Introduction: In a world where women were unseen, unheard, and of little importance, Jesus lifted them up. He saw them as they were-precious daughters of the Father. In each encounter, with each woman, He not only met their immediate need, but by demonstrating His respect and attention, He provided them with dignity and status. In the process of ministering to them, on-lookers witnessed how he treated them as peers to be valued instead of inferior beings as they were thought to be.
Come with me on a journey as we experience the impact Jesus made on the lives of the women he met. Before we meet those women, let’s take a peek into their world. As expected, domestic duties occupied most of a woman’s time in 1st century Israel. Girls were taught housekeeping skills early. Marriage was common after the on-set of her first period. Women socialized within the courtyard of their home, around the well when they went to draw water for their family’s needs, and in the Women’s Court at the Temple. While they were expected to confine themselves to their homes, they were not without resources. They could earn an income, buy, sell and hold real estate. In contrast to the days of Debra the Judge, Hellenization brought about restrictions to women in civic and political arenas. Although women could sue for divorce, it was rare. Should her husband sue for divorce, he was responsible for her continued support. The dowery, paid by her father to her groom, was returned to her. In the courts, her voice was worth half that of a man.
It was the areas outside of their home where women found the most restrictions and loss of dignity. Men and women didn’t speak or touch on the city streets. As we go though the series, we will discover the unique ways Jesus interacted with each women in order to meet her immediate need and to increase her worth by showing her respect and treating her as an equal. I’m hoping to incorporate your thoughts from comments you’ve made in each devotion in this final lesson from our series. Please let me hear from you. Just scroll down below each devotion and leave a comment.
Sources: 1) https://tjwrayauthor.com/the-lives-and-roles-of-women-in-biblical-times/ 2)Women in Jesus Ministry and the Place of Women in Contemporary Christian Ministry/ The American Journal of Biblical Theology 3)Jesus’ Extraordinary Treatment of Women/ Franciscan Media.
Oh…The women we will meet.
1. The Woman at the Well
2. The Woman of Great Faith
3. Dear Friends: Mary and Martha
4. The Woman with a Past.
5. The Woman Caught in Adultery
6. Mary, the mother of Jesus.
7. What does this mean for us?
Love the message. Keep up the good work Geri. God bless you.