Jesus’ treatment of women was radically different from the norms of His time. In a culture where women were often silenced, excluded from religious learning, and seen as less valuable, Jesus consistently broke barriers. He spoke to women publicly, taught them as disciples, healed them without hesitation, and defended their dignity. Stories like the Samaritan woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery show how He gave women value and voice in a world that often ignored them.
Even more striking, Jesus entrusted women with major moments in His ministry—like being the first witnesses to His resurrection. These weren’t small gestures; they were deliberate actions that showed women were full participants in the kingdom of God. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Bible values women, Jesus’ example makes it clear. Keep reading to explore how His revolutionary approach still shapes how we view gender, dignity, and inclusion today.
When you read the Gospels today, it might be easy to overlook how groundbreaking Jesus’ treatment of women really was. But if you look closely—and understand the context of the first-century Jewish and Roman world—what He did was shocking. Jesus didn’t just tolerate women; He elevated, respected, taught, and empowered them in a time when society pushed them aside.
Let’s break this down clearly so you can see why Jesus’ interactions with women weren’t just kind—they were revolutionary.
1. The Cultural Status of Women in the First Century
To understand why Jesus’ actions were radical, you need to know how women were viewed in His time.
- In Jewish culture, women couldn’t testify in court, rarely owned property, and were often confined to domestic roles.
- A common rabbinic prayer of the time included this line: “Blessed are you, O God… who has not made me a woman.”
- Women didn’t learn the Torah (Jewish Law) like men did. Religious education was for males.
- In Roman society, women had more legal rights than in Jewish culture, but they were still generally treated as second-class citizens.
In short, women were seen as inferior—legally, socially, and spiritually.
2. Jesus Spoke Directly to Women—Publicly
In Jesus’ time, it was inappropriate for men, especially religious teachers (rabbis), to speak to women in public—especially women who weren’t family.
But Jesus consistently ignored this rule.
Example: The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:1–26)
Jesus had a long conversation with a Samaritan woman. She was:
- A Samaritan (a group hated by Jews),
- A woman (already breaking a major social rule),
- And a sinner (she had five previous husbands and was living with a man not her husband).
Despite all this, Jesus treated her with dignity. He revealed deep spiritual truths to her—including the fact that He was the Messiah. She was so impacted she ran back to her village and brought many to Jesus. He used her as a witness—something completely unheard of.
3. Jesus Taught Women as Disciples
This was probably the most radical thing Jesus did—He let women sit under His teaching, just like the male disciples.
Example: Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38–42)
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha prepared food. In Jewish tradition, “sitting at someone’s feet” meant you were their disciple. Rabbis didn’t allow women to be disciples.
But Jesus not only allowed it—He praised Mary for choosing the “better part” (Luke 10:42).
This moment redefined what it meant to follow Jesus. It was no longer about gender—it was about willingness to learn and follow.
4. Jesus Healed and Helped Women Publicly
Jesus didn’t just heal women—He did it publicly, often in ways that shocked those around Him.
Example: The Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:25–34)
This woman had been bleeding for 12 years. According to Jewish law, she was considered unclean and wasn’t allowed to touch anyone, let alone a religious teacher.
But she reached out and touched Jesus’ cloak. Instead of rebuking her, Jesus turned around, praised her faith, and publicly healed her.
He could’ve healed her quietly. But instead, He stopped the entire crowd to honor her courage and faith. In front of everyone.
5. Jesus Defended Women’s Dignity and Humanity
Jesus also protected women from shame and judgment.
Example: The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1–11)
A woman is dragged before Jesus, caught in adultery (interestingly, the man wasn’t brought forward). The crowd wanted to stone her, as the Law of Moses allowed.
But Jesus flipped the situation: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
One by one, the accusers left. Jesus, who was without sin, could have condemned her—but didn’t. He told her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
He upheld her dignity while calling her to a better life.
6. Women Were the First Witnesses of the Resurrection
In the ancient world, women’s testimonies weren’t considered valid in court. They weren’t reliable witnesses by legal standards.
So it’s stunning that all four Gospels record that women were the first to find the empty tomb—and the first to see the risen Jesus.
- Mary Magdalene is mentioned in every Gospel account of the resurrection (John 20:1–18, Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–12).
- Jesus told her to go and tell the disciples that He had risen. That made her the first preacher of the resurrection.
If the Gospel writers wanted to fabricate a convincing story, they wouldn’t have made women the first witnesses. That detail was embarrassing by ancient standards—but they kept it in because it was true.
7. Jesus Included Women in His Ministry
Luke 8:1–3 tells us about a group of women who traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry financially. These women weren’t background characters—they were part of His team.
- Mary Magdalene
- Joanna, wife of Chuza (Herod’s household manager)
- Susanna
- “Many others”
These weren’t passive followers. They were active participants, disciples, and supporters.
Key Takeaways
Let’s sum it up clearly:
- Jesus broke social and religious barriers that kept women in the background.
- He spoke to, taught, healed, honored, and entrusted women in ways no other rabbi would have dared.
- His actions showed that men and women are equal in dignity, worth, and access to God.
Why It Still Matters Today
It’s easy to miss how much Jesus did to elevate women because many of us live in cultures that have (at least officially) moved past ancient gender roles. But in some places—and even in some churches—those old ideas still echo.
If you’re a woman, Jesus’ story shows you have immense value. You’re seen. You’re included. You’re called. And if you’re a man, you’re called to treat women the same way Jesus did—with respect, honor, and equality.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t just preach about love and justice. He lived it—especially in how He treated women. That’s not just historically interesting. It’s a challenge for every one of us.
So ask yourself: Are you following the real Jesus—the one who broke cultural norms to show radical love?
Because once you see how Jesus treated women, you realize something profound:
He didn’t come to fit into the world’s system. He came to change it.
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FAQs: How Jesus’ Treatment of Women Was Radical for His Time
1. Why was Jesus’ treatment of women considered radical for His time?
Jesus lived in a culture where women had limited rights and were often excluded from religious life. He defied social and religious norms by teaching, healing, and openly speaking to women, treating them as equals in dignity and value.
2. Did Jesus have female disciples?
Yes, while the twelve apostles were men, Jesus had many female disciples who followed Him, supported His ministry financially (Luke 8:1–3), and learned from Him—something unheard of for women in that era.
3. How did Jesus interact with women in public?
Jesus regularly spoke with women in public settings, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). This was culturally taboo, especially for a religious teacher, yet He did so with respect and purpose.
4. Did Jesus defend women who were mistreated?
Absolutely. One key example is when Jesus defended the woman caught in adultery (John 8), preventing her from being stoned and challenging the hypocrisy of her accusers.
5. Were women involved in Jesus’ resurrection story?
Yes, women were the first to discover the empty tomb and the first to see the risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene was even the first person Jesus sent to proclaim His resurrection (John 20:17–18).
6. Did Jesus heal women differently than men?
Jesus healed women with the same compassion and power as He did men. What made it radical was His willingness to touch or be touched by women considered “unclean,” like the bleeding woman in Mark 5.
7. How did Jesus respond to women learning from Him?
Jesus welcomed and encouraged it. He praised Mary of Bethany for sitting at His feet and learning, saying she had “chosen what is better” (Luke 10:42), challenging norms that kept women out of religious education.
8. Why does Jesus’ treatment of women matter today?
His example shows that gender never determined someone’s worth, calling, or ability to follow God. It sets a model for how women should be treated—with dignity, equality, and spiritual authority.
9. How did Jesus include women in His ministry?
Women weren’t just spectators; they actively followed, supported, and served in Jesus’ ministry. They were among His closest followers and played key roles in spreading the Gospel.
10. What can we learn from Jesus’ interactions with women?
We learn that God’s kingdom includes and empowers everyone. Jesus’ actions teach us to break down social barriers, honor each person’s worth, and live out radical love and inclusion.
