b. Assess the part played by women in the ministry of  Jesus

Women played a significant role in the ministry of Jesus, as evidenced in the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some key points:

1. Followers and Financial Supporters: Women were among Jesus's earliest followers. According to Luke 8:1-3, women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others traveled with Jesus and his twelve disciples, providing financial support for His ministry out of their own means.

2. Witnesses to Crucifixion and Resurrection: Women were present during crucial moments in Jesus's life. Mary, Jesus's mother, and Mary Magdalene were present at his crucifixion (John 19:25). Additionally, women were the first to witness and report Jesus's resurrection. Mary Magdalene is famously known as the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:1-18).

3. Teaching and Healing: Jesus often broke societal norms of His time by interacting with women, teaching them, and healing them. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-26) and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) are examples of this.

4. Parables: Women were used as central figures in some of Jesus's parables, such as the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) and the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), indicating their importance in His teachings.

5. Role in Early Church: After Jesus's ascension, women played significant roles in the early Christian church. For example, Phoebe was a deaconess (Romans 16:1), Priscilla was a teacher of theology (Acts 18:26), and Lydia was a church leader (Acts 16:14-15).

In conclusion, women were integral to Jesus's ministry. They provided financial support, were present at key events, were recipients of His teachings and miracles, and played significant roles in the early church.