“As a non-Jew (Gentile) recording the words and works of Jesus’ life, Luke demonstrates a special sensitivity to other ‘outsiders’ with whom Jesus came into contact. For instance, Luke records five events involving women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. In the first-century Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens with few of the rights men had. But Jesus crossed those barriers, and Luke showed the special care Jesus had for women. Jesus treated all people with equal respect. The below passages tell of his encounters with women.” [TLASB; p. 2209]
John 4:1-26 - Jesus talks to a Samaritan woman at the well ...
Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead ...
Luke 7:36-50 - A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet ...
John 8:1-11 - Jesus forgives an adulterous woman ...
Luke 8:1-3 - A group of women travel with Jesus ...
Luke 10:38-42 - Jesus visits Mary and Martha ...
Luke 13:10-17 - Jesus heals a crippled woman ...
Mark 7:24-30 - Jesus heals the daughter of a Gentile woman ...
Luke 23:27-31 - Weeping women follow Jesus on his way to the cross ...
John 19:25-27 - Jesus’ mother and other women gather at the cross ...
Mark 16:9-11 - Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene ...
Matthew 28:8-10 - Jesus appears to other women after his resurrection ...
Throughout scripture women were seen to have a subservient role to men. In NT times this changed slightly in that while the women were still subservient to their husbands, the men were subservient in a way, by virtue of their deep love for their spouse. Women were respected for their role as the child bearer, a role that very obviously, men could not fulfill. This is why when a woman was barren, as in unable to bear children, it is viewed by society as someone who is being punished by God. This is why Joseph, being betrothed to Mary, considered quietly divorcing her so as to avoid shaming her; until an angel explained the entirety of the situation to Joseph.
Jesus didn’t present a world where women were segregated from men, but rather accepted all people equally, without exception. In the spirit of selflessness, believers today are to strive to treat all with the same love, patience, and compassion that Christ did. Life is a little more complicated today as equality for all involves many ungodly elements in addition to godly ones. It is somewhat difficult to navigate thru this maze without stumbling once in a while and dealing with parties that you may not theologically agree with can be tricky. However, treating women as women still stands as the biblical way to look at things. Respect is the key. Acceptance is also a key. This has nothing to do with diversity or gender bending, although we are to love them the same as anyone else. You can love others without supporting their lifestyle. We aren’t anyone’s judge and jury. We are ambassadors of God’s love. Almighty God is the only true judge.
Women are a wonderful blessing from God and should be viewed and treated as such without exception. Giving someone, either male or female, honor, and respect, bolsters their self-respect. This is important as an avenue a person can take to see who they truly are and places value on them, just as God does.
Up next is a spotlight on James, one of the 12 disciples. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: TLASB = The Life Application Study Bible.
NOTE: Take time to read each scripture reference to get the full picture of how Jesus interacted with women.
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