How Did Jesus View And Treat Women?
Jesus’ View of Women: A Revolutionary Compassion
When we explore how Jesus viewed and treated women, we discover a radical departure from the cultural norms of His day. In first-century Judea, women were often marginalized, had limited rights, and were generally excluded from religious instruction. Yet, Jesus’ words and actions consistently affirmed the value, dignity, and spiritual capacity of women. Let’s examine several key encounters and teaching moments to see how Jesus set an enduring example for His followers.
1. Jesus’ Respect for Women as Image-Bearers of God
From the beginning, Scripture affirms that both men and women are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 ASV). Jesus’ ministry reflects this fundamental equality. He never treated women as inferior but as valuable individuals worthy of respect and salvation.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. - Genesis 1:27 ASV
2. Jesus Engaged Women as Disciples and Witnesses
Unlike many religious teachers of His day, Jesus welcomed women as His followers and engaged them in theological conversations. He taught Mary of Bethany at His feet—a posture reserved for disciples (Luke 10:39 ASV). He also entrusted women to be the first witnesses of His resurrection, giving them a central role in proclaiming the good news (John 20:17 ASV).
And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. - Luke 10:39 ASV
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God. - John 20:17 ASV
3. Jesus’ Compassion for the Marginalized
Jesus often reached out to women who were considered outcasts or sinners by society. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7 ASV) is a prime example. Not only did He speak with her—a Samaritan and a woman—but He also revealed His identity as the Messiah to her, leading to the salvation of many in her town.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. - John 4:7 ASV
Similarly, Jesus defended a woman caught in adultery, challenging her accusers and extending forgiveness and hope (John 8:10-11 ASV).
And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee? And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more. - John 8:10-11 ASV
4. Jesus Affirmed the Faith and Service of Women
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus praised women for their faith and service. He commended the faith of the woman who touched His cloak for healing (Luke 8:48 ASV) and the sacrificial generosity of the widow who gave two small coins at the temple (Mark 12:43-44 ASV).
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. - Luke 8:48 ASV
And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury: for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. - Mark 12:43-44 ASV
5. Jesus’ Teaching on Marriage and Dignity
Jesus’ teaching on marriage elevated the status of women by emphasizing the sanctity and mutual commitment of marriage, countering the common practice of easy divorce that left many women vulnerable (Matthew 19:4-6 ASV).
And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. - Matthew 19:4-6 ASV
Conclusion: Jesus’ Enduring Example
Jesus’ view and treatment of women was marked by dignity, compassion, inclusion, and affirmation of their worth before God. He saw the heart, not gender or social status, and welcomed all who would follow Him. For believers today, His example compels us to treat all people—male and female—with the love, respect, and honor that God Himself bestows.