“Do you have a favorite story about Jesus?” This was the question that I was asked at a Christmas gathering. Our ice breaker activity was to write down a question that would help us get to know each other better. Then we circulated as Christmas Carols played and stopped to chat when the music stopped. In this round, I connected with my daughter. When she posed this question, my immediate response was, “The woman at the well!” And her quick reply was, “Me too!”
Why this story? So many reasons! Jesus brought this woman hope when she was convinced her life was hopeless!1 He valued her despite being one of the most despised people of her time… a Samaritan woman who was socially shunned. He talked to her as an equal and revealed Himself to her as the Messiah. It was through her testimony that many in her village believed in Jesus! Apparently, the girl could preach!
One of my other favorite passages is when Jesus dispatched the first preacher to declare His resurrection and plans!2 To whom did Jesus give this honor and responsibility? Mary Magdalene! She was tasked with sharing the gospel of Jesus’ resurrection to the men huddled together in fear and disappointment.
Don’t miss this! Jesus didn’t just value women because they are precious daughters. He valued them as carriers of His Truth! And note that He doesn’t put limitations on their audience! So why is it that many pastors, churches, and even denominations refuse to acknowledge women as viable carriers of the gospel in and out of the church walls?
Oh yes… Paul’s statements about women in the church… they are indeed hard to reconcile with the example that Jesus showed us. I find it surprising that so many people will take Paul’s comments at face value (without researching the recipients of his letters, the context of them, or the culture to which he was responding to). In fact, many are so determined to latch onto those statements that they disregard Jesus’ example of including women in His teaching and ministry. Consider also that there are passages in the Word of God that are directly attributed to women.3 The New Testament also highlights several women as being an integral part of the spreading of the gospel. (I’d dare say that they weren’t just relegated to children’s church, as important as that is!)
There are some wonderful resources available to help you (or anyone) understand Paul’s statements regarding women in leadership. I could give a basic rundown here, but then I would be cheating you of the opportunity to dig into the historical and cultural aspects of the three cities that Paul was addressing in his letters. It was in doing my own research and reading that I came to understand that Paul was not devaluing women in leadership but was rather dealing with issues that were prevalent in cities that were dedicated to goddesses. (There… I gave you a teaser about what you’ll find if you want to research!)
I think the greatest travesty in rejecting women as preachers and teachers of the Word is that half of God’s revelation of Himself is included in that rejection. Consider Genesis 1:27-28: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” NKJV. Note that God didn’t only reveal His nature in man, but also in woman.
Don’t get me wrong… this is not about equal rights, men and women are the same, yada, yada, yada. In fact, it’s the opposite! Men and women were not created the same even though we are both a reflection of God’s image. Men and women have different DNA, different strengths (both physically and emotionally), different tendencies, different weaknesses, different perspectives, and different ways they express their emotions. Yet, both genders equally reflect the beauty of God’s character, creativity, and ability to reason.
God reveals His nature to us through both the men AND the women that we do life with, in the church walls and outside of it. We need to value the influence of both godly men and godly women and allow them to deepen our understanding and appreciation of our Awesome Father!
God has used and will continue to use women to bring spiritual truths, encouragement, prophesy, and wholeness to those who are hungry for it.The same Holy Spirit resides in every Jesus follower regardless of age, gender, or race! That should encourage you!
Don’t shoot the messenger just because they don’t look or sound like you think they should. Besides, Jesus started it!
Live Loved,
P.S.: If you are interested in resources to research, please message me your email!
1John 4, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/significance-of-the-woman-at-the-well.html
2Matthew 28, John 20
3 A few examples: Exodus 15: The song of Miriam the prophetess, Judges 4: Deborah, Esther 4, Luke 1: The song of Mar