Reading the Lectionary with African American Women Interpreters

Sunday, April 20, 2025


Weekly Lectionary Spotlight: John 20:1-18 with Jarena Lee

“Did not Mary first preach the risen Saviour, and is not the doctrine of the resurrection the very climax of Christianity -- hangs not all our hope on this, as argued by St. Paul? Then did not Mary, a woman, preach the gospel? for she preached the resurrection of the crucified Son of God.”

~ Jarena Lee

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Biography: Jarena Lee, born in 1783 in Cape May, New Jersey, was the first woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Despite limited education and early struggles with spiritual despair, she experienced a profound conversion that led her to ministry. In her autobiography, she describes her efforts to preach the gospel across the U.S., challenging societal norms and advocating for women’s voices and agency, earning respect and admiration as a pioneer.

Jarena Lee

(1783-unknown)

Bible Passage (NRSVue): 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:16–18)

Her Interpretation: Jarena Lee's reference to Mary Magdalene preaching about “the risen Savior” from John 20:18 is significant for Easter Sunday. It focuses on the climax of our Christianity--the Resurrection! Lee underscores women's contributions to our faith's foundation by highlighting Mary Magdalene as the first witness and preacher. Her interpretation aligns with renewal and divine empowerment themes, showing that God equips all believers—regardless of gender, age, or social standing—to share the Good News. In 1836, with immense courage, Lee taught us the importance of witnessing with our voices and in print. Against all the odds, she published her spiritual autobiography titled Religious Experience and Journal of Mrs. Jarena Lee, Giving an Account of her Call to Preach the Gospel, Revised and Corrected from the Original Manuscript Written by Herself.

Dr. Shively’s Reflection: Lee's reference encourages us to consider inclusion for all, as Resurrection Sunday symbolizes a revolutionary acceptance that refuses to be limited by matters of gender, ethnicity, nationality, economics, sexuality, and age—and, yes, even death! Reading John 20 with Jarena Lee's interpretation this Easter Sunday 2025 should inspire hope and motivate us to fight for the dignity and flourishing of all God’s people and creation, no matter how unpopular it is. In the face of fear, we must have resurrection courage! Lee highlights Mary Magdalene as a model preacher, aligning with Easter's themes of transformation and overcoming oppression that can silence and distance us from each other. This Easter moment in John 20 should remind us of the creative power of God's call. It compels us to share the message of life with our actions, voices, and courage. How many of us can echo Mary Magdalene's words: 'I have seen the Lord!'

Points for Preaching & Devotion

  • Witnessing with Courage

    Draw inspiration from Jarena Lee’s boldness in publishing her spiritual autobiography in 1836, demonstrating how faith can overcome societal barriers and God's calling includes all of us.

  • Empowerment to Act

    Use Lee’s interpretation to inspire action for justice and to foster the courage needed to address unpopular or challenging issues in the spirit of resurrection.

  • Echo Mary’s Words: “I have seen the Lord!”

    Connect Easter themes with the triumph over forces that silence or divide us, reminding believers of God’s call to unity and hope.

  • An Easter Question to Ponder

    What insights can be gained by comparing Jarena Lee’s reflections on divine calling with Mary Magdalene’s role as the first witness to the resurrection (John 20:11-18)?

Greetings!

Welcome to Dr. Shively Smith's Digital Gallery of Interpretation for the 2025 Easter and Pentecost Lectionary season. This gallery celebrates the unique and rich legacy of 19th-century African American women writers (circa 1789–1899). It explores how their distinct perspectives can inform our application of the Bible in 2025. Each of these women was a pioneering interpreter of Scripture, utilizing the prevalent translation of their time, the King James Version (KJV). 

For more information, listen below to Dr. Shively Smith explain her digital gallery of interpretation.

This gallery of interpretation, designed for the Easter and Pentecost seasons in 2025, is a valuable resource for enhancing sermon preparation and personal Bible study. It is suitable for preachers, teachers, students, and laypeople alike. Sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Dr. Shively’s gallery invites you to actively explore the contributions of African American women from the 1800s as guides for biblical interpretation. 

The guiding questions below will help you compare the quotations of 19th-century African American women writers with the specific Bible passages used each Sunday.

Suggested Guiding Questions

  • Question 1

    How do the unique reflections of African American women writers on freedom and hope deepen our understanding of the Easter story and Jesus’ resurrection?

  • Question 2

    How do the struggles and perseverance of 19th-century African American women help us better understand the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?

  • Question 3

    In what ways do these women’s stories of transformation and faith connect to the Easter message of new life through Jesus’ resurrection?

  • Question 4

    How can the testimonies of African American women serve as powerful examples of “resurrection faith,” showing how belief in Jesus’ resurrection brings hope and change?

  • Question 5

    How do the writings of African American women challenge and encourage us to live out Easter’s hope by pursuing justice and serving others faithfully?

  • Question 6

    How can the unique insights of African American women writers offer fresh inspiration for your Easter sermons or devotional studies?

  • Question 7

    How do their experiences connect with the resurrection story in the Bible, renewing our faith that Jesus’ victory over death brings hope to all people?

For Further Reading

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