corps were Mary Magdalene and Rebecca, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. These women, previously restricted by societal norms that confined them to the home and denied them education, were now commissioned to teach the gospel and minister to the sick, marking a significant departure from traditional views on women's roles in religious and public life. Their work not only demonstrated their dedication and effectiveness but also underscored Jesus's revolutionary stance on gender equality, emphasizing that in the kingdom of God, all are equal sons and daughters.

Rebecca, along with others from the women’s corps, stood at the cross of Jesus witnessing his great suffering and unbelievable patience. They stood by him when he was crucified and continued to spread his word to the world after his death.

There were two Rebecca’s who loved Jesus. This Rebecca was the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph considered it an honor to include Jesus as part of his family and to offer his family’s burial place for Jesus’ body to lie at rest. The other Rebecca was the eldest daughter of Ezra who, at age seventeen, fell in love with Jesus and wanted to marry him. Jesus gently refused her offer and Rebecca, failing to be consoled, implored her father to move to Sepphoris. Later to be known as "Rebecca of Sepphoris," she remained steadfastly devoted to Jesus and his mission.

The women’s corps watched Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the resurrected Jesus made his sixteenth appearance to the women’s corps, apostles, and others. Both Rebecca of Arimathea and Rebecca of Sepphoris followed Jesus’ ministry and witnessed many events in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.