Jesus Valued Women (and why that matters)

ByJeffery Curtis Poor

In the past century we’ve seen a huge improvement in women’s rights in our society. I would argue we aren’t quite where we should be; however we are not where we once were.

What surprises me is some of the loudest voices against some progress is often Christians. Now I’m not interested in making a political statement…well okay, I am interested in making some kind of political statement. But I’m not interested in delving into specific issues. I know there is plenty of debate over certain issues not aligning with Christianity. However at the heart of the movement I believe is God’s heart. Sure, some of the issues might be off track, but that doesn’t mean we discount the whole thing.

I’ve had a relatively large shift in my theology over the past year or so on this topic. This has largely come from being challenged by the doors that Jesus opened for women. The church subsequently shut the doors a century or so after and has been trying to keep closed ever since. But Jesus was radical in his approach to women, and as I study His approach I find myself shifting my view.

When Jesus entered in the picture in the 1st Century the Jewish culture had an extreme patriarchal society. Women were not afforded the same freedoms and rights as men.  Maybe the biggest disadvantage Jewish women had was not being allowed into the inner courts in the temple, which kept them from learning, being taught, and kept them on the edge of society at the time.

Some of teachings of the time even took this a step further. Rabbi Eli’ezer, who lived in the 1st Century, said, Whoever teaches his daughter Torah is considered as if he taught her foolishness. An other Rabbi taught Let the words of Torah rather be destroyed by fire than imparted to a woman. Of course not all thoughts in Judaism were to this extreme. In fact Judaism placed a higher value on women than many of the other ancient societies. However the average views still placed women in a different category than men where they had substantially less freedom. 

That’s the world that Jesus entered into. Throughout his life and his ministry he challenged many of the preconceived notions and opened doors for women. What he did would have shocked those in 1st Century culture, and I think it’s important that we today don’t forget the significance of his actions.

From the Beginning Jesus Brought Change

The first shock comes in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1, you know the chapter you skip because it’s boring. Genealogies in the day were common and a big deal. They were seen as your resume of sorts. You used them to show people how good you were, what kind of stock you came from. A common practice was to hide the bad people and highlight the good people. But Jesus did the exact opposite.

Not only did Jesus highlight a murderer, adulterer, liar, doubters, and a guy who keeps telling people his wife is his sister, but all sorts of messed up people.  Jesus’ genealogy highlights 5 women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and of course Mary. It was already shocking that Jesus would have included women. But what was doubly shocking was the women he included. He had 2 non-Jews, a prostitute, and Bathsheba who was David’s mistress. These are not the people that you would include if you were trying to impress people. But that was never Jesus’ goal.

Jesus’ Firsts for Women

Throughout Jesus’ ministry he continually puts women on the same level as men. We might not see the significance today, but what he did was extremely significant.

The first miracle went to a woman. ( John 2:1-11)

First news of incarnation went to a woman. (Luke 1:35)

First Samaritan convert was a woman. (John 4:39-42)

First person clearly told by Jesus that he was the Messiah was a woman. (John 4:26)

The first news of the resurrection when to a woman. (Luke 24:1-12)

Women were commissioned to tell the news of the resurrection to the disciples. (Matthew 28:10)

In a culture that consistently cast women aside Jesus did the opposite. He place women in important roles in his ministry and showed that he equally values women.

Martha and Martha

Maybe the clearest example of Jesus opening doors for women is in Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary. If you’ve grown up in church you’ve probably heard this story. Jesus comes over to Martha’s house. Martha slaves away preparing everything while her sister Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Martha gets mad and tells Jesus to make Mary help her. Jesus famously says you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Thus the moral of the story is don’t be too busy and miss Jesus. But wait… Is that what is really happening?

The Bible is written to a different culture and a different time. Thus when we read it we miss some of the cultural undertones. One of those is the difference between a woman’s and man’s role in this culture. In 1st Century culture a man’s role was to sit at the feet of a teacher and learn while the women prepped the meal and did the house work. Thus Martha is doing her cultural duties and Mary is breaking the rule.

Jesus isn’t critiquing Martha’s business, although you probably could make a case for that. The significance of this moment is that Jesus not only allows Mary to sit at his feet and learn, but he commends her for doing so. This is a huge role reversal and points to Jesus’ intent. Men and Women have equal value in Jesus’ sight.

Jesus reversed many of the thoughts on women of the day and placed women in prominent positions in the telling of his story. Historically the church has tried to cast women aside time and time again. Maybe it’s time to look at what Jesus did for women and follow the pattern he established.

What are your thoughts?

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77 Comments

  1. I really appreciate your insights on this issue, you make a great point when you said

    , ” In 1st Century culture a man’s role was to sit at the feet of a teacher and learn while the women prepped the meal and did the house work. Thus Martha is doing her cultural duties and Mary is breaking the rule”

    To follow Christ is to value what he values, Gender differences among men and women are a gift to appreciate and a responsibility to carry out.

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  4. Hi Jeffery,
    I really love this post. Being a female Christian, oftentimes it’s difficult to find our value in Christianity – at least it is for me. I always like to note that women were created as “helper to” of man and not a “servant to”, as that patriarchal mindset has been in place for many centuries. I LOVE that your post brings in a historical perspective. I think you’ve done a wonderful job of highlighting that Jesus (and God) place the same value on men and women, but with that, we have different strengths to offer and the roles we have in the world are directly based on the strengths that God gave each of us. Also, thanks for the follow! I look forward to getting to know you more and connecting through Christ.
    -MB

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reading!

      I think you are right. We have a big misunderstanding of what “helper” means. I like your example of helper/servant. That certainly speaks to how our culture often interprets that passage.

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      1. I think many get sidetracked from that by the passage that speaks about men being in control of women. But we see so many examples throughout the Bible of how men are serving women and following their female guidance. We are serving each other and contributing to the world and to God as a team, bringing important qualities given to us my Him.

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  5. I enjoyed this, thank you.
    On so much these days, we are called to rely on the Spirit.

    The thing is, there is so much around me that is being proclaimed in spirit – and clearly has Spirit in it – but the messages leave me without Spirit.

    Kill homosexuals, proclaim women under Man’s Law, vilify the Muslim, demand your Prosperity.

    Which way to go?

    What is the understanding that the true Spirit indeed is available to – and can be revealed to – all?

    Here you ask me to listen. Just listen, that is all. And I am able to hear the Spirit leading women on.

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  6. I do believe He did alter the view of woman in society. I also think he empowered them for ministry as well. It is evident when we look at the faithfulness and obedience of Priscilla and Aquila in their endeavors with Paul. As a male I love seeing how much he valued Priscilla as an individual and as a critical part of that team.

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  7. This is my favorite from Luke 7:36-50: When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

    When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

    Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

    “Tell me, teacher,” he said.

    “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

    Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

    “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

    Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

    Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

    The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

    Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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  11. Thanks so much for your relevant posts and for pointing us to the truth of what scripture really says. I believe we’re quick interpret without looking at context and further verses. I appreciate your willingness to do that. I truly believe Jesus values women far more than the world or even the church has. Thanks for showing us some evidence of that. Thank you also for visiting my website and reading my blog. I’m glad you found something helpful there. I always love making new connections among Jesus lovers!

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  12. Thank you for affirming the fact that Jesus values women. Jesus looked them in the eye and a prostitute, Rahab, is accounted for in his genealogy. God’s heart is always for those whom society tends to shove to the margins.

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  19. As for women, Jesus went further than that, it was why he told the story of the good Samaritan; your actions decide who you are, amen, and if you love without barriers, you are in the right zone as they say, fine post.

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  23. Remembering the Story of Martha and Mary, when Martha was too anxious and was serving God while Mary was gazing and Enjoying the Beauty of Jesus. I think the lesson there is that we need to Focus more on God, to gaze at His beauty and then all things will follow. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all things will be given to you 🙂

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    1. I agree that can be a lesson. But culturally there was something much larger happening. Being taught and listening to a Rabbi (what Jesus was) was something only a man could do. The story of Mary and Martha shows that Jesus doesn’t draw distinctions between men and women, they both have a spot at the feet of the Rabbi.

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  27. Thank you for posting this. I am currently researching God’s design for women and this article has been very helpful in understanding more. Thank you for passing on the wisdom!

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      1. Hi Jeffery, thank you so much for replying. I would really like to read your paper and I’d love it if you would give me permission to possibly quote you in any future blogs. Thank you!

        Reply

        1. I cannot attached documents in the comment section. If you send me your email I would be more than happy to send the paper. It’s specifically about if women can be elders, this article was inspired by it. There’s a lot of great resources that I found that are all marked in the bibliography. You are welcome to quote me on anything from this site or the paper, although the people I quote are much much smarter than me.

          If you don’t want to comment your email publicly you can go to the contact paper on this site and get ahold of me that way.

          Reply

  28. Best,
    Your Blog inspires me to bring back more Christian messages to my Blog https://groetenuittienen.blog/
    I did it for a while but it was depressing that every time I brought something about Faith or about addictions a lot of my followers suddenly dropped out.
    But then it is only so.
    Early next year I bring back a category about Faith, we will see what it gives.
    Thanks again for the motivation.
    Blessed Greeting and continue doing as you are doing in Jesus name
    Theo

    Reply

    1. Unfortunately faith, Jesus, and the Holy Bible are not popular subjects. When you make a post on faith please make a comment on my blog with your link. I’m very interested in checking it out! 🙂

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  29. Thank you for this! Women are a valuable part of the Body of Christ and I love that you are shedding light on such a beautiful thing!

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      1. We have been taught bible a mixed WORD OF YHVH the first 40 books Hebrew and 26 greek authored not inspired books=66
        (Mathew ShemTov Hebrew) Bableon is now deep in Christianity, with the real Names of YAH replaced by pagan gods. That’s why I call what we are in Biblon, It’s just babelon My site explains in depth. http://www.YHSH1.net Thanks YHSH Bless You.

        Reply

  33. I would argue Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute, but Jesus’ betrothed. She was his closest apostle because of who she was, not what she did.

    Have you read the Gnostic Gospels? A big part of Jesus teaching that no one seems to reference is the power of the Holy Spirit, the father and the son… I.e. the family. Is it possible we have been missing a big piece of Jesus instruction?

    Themilieux.org

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    1. While interesting, I don’t give the Gnostic Gospels much, if any historic credit. Much of it contradicts Jesus teaching, although I’m sure some truth and true stories are in there as well. There’s certainly an audience out there that holds your view, however I don’t see any credible historical evidence that points to Mary Magdalene being Jesus’ betrothed.

      Also I wouldn’t say she was Jesus’ closest apostle, that would have to fall to Peter. But being 2,000 years removed it’s really anyone’s guess.

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  36. Reblogged this on The Bleeding Blogger and commented:
    Reblogging this post from rethink (rethinknow.org). Jeffery has made some intriguing observations here. Thoughts? What progress has the church made to date in its view of women and the improvement of women’s status? What progress is yet to be made?

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  39. This is an excellent post, Jeffery. I would add to it one more point. Jesus’ compassionate and respectful treatment of women flies in the face of the secular world which accuses Christians of demeaning women. Even in the Old Testament, women are regarded highly, and more so in the New. Unbelievers who think Christianity, and especially the Bible, demeans women, should be challenged to read it on their own and see for themselves. Regarding verses about women not being able to teach a man (which I think the Bible clearly teaches and still holds), these should be used as conversation-starters and, of course, should be correctly expounded upon. Anyway, great “food for thought” post; thanks for sharing it.

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  42. I love the line in your opening paragraph “I would argue we aren’t quite where we should be; however we are not where we once were.” That is masterfully said. It’s incredible that God has blessed the church with some great female voices in our time (Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Shauna Neiquest, etc) and God is using females, like he always has, to further advance his kingdom. This also gives me hope that the future will be even brighter in this aspect.

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      1. Amen Jeffery! I so agree! I spoke on this subject to a pastor and lay leaders conference back in 2004. It was purely by accident, though. My husband and I were church planters at the time, and he was the one who would have spoken on behalf of our tiny congregation, but he hurt his back and could not go, so I ended up speaking.

        The Holy Spirit took over and he had me speak on the need to allow their women to prophecy, not in the sense of foretelling the future, but in the sense of using the gift of prophecy in the church in sharing the messages with the body of Christ which the Lord had given them for the church, biblical messages, from the Word of God, in all practicality and as applied to our world & church today.

        Aferwards I was told by the head dude’s wife that ours was the shortest lived church plant in history, or something like that. She knew I had just given it the kiss of death. But, many, many men came up to me afterwards and thanked me for what I shared, so I know it touched many hearts, and I hope that these pastors, or some of them, changed how they treated women from that moment forward.

        The thing of it is, they would honor certain women and not others. They would allow women missionaries to serve as pastors overseas, to plant churches, to teach Bible classes, etc. and when these same women came back to the USA they were treated like second-class citizens. If a woman was a missionary, or the daughter of Billy Graham, for example, they could speak publicly in the church meetings and even preach, when they were home on furlough, but the same option was never given to a lay woman within the church who also might have a message the Lord would have her share with the church. It was a double-standard, and those women who served overseas and then came back stateside really felt the brunt of it the most.

        I don’t advocate that women should be pastors, or that they should be in positions of authority over men, but they are equally gifted of God, and the Lord has gifted them to teach/preach/prophecy, i.e. to share a message from God’s Word just the same as men, so there should be a place for them to do this, but there usually isn’t. For me, my place became the internet, and here the Lord is using me in ways I would never have been used within the church (or within the institutional church). All glory to God!

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  43. Amen to this post! God has opened the door for women and we should pay attention to how He is using them. It is not an anomaly and we should start treating women as spiritually gifted just as men are. flightministries.com

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  44. Hey thanks for posting your thoughts on this, good stuff. Jesus certainly turned things upside down and gave it a good shake and continues to do so today.

    I really like the story of Martha and Mary, I blogged about it kind of recently if you haven’t seen it but —

    “Jesus isn’t critiquing Martha’s business, although you probably could make a case for that. The significance of this moment is that Jesus not only allows Mary to sit at his feet and learn, but he commends her for doing so. This is a huge role reversal and points to Jesus’ intent. Men and Women have equal value in Jesus’ sight” I never thought of it like this- wow, I think that’s awesome. Eye opener!

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  45. The role disruption is even a good deal broader throughout the New Testament.

    Although there were cases where a Roman woman might control her own affairs, for the most part they were under the legal control of their fathers and husbands. And the Greeks were step below that.

    And along comes Paul with “…neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

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  46. Well expressed Dear Jeffery. This post gives good insight on the some ways that Lord Jesus showed what the Kingdom of God was like with respect to the value placed on men and women. Lord Jesus showed that there is no favoritism with God. He showed how Dear women are in God’s sight, as against the suppression observed in the system of men.

    “Thus the moral of the story is: don’t be too busy and miss Jesus.”

    The above quote from your post sticks out to me. I read a similar quote ascribed to C.S. Lewis earlier today.

    Many a times, Christians get very busy going with the norm, not realizing that in following Christ, such things have to be submitted to the power of God so that His Will be expressed.

    More of Lord Jesus to you.

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  47. Nice touch on Mary and Martha and established roles. I had not thought of Mary as sitting down with the fellas. Wonder how they took it…
    Got anything on Jesus and how we should treat the homeless?
    Dave

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    1. I wonder if that was the first time she had done that… I can’t prove this, but, my guess is Peter stuck his foot in his mouth about her sitting there. That seems to be his m.o.

      I have not yet written on what Jesus would do with the homeless. In short I think he would hang out with them. But I think that would be an interesting topic. I have about 20 articles that I’ve started and another 7-8 that are close to done, so I’ll have to add that to my list so that I can start thinking and writing about that. Thanks for the suggestion!

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    2. And inclusion for those with mental illness and developmental disorders like autism. Jesus said we would always have the poor among us. We are to care for the widow and oprhan as well. It is ironic that conservative politicians who state they are Christians support unfunding programs that help these populations. Life matters at every stage. Before we were born, God knew us. He made us. He knows the beginning from the end. All Christians (not only men and abled ones) are His Children. I think that gives pause for thought.

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  48. Good post. I would ago a step further and say the Church has always been the vanguard of society on social justice and advancement of marginalized people. Like St. Telemachus who helps pave the way for the eradication of the brutality of the Roman Colosseum games. St. Mother Teresa and her advancement of the poor. Pope St. John Paul II and his strong denouement of communism and religious intolerance. I love how Social welfare is rooted in the Judeo-Christian paradigm. Sinful humans sometimes don’t always abide by the commandments of love, and the virtue of justice but its definitely essential to our faith.

    Thanks for the post!

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    1. I think you are onto a key trend in the church. I would add that what you listed is when the church is at it’s best. But when it’s at it’s worst it becomes sidetracked by the pursuit of power. The church has certainly made an impact in making the way for the marginalized. However it has also marginalized many people and people groups as well.

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    2. I love your comment! I often wonder how much was lost from the Church over the centuries as it was politicized more and given more power. It helps me understand the Protestant reformation more and why many wanted to go back to God’s word in the Bible as the sole identifier of right and wrong, among other things.

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