Jesus the Game ChangerSample

Women and Children

Jesus gave dignity and worth to women and children.

In the first century, women and children were not highly valued. Children were seen as unimportant until they could contribute to the household. Women were often disregarded, lacking basic rights and freedoms.

It was into this culture that Jesus stepped. In a culture where women and children were often overlooked, controlled, and neglected, Jesus treated both with extraordinary dignity.

When Jesus rose from the dead, the first eyewitness he chose was Mary Magdalene (John 20). In a society where women’s testimony was often disregarded, Jesus entrusted the greatest news in history, his resurrection, to a woman. That was no accident.

Jesus also welcomed children. When his disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus placed a child among them and said that receiving a child in his name was like receiving him (Matthew 18). In doing so, he elevated the value of those considered least important

Sociologist Rodney Stark once observed: “It’s a wonder that every woman did not become Christian.” Why? Because Christianity offered a radically different vision of worth and dignity, grounded in Jesus himself.

Today, wherever the teachings of Jesus have spread, the value of women and children has been lifted. In the West, however, the narrative has shifted. We sometimes assume Christianity restricts and limits women. Yet this was not the impact of Jesus’ message in the first century, and it should not be the message conveyed today.

The value and dignity Jesus gave to women and children was, and still is, game-changing. He uplifts, dignifies, values, and honours women, children, and all who find themselves on the margins.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean to you that Jesus entrusted his resurrection announcement to Mary?
• How can you honour children, not just for who they will become, but for who they are now?
• Where might you be called to give dignity to those overlooked in your community?