Women's Issues Part III and Part IV

 

Part III- Sacrifice Whatever the Cost

Jesus moved past His fatigue, hunger, and emotional distress to treat women with respect. There was nothing chauvinist about His behavior. When He allowed the so-called immoral woman to wash His feet with her tears and hair, it was not sensual. It was a divine romance of a different sort, for out of brokenness, her restoration and healing flowed as she worshipped Him despite the palpable disapproval of old boys club. That is exactly what we must do, press into knowing Jesus, no matter the obstacle or public opinion. The woman who poured her life’s savings upon the Saviors feet did not lose it, for to this day the story is told of her extravagant worship. So, we too, as women when we pour life’s blood for the kingdom, it is not lost.

 

Jesus noticed the widow’s offering of two mites, the least offered, or it seemed so to those lacking spiritual eyes. But, Jesus looked at her heart and recognized the wealth that she had poured out in that offering. He too recognizes your sacrifice for His kingdom and He is grateful.

Even in the depths of pain and despair, Jesus focuses on women: this time, His mother. He makes sure that after His death that her care is assured. He passes on the responsibility of the eldest son to a devoted believer, John, since at that time none of his own brothers were His followers.

Part IV- Who are We?

Everywhere He went, He honored women, rather his mother or not. In fact, He says something so revolutionary that His own family thought Him mad: He asks who is  his mother, brother, or sister? His sensational answer: He who does the will of my father. With this one statement, He broke ages of sexism. We don’t need to wait for the Book of Galatians for Paul to say there is neither male, nor female, Jew or Greek. Jesus disposed of these categories and their burdens right then and there. And since, He is the very word of God- Emet. We can take Him as his Word.

Jesus had no problems with business women either. They financed his ministry, provided him with a safe place to stay, and fed him. Heck, even the First Church was financed by women such as Lydia.

We are the compassionate ones. We are the hopeful ones.  Mary Magdalene got to the tomb first and came ready to serve to boot. She was the one commissioned by the angel to go to the disciples, who were cowering in a deep dark cell somewhere, and tell them that Jesus had risen just as He promised. Jesus comforts her when she thinks that someone has stolen His body, and then, He personally commissions to share the gospel. Who received the honor of touching Jesus before His ascension? None but a woman. Who had the honor of bringing him into the world? None but a woman. “Man ain’t had nothing to do with Him,”  as Sojourner Truth famously quipped.

Jesus celebrates our life events. He makes time for marriages and funerals. He toasts L’Chaim to all special moments for He has written and orchestrated them for in advance. So, if you feel forgotten, ignored, disdained, rejected, or alone, Jesus knows how to love you truly in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, loneliness, and despair. Please give Him a try.


Unashamed to be a Woman,
Mella