Despite
where the world still is in its treatment of women, it has taken a tremendous
leap forward in the last 100 years. In
America, their place and value is nothing like it was in 1850. However, long before the establishment of the
women’s suffrage movement they had a powerful advocate in the first century -
Jesus. Here are five ways in which He gave
value and purpose to all women.
Defense. Jesus had celebrity status easily gathering crowds
in the thousands around Him. They hung
on His every word. Through His platform
of influence He defended women when society tried to demean and dismiss
them.
Challenging the
status quo. Jesus put His life and reputation on the line
challenging the unjust ways in which women were treated during His day. Though knowingly opposing cultural rules He
became a voice for the voiceless.
Equality. Jesus demonstrated that women were as equally
valuable as men. He saw no difference in
a man’s worth over a woman’s. Both were
created and loved by God.
Compassion. Jesus showed kindness toward women of all
ranks in society - upper, middle and lower classes. He offered peace, hope and freedom to all
women who would choose to believe in Him with all their heart.
Accountability. Even though Jesus offered promise to women, He also called them to repentance. He realized true freedom is not just found in changing laws or cultural ideals. He offered liberation of the soul through forgiveness of sin. When women are delivered from sin they receive a new mind and heart and a new future that lasts for eternity.
Jesus
and those who follow His example offer a message to women around the
world. Those in abusive relationships,
oppressive cultures and feeling on the fringe of society, can find worth in
Christ. While publicly standing against
one woman’s accusers Jesus said to her “‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you;
go, and from now on sin no more’” (John 8:10-11). As Jesus championed this lady’s worth, He
calls upon all men everywhere to honor the God-given value that women
inherently posses.
