For the Love of WomenSample

Jesus Values Women’s Faith:

In all three passages, Jesus notices and values women and their expression of faith.

In a patriarchal, hierarchical culture like ancient Rome, none of the women referenced in these stories would have had any power, authority, or social status. They were not invisible to Jesus.

He both sees the poor widow in Mark 12 and lauds her demonstration of faith before the disciples. In so doing, he gives her the dignity and respect she deserves.

Jesus responds in a similar fashion when the woman (often assumed to be Mary of Bethany) demonstrates her love and devotion by breaking the alabaster jar and anointing him. Like the widow who placed her two copper coins in the temple treasury, this is a sizable sacrifice. The men in the room fail to understand the profound beauty and prophetic nature of Mary’s act but Jesus sees and then rebukes the men by saying, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? … Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

His initial response to the Canaanite woman recorded in Matthew 15 might seem disrespectful or even hostile. After all, her daughter is “suffering terribly” and she recognizes Jesus is the only one who can help her. Rather than recoiling at his words, the woman presses in and points out that even though she is from the Canaanite tribe, she is a child of God and therefore worthy of Jesus’ attention. He acknowledges her tenacious faith and tells her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

Throughout the world, women are less likely to hold position of influence or power in church settings. That built in humility allows them to acknowledge their need and turn toward the one who has all power and all authority. Rather than remind them of their one-down position, Jesus repeatedly recognizes and praises women’s faith.

Prayer: Lord, when I feel invisible, help me to believe that you see me and value my faith, however small.

©Dorothy Littell Greco, For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in America