Episode 126: Women Witnesses of the Easter Events (Gaye Strathearn)

Episode 126: Women Witnesses of the Easter Events (Gaye Strathearn)

Author: BYU Religious Education April 15, 2025 Duration: 54:17

The first witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ were some of his female disciples. Mary Magdalene witnessed the empty tomb and was the first to encounter the risen Savior. Additionally, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other unnamed women, who had come to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, saw the empty tomb and reported it to the apostles. In this episode, Professor Gaye Strathearn explores the profound impact of the Easter events through the experiences of the women who witnessed the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. She explains how Luke's narrative, with support from the other Gospels, connects these women to Jesus's ministry in Galilee and portrays them as dedicated disciples who ministered to Jesus and followed him to Jerusalem. Further, the discussion underscores the women's loyalty and sacrifice, emphasizing their presence at the Crucifixion and their discovery of the empty tomb. In exploring these narratives, we can increase our knowledge of the enduring hope and faith that the Easter events inspire and add our own witness that "he is risen" (Mark 16:6).   

 

Publications:

 

Click here to learn more about Gaye Strathearn


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 8: Actively Engaging Learners (Tyler Griffin & Anthony Sweat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:23
What do we want learners to know, feel, and do with each lesson? In this episode professors Tyler Griffin and Anthony Sweat discuss strategies for incorporating active learning—ways to boost learning, motivation, and cri…
Episode 7: Asking Good Questions (Jan Martin & Jared Halverson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:54
How can teachers transform their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces? In this episode professors Jan Martin and Jared Halverson discuss the power of guiding discussions with open-ended, scripture-anchored quest…
Episode 4: Teaching by the Spirit (Hank Smith & Ryan Sharp) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:44
How does the Holy Ghost assist in our preparation and delivery of lessons? In this episode professors Hank Smith and Ryan Sharp demystify what it means to teach by the Spirit. They discuss ways to invite the Spirit to gu…
Episode 3: Organizing a Lesson (Mark L. Pace and Ken Alford) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:07
The Lord has invited, "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the king…
Episode 2: Knowing Your Audience (Emily Belle Freeman & Brad Wilcox) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:15
How do you prepare and adjust a message to connect with those you are leading? What methods can teachers—from all backgrounds and experiences—use when preparing for different teaching moments? In this episode, sister Emi…
Episode 1: The Power of Teaching (Clark Gilbert & Chad Webb) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:46
What makes powerful gospel teaching? What are the effective elements that any teacher— no matter their training, situation, or personality—can implement so that deepened faith and conversion can happen in the lives of le…