Women Are Not Less

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
– John 8:10-11

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

One could argue that the woman was brought for judgment because of her sin, but that would be only partly true. If justice had been the real goal, then the male partner would have been charged as well. No, this woman was guilty of the crime of being a woman caught in adultery.

First-century Palestine — the world into which Jesus was born — was clearly a male-dominated society.

Sadly, the history of our world — all periods of history, all continents, all cultural traditions — is rampant with damage, oppression, diminishment, contempt, and hostility aimed at women.

However, of all places on earth, the Christian church could be the most significant place of healing and hope — the place where women experience the joys of being respected, appreciated, esteemed, included, and celebrated.

After all, God Himself made women in His own image —

Male and female He created them. — Genesis 1:26–27

What a profound thought: God’s image is only fully reflected in both man and woman.

When we denigrate a woman, we are in fact diminishing part of the image of God. When we exclude women, we exclude part of God. When we put women down, we tarnish the image of God.

Psalm 139:13 tells us,
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

God took just as much time and care knitting together every female child as He did every male child.

Males and females are equally loved and valued by Him.

Paul wrote to the Galatians stating this very point:
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:28

In truth, there is no distinction in value between males and females. 

No one dignifies, affirms, and celebrates women like the God of the Bible.

Jesus stayed in women’s homes (Mary and Martha), accepted their financial support (Joanna, Susanna; and many other women in Luke 8:3), treated them as valuable and equal, befriended them, and He accepted women as His followers unlike any known Rabbi of the day. No wonder women flocked to Jesus!

Therefore, it should be the church that leads the way and sets the example of placing value upon womanhood… of getting them to Jesus, who can lift their shame and set them free. 

LET US PRAY:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the women in my life. Thank you for creating them in your image and after your likeness. Thank you for using them mightily for your glory.

I confess and repent of every prejudice and bias I have expressed directly or indirectly against the female man.
I pray that all women will find healing and hope today. I pray that our society especially the church will treat women with dignity, affirmation, appreciation, and esteem.
May our women be lifted out of shame and set free to be who God created them to be.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.