Jesus Changed Everything for Women
In a time when women were overlooked and mistreated, Jesus saw them, healed them, and called them His own. Discover how Christ changed everything for women—then and now.
In the days of Jesus, women weren’t seen as equal. They couldn’t testify in court. They had little say in marriage, family, or faith. In Roman culture, a woman was often treated like a servant or a possession. If she was poor or a slave, her worth was even less. Men ruled the home, the city, and the temple. Respect was rare. Abuse was common.
But then Jesus walked onto the scene.
He didn’t follow the rules of culture. He didn’t push women aside. He didn’t avoid them in public or silence their voices. Instead, He welcomed them, spoke to them, touched their lives, and gave them value in a world that gave them none.
He talked with the Samaritan woman at the well. She had five husbands and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Jesus didn’t shame her. He offered her living water. She became the first person to hear Him plainly say, “I who speak to you am He.” She ran back to town and told everyone about Him (John 4).
Mary Magdalene was once possessed by demons. Jesus set her free. She followed Him, supported His ministry, and stood by Him at the cross when most of the disciples ran away. She was the first to see the risen Savior. He called her by name. He trusted her to carry the news of the resurrection to the others (Luke 8:2, John 20:1–18).
And she wasn’t the only one.
Another woman carrying quiet pain. Not shame from the past, but suffering in the present. Her body was broken. Her spirit was weary. For twelve years, she had lived without touch. No embrace. No handshake. No welcome. According to the law, her bleeding made her unclean. Anyone who touched her would become unclean too. That meant people stayed away. Not just strangers—probably friends and family too. She was alone. She was untouchable.
But then came Jesus.
She didn’t cry out or ask Him to stop. She just reached out in faith and touched the edge of His robe. In that moment, everything changed. Jesus stopped, even though the crowd was pressing all around Him. He knew someone had touched Him—not by accident, but with faith.
But Jesus didn’t rebuke her. He turned, looked at her, and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:25–34).
She wasn’t just healed. She was seen. She was restored. Jesus gave her back her dignity and her place in the world.
He saw a widow at the temple, dropping two small coins into the offering. Others gave more, but He said she gave the most. He saw her heart (Mark 12:41–44).
He defended a woman caught in adultery, surrounded by men with stones. They wanted blood. He gave her grace. “Neither do I condemn you,” He said. “Go. From now on do not sin any longer” (John 8:1–11).
Jesus didn’t just lift women up—He made them part of the story.
The early church followed that pattern. Women were praying, prophesying, and hosting churches in their homes (Acts 1:14, Acts 21:9, Romans 16:3–5). A faithful servant carried a letter to the believers (Romans 16:1–2). A husband and wife taught together (Acts 18:24–26). One woman opened her home and her heart to the message, and her whole household was saved (Acts 16:14–15).
These weren’t background characters. They were part of the mission.
In Christ, there is neither male nor female. Not because men and women are the same, but because both are fully loved and fully included. That was new in a world where women were barely seen.
The Word says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Jesus didn’t treat women like the world did. He treated them like daughters of the King.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
