How did Jesus Treat Women?

It is no surprise to anyone that women have been treated very poorly throughout history. Men have a history of either abandon or abuse when it comes to our divine partners. In Jesus’ time, women didn’t have the rights or respect of men and were often passed from father to husband just like land or livestock. Obviously, this is not the way it is supposed to be. Women have always been made in the image of God and of equal value and worth, coheirs with men in the inheritance of Christ.

As we continue to investigate how to imitate Jesus, we should study how He approached women. And once again, He shows us the way. He challenges and “subverts [man’s] institutions at almost every turn.” (Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative)

Women were a large focus of Jesus’ ministry and mentioned frequently. He had numerous interactions with women and they followed Him. And God specially chose women to be the first to know of His resurrection and tell disciples that He has risen.

Jesus’ treatment of women was controversial, even radical to the men of this time. All of Jesus’ words to women (both believers and unbelievers) are full of understanding, gentleness, compassion, and kindness.

• He never disgraced, belittled, reproached, or stereotyped women. He was respectful and obedient to His mother. He asked why Mary was distraught looking for Him but sought after her well-being by being obedient.

  • (Luke 2:49–52, John 2:1–11, John 19:26-27)

• He was tender in offering help and healing to women who were weak or sick. He stood up for those who had no advocate.

  • (Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:30-31, Luke 4:38-39, Mark 5:25-34, Mark 5:35-43, Luke 7:11-17, Luke 4:24-26, John 7:53–8:11)

• He specifically chose a Samaritan woman to be the first person in His evangelistic ministry. This woman would have been the worst candidate in most people's eyes. Jesus affirms that she (and us like her) is who He came to save.

  • (John 4:1–42)

• He affirmed women should be treated with respect and men should honor their commitments to them.

  • (Matthew 5:27-32)

• He praised women for their faith.

  • (Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 5:25-34, Mark 7:24-30, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 10:38-42)

• He noticed women that were treated as unnoticeable, hidden, and overlooked.

  • (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 13:10-17, John 12:1-8)

 How should Jesus’ Followers Treat Women?

Just like Jesus, men are never to disgrace, belittle, or stereotype women. We are to outdo one another in showing honor and respect, treating women as equals in value and worth.

• There is no favoritism or partiality with God.

• (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:2, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11-16, Galatians 3:28, James 21:1)

• Husbands should cherish, invest in, and protect their wives.

  • (Proverbs 31:10-11, Ephesians 5:25-27)

• Treat women as valuable to ministry. Gifts of the Spirit are given to all members of the church, men and women alike, for the building up of the community. The Bible clearly doesn’t forbid women from being active in ministry.

  • (Luke 8:1–3, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:17, Acts 5:14, Acts 17:12).

• We should advocate for women to be treated equally in human rights, compensation for the same work

  • (Proverbs 31:8-9)