The Gospel of Luke stresses the universal scope of our Savior’s ministry. It especially stands out for the considerable attention it gives to the “have nots” – those of low status or those the people generally looked down upon. This would include tax collectors, sinners, Gentiles, the poor, the sick and disabled, and women. Here are 7 truths to consider from the interaction of Jesus with women in the Gospel of Luke.
1. Jesus consistently treated women with dignity, respect and kindness. Consider the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-15), as well as the woman with a sinful past (Luke 7:36-50) as examples.
2. Jesus showed special sensitivity to women’s concerns. Excellent examples of this should include His healing of a woman who had been crippled for 18 years (Luke 13:10- 13). Another case would be his commendation of the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4. Yet another occasion would be when Jesus addressed the women who were wailing as He was on the way to the Cross (Luke 23:27-31).
3. Jesus often portrayed women in His teaching and parables. Noteworthy would be the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Consider also the woman in the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10).
4. Jesus dealt with women with transparency, straightforwardness, and honesty. This can be seen by the Lord’s response to Mary in Luke 2:39-52. His interaction with Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is another excellent example.
5. Jesus welcomed women as His followers, as is seen throughout Luke as well as Matthew, Mark and John.
6. Jesus experienced great devotion, financial support and loyal discipleship from women. See especially Luke 8:2-3. A number were present at the Crucifixion (Luke 23:49). And a number of women anointed the body of Jesus after He breathed His last and also witness His Resurrection (Luke 23:55-24:11).
7. Jesus affirmed the continuity of the creation order of Genesis 1-3. He did not appoint a woman as one of the 12 apostles. He lifted up the value, dignity, and ability of women – and so will a right thinking person today. But this CAN be done while respecting what is taught in Scripture in passages like 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
-Mike Vestal
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