1. Deborah

Judges 4:1-24

1. Author James Harnish writes that the story of Deborah is the kind of story that causes many thoughtful people to reject the Old Testament. Why do you think some people struggle so much with this story?
2. How are narrative accounts in the Bible like other historical documents? How are they different? Jim Harnish calls the Hebrews who told these stories "cultural theologians." What is a cultural theologian?
3. In what ways do we need the Spirit of God who spoke through Deborah to speak to us today? What might God want to awaken us to do? 
4. How do Deborah and Jael turn gender stereotypes related to war and violence upside-down?
5. Modern commentators seem to make a bigger deal about Deborah's position of authority than the Bible itself. Why do you think Scripture doesn't explicitly point out how remarkable it was for Deborah to be a national leader during this period of history? 

2. Abigail

1 Samuel 25:1-44

1. What do you make of the portrayal of David and his men in 1 Samuel 25:4-8? Is it positive, negative, or mixed? How does this fit with what you already know about David through arguably better known stories about him in Scripture?
2. Author James Harnish mentions the "age old myth of redemptive violence." Are there modern situations where violence is truly unavoidable? Explain your answer. 
3. Ultimately, what do you think caused David to listen to Abigail?
4. Why does God often speak through people outside the places or systems of power?
5. Compare and contrast Abigail with Deborah from the previous session. What might the differences between these two women tell us about God's purposes and timing?

3. Mary Magdalene

Matthew 27:55-61; 28:1-10

1. Why did Pope Gregory's characterization of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute in 591 stick through the centuries?
2. Author James Harnish mentions that the women followers of Jesus stayed with him when he was crucified, while the men ran away. Why do you think it happened this way? Why did the writers of the gospels make it a point to record this fact?
3. Do you agree with the description of Mary Magdalene in the subtitle of this session, "The First Apostle?" Why or why not?
4. What does the story of Mary Magdalene tell us about healing and forgiveness? What does it say about our potential today when we follow Christ?
5. How do you see yourself in Mary Magdalene? How can you follow her example? 

4. The Samaritan Woman

John 4:4-42

1. Considering the encounters of Isaac, Jacob, and Moses with women at wells in the Old Testament, how is Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman unusual?
2. Who are today's "Samaritans?"
3. What is the difference between believing based on what someone else has said and believing because of personal experience (verse 42)? Is one better than the other? If so, why?
4. Why do you think Scripture doesn't tell us the name of the woman at the well?
5. What would change if more Christians followed the evangelistic  lead of Jesus and the Samaritan woman today?