What Does Jesus Say About Women
Today we will talk about what does Jesus say about women. Many Christians do not know what this means. Some might think that Jesus had a traditional view of women, while others may believe He broke stereotypes of His time by valuing women’s roles. As we journey through what the Scriptures reveal, let’s keep our hearts open to the teachings and examples Jesus set forth. God’s Word is filled with insights, and it is essential we understand how Jesus honored, respected, and empowered women during His ministry.
Women in the Ministry of Jesus
Throughout His time on Earth, Jesus was intentional about involving women in His teachings and ministry. He offered women a voice during a time when they were often marginalized. The culture of first-century Israel was typically patriarchal, with Jewish law and customs often relegating women to submissive roles. In this context, Jesus stood out by affirming the dignity and worth of women, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God includes everyone, regardless of gender.
For instance, in Luke 8:1-3, we see Jesus traveling from one town to another, and accompanying Him were not just His twelve male disciples, but also a group of women. Verse 2 mentions Mary Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been cast out, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, and Susanna, among others, who provided for Him out of their means. This was quite radical for that time, as women were traditionally expected to remain in the background. Jesus placed women on the front lines of His ministry, highlighting their essential roles in His mission.
He engaged in conversations with women that broke social norms. A prime example of this is found in John 4:7-26, where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well. Not only did He engage her in conversation, but He also revealed His identity as the Messiah to her. This is significant because it communicated that His message was inclusive and available to all, breaking down the societal barriers of gender and ethnicity.
Furthermore, in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), Jesus honors Mary for choosing to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching, which was traditionally a position reserved for male disciples. In contrast, Martha is shown to be consumed with tasks, but Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen what is better. Here, Jesus affirmed a woman’s right to pursue spiritual growth and learning, a powerful message that continues to resonate today.
Women’s Role in Jesus’ Teachings
In His teachings, Jesus repeatedly illustrated the value of women, not only in their potential but also in their wisdom. He used women in His parables to communicate important truths. For instance, in Matthew 13:33, He compares the Kingdom of Heaven to yeast a woman used to leaven flour, suggesting that a woman’s influence in the world is significant and transformative. This imagery shows that women have a role in advancing God’s Kingdom, and their impact should not be underestimated.
Moreover, Jesus took time to commend women for their faith. In Matthew 15:28, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for help for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial rejection, her faith and persistence led Jesus to grant her request, praising her faith. This story shows not only Jesus’ willingness to listen to women but also His acknowledgment of their strength, resilience, and faith as valuable qualities in the Kingdom of God.
Additionally, Jesus’ stance on women can be seen in how He addressed issues such as divorce. In Matthew 19:3-9, when questioned about the lawfulness of divorce, Jesus emphasized the sanctity of marriage, teaching that it should not be broken lightly. In doing so, He defended women’s rights and dignity, recognizing the pain and consequences that divorce could bring to them. His teachings pointed to a respectful and loving treatment of women, advocating for their well-being.
Jesus and Women’s Testimony
The resurrection of Jesus is another area where the significance of women is evident. In all four Gospels, women were the first to witness the empty tomb and to receive the news of Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-10, John 20:1-18). In a culture that often dismissed the testimony of women, the fact that they were chosen as the first to proclaim the resurrection is profound. This speaks volumes about how Jesus valued their voices and their experiences.
By choosing women as the primary witnesses, Jesus elevated their status and recognized their critical role in the early Church. Their testimony was central to spreading the good news of the resurrection, demonstrating that God entrusts women with essential responsibilities in the Kingdom. This affirmation of women’s voices in the Gospel narrative invites us to recognize the valuable contributions women have made to our faith journey and the Church today.
Women in the Early Church
Following Jesus’ example, the early Church witnessed women actively participating in various ministries. The Apostle Paul acknowledged the roles of women in his letters, referencing female leaders such as Phoebe, a deacon (Romans 16:1) and Junia, noted as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7). In Acts 2:17-18, Peter quoted the prophet Joel, declaring that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and sons and daughters alike would prophesy. This promise signifies the continual empowerment of women for ministry.
Additionally, Paul encourages mutual respect and collaboration between men and women in Galatians 3:28, stating that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. This affirmation of equality highlights that all believers have a role to play in God’s plan, irrespective of gender. These verses call us to embrace the equal potential of both men and women in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Moreover, women like Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26) are significant figures in the growth of the early Church. Lydia was a successful businesswoman who opened her home for gatherings of believers, while Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, an eloquent preacher, more accurately about Christ. Their leadership and influence underscore the active role women have in fostering faith and growing the Church community.
Jesus’ Compassion and Understanding Toward Women
Throughout the Gospels, we consistently see Jesus demonstrating compassion toward women. His encounters with women reveal His sensitivity to their struggles, pain, and societal challenges. In Luke 7:36-50, we read the story of a sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume. Despite being judged by the religious leaders, Jesus accepted her, forgiving her sins and celebrating her act of love. This moment emphasizes Jesus’ heart for restoration and healing for those marginalized by society.
Additionally, in Luke 13:10-17, Jesus healed a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years. He addressed her physical suffering and social isolation with compassion, thus rebuking the religious authorities who criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath. By elevating her dignity, He demonstrated that love should come before legalism—a powerful lesson that still resonates today.
Moreover, when a woman was caught in adultery, Jesus responded without condemnation (John 8:1-11). Instead of punishing her, He invited her accusers to reflect on their own sins. After they left, He encouraged her to “go and sin no more,” restoring her dignity and urging positive change. This compassionate response emphasizes that Jesus sees women not as mere subjects of judgement but as individuals worthy of love and grace.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ teachings and actions toward women show us that He valued them equally as men. From His inclusion of women in ministry to His affirmations of their faith, Jesus challenged societal norms of His time. By using women as key figures in His messages and ensuring they were vital witnesses to His resurrection, He laid the foundation for the church to embrace women in leadership. Our understanding of Jesus’ perspective on women can encourage us to celebrate their contributions today.
As we reflect on these interactions, let us acknowledge the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing room for both men and women to thrive in their faith journeys. Jesus calls us to value each member of the body of Christ, empowering us all to serve and share the love of God.
In conclusion, I encourage us to uphold the beauty and worth that Jesus demonstrated towards women, reminding ourselves to carry forward this spirit of equality and love in our own lives.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4