In the culture and society of Jesus' time, women often faced discrimination, marginalization, and limited opportunities. However, Jesus, during his earthly ministry, broke cultural norms and societal barriers by elevating the status of women, valuing their worth, and empowering them to rise up, speak out, and shine. Let’s explore how Jesus interacted with women, respected them, healed them, discipled them, and recognized their God-given worth and value, using scriptural references to support each point.
In a time where women were often treated as inferior to men, Jesus consistently treated women with respect and dignity. One example of this is found when Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42). Jesus looked beyond 4 boundaries that would have existed between them during that time and place in history:
- Gender - As a man, he spoke to this woman.
- Racial - As a Jew he spoke to this Samaritan.
- Social - As a holy rabbi, he reached out to one of low status.
- Moral - As God, the Son, he forgave her past, and gave her a future!
Jesus engaged her in conversation, showing her kindness and respect. He didn’t condemn her, but rather offered her living water, revealing himself as the Messiah. This encounter not only demonstrated Jesus' understanding of the worth of women, who are also image-bearers of God, and part of the world he came to save, but it also broke these barriers as he interacted with this Samaritan woman in a way that was uncommon during that time.
Jesus Healed Women
Jesus' ministry was marked by miraculous healings, and women were not excluded from his compassionate touch. In Mark 5:25-34, we read about the healing of a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for 12 years. Despite the societal stigma associated with her condition, Jesus did not shy away from her touch and healed her. He recognized her faith and commended her, showing his care and concern for women's physical and emotional well-being.
Jesus Discipled Women
Jesus not only had male disciples, but he also included women as his followers and learners (Luke 8:1-3). In Luke 10:38-42, we read about Jesus' interaction with Mary, the sister of Martha. While Martha was busy with household tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teaching, a position usually reserved for male disciples. When Martha complained about Mary's choice, Jesus defended Mary's right to learn from him, affirming her desire to grow in her knowledge of God's Word. This act by Jesus challenges tradition, and empowers women to pursue discipleship and learning, just like their male counterparts.
Jesus Recognized the God-Given Value of Women:
Jesus consistently recognized the intrinsic value of women, as God’s image-bearers, regardless of their social status, background, or past. In the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus not only forgave her sins but also defended her against those who sought to condemn her. He recognized her humanity, showed her compassion, and challenged her accusers to examine their own hearts before passing judgment. Jesus' actions demonstrate his willingness to forgive anyone’s sin, and his unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of women while teaching others to do the same.
Jesus Empowered Women to Shine His Light
In addition to respecting, healing, and discipling women, Jesus also empowered them to rise up, speak out, and shine his light with all their God-given potential. One notable example is the commissioning of Mary Magdalene as the first witness of his Resurrection (John 20:11-18). Jesus entrusted her with the important task of proclaiming the Good News of his Resurrection to the male disciples, elevating her role as a messenger of the Gospel. This act by Jesus shattered gender barriers and empowered women to actively participate in spreading the message of God's kingdom.
Beyond the Four Gospels
In the early Church, the precedent set by Jesus in elevating the status of women continued to be upheld. Women such as Phoebe, Priscilla, and Lydia played pivotal roles as leaders, teachers, and evangelists, actively spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Romans 16:1-2, Paul refers to Phoebe as a "deaconess" or "servant" in the Church, entrusted with important responsibilities. Priscilla and her husband Aquila are mentioned as a ministry team in the New Testament, and they taught Apollos about Jesus more accurately (Acts 18:26). Lydia, a prominent businesswoman, was instrumental in the establishment of the Church in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15). These examples highlight the significant contributions of women in the early Church, following the example set by Jesus in empowering women to actively participate in the proclamation of the Gospel and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus' ministry was characterized by elevating the status of women, respecting them, healing them, discipling them, recognizing their God-given worth, and empowering them to rise up, speak out, and shine. His interactions with women in the Bible serve as powerful examples of his inclusive and compassionate approach, breaking cultural and societal norms of his time. As followers of Jesus, we are called to emulate his example and treat women with respect, dignity, and equality, recognizing their inherent worth and value as created in the image of God. Let us strive to follow Jesus' model in elevating the status of women and empowering them to fully participate in the work of God's kingdom.
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"Grace, mercy and peace
from God the Father
and from Jesus Christ,
the Father’s Son,
will be with us
in truth and love.”
2 John 1:3
Both art selections by Gustave Doré
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