On this International Women’s Day, above all we want to focus on the intrinsic value of women and the invitation to kingdom work that God extends to those who follow Him. From the very beginning, women were created with care and intentionality in the image—the likeness—of the Creator of the whole universe (Gen. 1:26-27).
After God created man, the first time He said something wasn’t good in creation was when man was all alone (Gen. 2:18). Despite all the livestock, birds, and wild animals He created, God knew “for the man no helper was found corresponding to him” (Gen. 2:20). So, He created woman. One of the beautiful aspects of this story is the word used in Scripture to describe woman. She is a “helper” to the man, and the Hebrew word for “helper” is ezer.1 In other places in Scripture, that same word is used to describe God as the helper of His people (Verses like Ex. 18:4; Deut. 33:7; Ps. 33:20; Ps. 121:1-2 are a few examples.). It’s a word that describes strength and support.
There are many examples in Scripture of God inviting and equipping women to participate in His plans and purposes. Miriam, Hannah, Rahab, Esther, Deborah, Ruth, Abigail, and others played a part in God’s gospel story of the redemption of His people throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we see that pattern continuing in the way Jesus treated women.
The reality is that throughout history, there have been times when the value of women in society was nearly nonexistent. During the very years Jesus spent walking the earth that was true. Women were viewed as inferior and secondary in society.
And yet, Jesus valued women when the culture didn’t. He saw them, invited them, and included them in His daily life and ministry.
A woman was entrusted to carry the Son of God in her womb for nine months and to nurture and raise Him as He grew. Mary was called “favored woman” by the angel when he told her of God’s plan for His Son’s birth (Luke 1:26-38). Her willing surrender to God’s unconventional but beautiful plan was a picture of humility and trust in her Lord.
When a woman at the well was an outcast and her life was in shambles, Jesus saw her, restored her, and other people in her community believed in Him because of her testimony of the One who saved her (John 4:1-42).
When a woman was caught in the midst of her sin and shamed publicly for it, Jesus forgave her (John 8:1-11). He recognized the religious leaders were using her to try to trap Him so they would have evidence to accuse Him. When none of them could admit they themselves were without sin, they all walked away. Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore” (vv. 10-11). He showed compassion, mercy, and invited and instructed her to a brand-new way of life.
When a woman was at the end of her rope and desperate for healing, Jesus showed her compassion. He healed her of her infirmity, but more importantly, He saved her and told her to “Go in peace” (Luke 8:40-48).
Jesus included women in His ministry, and several followed Him as He traveled and ministered to people. Some even provided support for His ministry from their possessions (Luke 8:1-3).
Women stayed with Jesus in His most excruciating, lonely, and horrific moments on the cross (John 19:25). Women stayed near after Jesus’s death and prepared spices for His burial (Luke 23:55-56). And in a glorious moment the following morning, Jesus first appeared to women after His resurrection and gave them the incredible opportunity to be the first to share the good news (Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18).
In the early church, the Lord continued to use women in His gospel story. Lydia, Priscilla, and Dorcas are just a few of the faithful followers of Jesus who participated in His kingdom work and followed His command to make disciples, care for the hurting and hopeless, and share His grace and peace with the world.
Even now, two thousand years later, God continues to love, care for, and equip women to share His love and plan for true life change through the gospel. From the creation story to today, His value and treatment has been intentional, consistent, and often counter cultural. As we hear a lot today about International Women’s Day, let’s thank Him for His goodness and grace and His plan and purpose for women in His kingdom.
- Ezer, Strong’s H5828, Blue Letter Bible, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5828/kjv/wlc/0-1/.
In Devoted: 30 Days with Women of the Bible, a 6-session Bible study from Lifeway Women, you’ll study more than thirty women in Scripture whose lives have inspired generations of women in their faith and devotion to God. Their stories are a reminder that you, too, are made in the image of God, and you have an important part to play in God’s story.
ABOUT TESSA MORRELL
Tessa Morrell is a production editor for Lifeway Women. She is passionate about serving in her church and studying Scripture with others. She also enjoys visiting local coffee shops, browsing in antique stores, and creating jewelry and art.
