Getting to Know Jesus – Week 1

Hi Mini Women!

Two weeks ago you girls chimed in with some really great ideas for new blog topics.  One of them really stood out to me.

Getting to Know Jesus Better

It’s really an amazing topic because you can live your whole life learning about Him and you’ll still come up with new stuff every day.  Maybe you’ll read a verse you’d forgotten about or maybe something will happen to you personally that makes you pause and say, “Oh right, Jesus is incredible.”

It’s my hope that these next few weeks I can lay out a clear picture of what Jesus was all about.

This week is a topic that’s dear to my heart, and I know you’ll feel the same.

How did Jesus feel about women?

Girls, if you don’t already know, the Jewish culture was not exactly set up to give women an equal seat at the table.  Now, there were rules in place to make sure they weren’t mistreated, but as far as being respected as much as a man was – forget it!

Of course by now I think you know what I’m about to say – Jesus turned all that upside down when He arrived.  I’ve got some stories for you…

1. It was a woman who decided when His first miracle should be. Mary, his mama, was the one who got His attention to turn the water into wine for the wedding guests!  (John 2)

Girls I know we talked about this before (in our Miracles of Jesus series) but I just want to say again – Jesus was 30 years old.  Well past the age that you “have to” listen to your mom, but He showed respect and kindness and listened to her anyway.  He started His whole ministry not on His timing, but on the advice of a woman.

2. Women traveled with Him, along with His twelve disciples.  (Luke 8)

Now we hear this and say, “Cool!  Wish I was one of those women!”

But back in that day?  This was RADICALLY not cool, at least in the mind of the Pharisees.  And anyone else watching His ministry closely would have probably called it “weird” at best.  Women weren’t even allowed to leave the house without an approved male escort.  Sure, the disciples were all male, but a lot of them were married and their wives stayed home.  Not really “approved” male companions for these women.  But Jesus wanted them there, wanted them to come along.

And along with this well, I’m sure you girls have gone on vacation before.  Did you pay for it?  Probably not.  But I’m sure you remember Mom and Dad talking about how expensive it was!  Eating out more, going to museums, hotel rooms – it all adds up!

Jesus and His disciples were basically always on the road, never sure where their next meal would come from or if they’d have a place to stay that night.  Guess who paid for all of this?  Women!  Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna just to name a few.

I know it’s another thing that’s different about our cultures, but it would have been completely embarrassing for a woman to have to financially support a man.  Jesus wasn’t embarrassed.  Clearly it was public knowledge.  Jesus treasured these women and not only wanted them along to see His amazing ministry, but also graciously accepted their help!

3. He appeared to women first when He was resurrected. (Matthew 28)

Girls, if anything tells you how much Jesus values and honors women, this should be it.  It’s the single GREATEST moment in the history of the world, and Jesus wanted women to be the first to know.

Think about it.

He could have just reappeared right in front of the Pharisees.  Just to rub their noses in it and scare the sandals off of them!

He could have gone straight to where his disciples were gathered and mourning Him.

He didn’t.

He stayed in the tomb, and waited.  He knew the women were coming to see His body, and He wanted them to be the first to know.  AND He asks them to spread the news!  Back then, a woman’s testimony wasn’t even allowed in a simple courtroom trial.  But He chooses women to testify to the most incredible story of all – that He is alive!

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Mini Women, I could go on and on.  There are countless stories of women stepping into the Gospel and making their mark on the greatest story ever told.  I’ve only given three examples.

But this I want you to know.  Jesus loves and values and honors you.  YOU.  If you ever question that, if someone ever tells you that you are not worthy of His respect, I want you to turn to the Scripture.  Scriptures written by men, men who had been raised in the Jewish culture, who told stories about incredible women.

Girls, in the comments, tell me which story stood out the most to you.  Or if you have a different one from the Bible that you remember, tell us that one!  I’m telling you, there are a LOT to choose from.

 

This is a quick note, unrelated to our post, but I wanted to let you girls know that we will be closing the Tribelet blog at the end of August.  After August, me, Leslie, Asher and of course Nancy will be back for one last farewell post in the first week of September.  We are so grateful for all the fun we’ve had with you here, and we are looking forward to talking to you in September about where to go from here.

We love you Mini Women.  And I (Hannah) will see you next week!