How Did Jesus Treat Women? 

One of the most astonishing, but little-known, qualities of Jesus was his unheard-of attitude toward women at a time when a man could not even acknowledge his own wife in public. Jesus brought much ridicule upon himself and his followers by taking this bold stand to allow women to train in the teachings of the new kingdom. He knew that they could minister to the sick and to other women much more effectively than his male apostles could have done during those times of strict adherence to social mores. Jesus not only boldly stood by the women, but he provided the opportunity for them to excel and achieve things unknown to women at that time.

Jesus' mother Mary was educated far above the women of her day. Mary was related to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who was also highly educated because she belonged to the priesthood through a women's group called the "Daughters of Aaron." We suspect this was the case with Mary as well as all of the women in their extended family.

Mary was an exceptional and capable woman of great positivity and enthusiasm. Jesus gained a large share of his cheerfulness from his mother and he met other women who impressed him with their devotion and willingness to serve.

Hailing from the liberal city of Nazareth, Jesus encountered his first real situation of his mother being treated unfairly when she was denied access to witness his graduation ceremony at the Temple. It had never occurred to him that such an injustice would prevail, especially in such a special moment in a young man's life. He tried to object but it was of no use. He was greatly saddened for his mother's sake and it was a disappointment to the lad on what should have been a special day and wonderful experience. Jesus did a lot of thinking about this event afterward, and he was determined to make things better for his people when he was grown.

Jesus was left behind in the Temple when Joseph and Mary left for Nazareth, and this was another example of the social code being so strict that women were required to travel separately from the men during their journey to Jerusalem. Jesus was considered a child before arriving for his graduation, so he was allowed to travel with the women and lead the pack animal that Mary rode. After his graduation, it was intended for him to return to Nazareth with the men, however when he was not with the group, Joseph assumed that Jesus decided to lead Mary's animal as he had on the way there; and Mary assumed that Jesus had taken his rightful place with the men. It was a few days before they could return to Jerusalem and find their son. Ultimately, this rule led to unnecessary confusion and temporary panic.

Mary and Joseph set up a homeschool for Jesus' sisters and Jesus fully approved of such a plan as he was growing up and was glad to help his three sisters. Later he insisted that all of the girls finish their training as he helped raise his family after his father's death.

Jesus made sure that his sisters had plenty of boards to write on and draw and they were required to learn and memorize their studies of the scriptures just as the boys did. Though Jewish law did not provide for this education, it was probably overlooked in a more lenient manner because they lived in Nazareth. All of the children learned life skills and trade skills from early in their childhood as they became able to accept responsibilities. Both girls and boys were required to step in and contribute to the family, and when an older child married, they made sure the younger sibling was fully trained and could assume their duties.

Jesus never hesitated to step in to protect the weaker party during any conflict. In those days of war, civil unrest, and Roman occupation, there were situations he encountered that always evoked fairness and personal respect for any person he met. He lived the truth of his teachings about treating others as you would have them treat you. Indeed he loved all people with a startling parental affection, including men, women, and children.

During his travels, Jesus witnessed a man mistreating his wife. He intervened, speaking to the man privately with kindness and empathy, encouraging him to reflect on his actions. The man admitted his lack of self-control and pledged to do better, acknowledging the worth and equal partnership of his wife. Jesus emphasized the importance of mutual love and respect in marriage, highlighting the shared responsibility of raising children and the need for protection and care. The couple embraced tearfully as Jesus and his companions departed.

When Jesus was nineteen, a beautiful young girl named Rebecca fell in love with him and wanted to marry him. Mary and Miriam discouraged her, believing Jesus had a higher purpose. But Rebecca was persistent and she arranged a meeting with him at her birthday party. After her proposal, Jesus declined, emphasizing his commitment to his family's welfare and his obligation to fulfill the trust of raising his father's children. He was sensitive and tender in response to Rebecca’s proposal, expressing his gratitude for her love and that it would warm his heart forever. While heartbroken, Rebecca remained devoted to him throughout his public life, even witnessing his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and standing by Mary during his crucifixion.

Jesus surprised his disciples by announcing that ten devout women would be set apart for ministering work in the kingdom. It was a groundbreaking move, as women were not allowed to teach or minister in that era. Jesus authorized these women to organize themselves, provided them with funds and equipment, and emancipated women from spiritual inferiority. Though the apostles were initially shocked, the women believers stood by their chosen sisters.

The women's corps were effective in their ministry and eventually expanded their efforts by training an additional fifty women in home visitation and ministering to the sick and afflicted. Perpetua, Simon Peter's wife, became a member of this group and led the enlarged women's work under Abner. Other notable members included the wives of Philip and Matthew, as well as the mother of James and John. It is notable that the women who followed Jesus' ministry never betrayed or abandoned him.

On a few occasions Jesus stood for the rights of women who were being taken advantage of by cruel and heartless men. On one occasion he encountered the woman who was taken in adultery and turned over to the priests. The well-known story revealed that when Jesus asked the men who were standing by to stone her that he who was without sin should cast the first stone, they all walked away. Jesus was standing right by her own evil husband who had forced her to support them through prostitution when he said it and this man was the first to flee with his conscience when Jesus confronted him.

On another occasion, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, had saved her earnings for a long time to be able to buy an expensive lotion to use at Jesus' burial. She believed him when he said he was about to die. In the last days of Jesus' life, Mary decided to annoint Jesus while he lived. When she approached him at a banquet and began using the expensive oil, others quickly criticized her. Jesus defended her generosity and said to the group, "Why do you trouble her about this, seeing that she has done a good thing in her heart?"

Jesus was a man of high ideals. He never entered the public baths. He would never enter where lewd behavior was going on that disrespected or wrongly used women. He also assisted two women who were stranded in an unseemly situation through no fault of their own. He entreated the wife of one of his followers to befriend the women and help them find a new beginning. When a woman of questionable character cried at his feet in gratitude for being forgiven, she wiped his feet with her hair. Jesus did not stop her because of the greatness of her love and the powerful conversion experience she was going through.

The recognition of women's place in religious work became a part of the early Christian church, although it was not fully upheld in subsequent generations. Paul, in particular, struggled to incorporate this principle into his own practices.

Jesus had much respect for women and repeatedly assured his followers that the prejudice he encountered on earth does not exist in heaven. Jesus is the eternal champion of all people, including and especially, women.