Jesus’ relationships: Women (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Jesus' relationships: Women
Introduction
St Mark's Gospel provides numerous examples of Jesus interacting with people from different social groups who were often marginalised or given little importance in society. Women represent a particularly significant group in this context, as they were generally viewed as inferior to men and treated with considerable disrespect during this period.
The status of women in ancient Israel
During Jesus' time, women faced severe limitations in their social status and roles within ancient Israeli society. This reflected broader cultural attitudes that were common across most societies of that era.
The restrictions placed on women in ancient Israel were not unique to Jewish society but reflected widespread cultural attitudes across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern civilizations of the first century CE.
Jewish law and customs severely restricted women's authority and independence. Women were largely confined to domestic roles within their father's or husband's households. In sharp contrast to these restrictive social norms, Jesus demonstrated a radical shift in approach. He supported dramatic changes in how women were treated, directly challenging many centuries of established Jewish law and tradition.
Jesus' revolutionary approach to women
St Mark's Gospel presents several powerful examples of Jesus challenging the poor treatment of women. His actions were groundbreaking for the time and included:
Breaking social conventions: Jesus spoke directly to foreign women, which violated the custom that men should only speak to women within their own families.
Using inclusive language: Jesus employed language that suggested equality between men and women. For instance, he referred to a woman as a "daughter of Abraham," elevating her status significantly.
Including women in his inner circle: Jesus accepted women such as Mary Magdalene into his trusted group of followers, giving them important roles in his ministry.
Jesus' treatment of women was so radical for his time that it would have shocked both his followers and his critics. This revolutionary approach formed part of his broader message about the value and dignity of all people.
The anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:1-9)
This account demonstrates Jesus' supportive attitude towards women through a powerful encounter. St Mark describes how a woman anointed Jesus by pouring expensive oil over his head. This act was considered a blessing and was typically performed during religious rituals. However, her actions faced criticism because she was described as wasteful, and notably because Jesus did not know her personally, yet she was allowed to touch him.
Biblical Analysis: Jesus' Defence of the Woman
Jesus strongly defended this woman's actions:
"Leave her alone,' said Jesus. 'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me ... She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. (Mark 14:6, 8–9)"
Key elements of Jesus' response:
- He immediately protected her from criticism
- He recognised her actions as prophetic preparation for his burial
- He promised her act would be remembered forever
- He validated her spiritual insight despite social conventions
Jesus' defence reveals several important aspects of his attitude. He linked her anointing directly to his approaching burial, reinforcing the prophecy of his death being fulfilled. Significantly, Jesus was content to allow a woman who wasn't a family member to touch him, which was considered inappropriate according to social rules of that time. The crucifixion did indeed occur shortly after this event, making her actions prophetic.
The widow at the treasury (Mark 12:41-44)
This story illustrates how Jesus valued sacrificial giving over impressive displays of wealth. While observing people making offerings at the temple treasury, Jesus witnessed a stark contrast between the behaviour of wealthy donors and a poor widow.
Biblical Teaching: True Generosity
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.' (Mark 12:41–44)"
Jesus' teaching principle: The widow's two copper coins > Large donations from the wealthy
Why? Because true generosity is measured by sacrifice, not amount.
Jesus praised this woman's offering, which was financially much smaller than the donations made by wealthy people. However, he recognised that her contribution was actually worth much more because she had given everything she possessed to live on. This teaching emphasises that true generosity is measured not by the amount given, but by the sacrifice involved relative to one's circumstances.
Significance for Christians
These teachings about Jesus' attitude towards women in St Mark's Gospel hold important meaning for Christians today. They demonstrate that Jesus actively challenged social inequalities and treated all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender or social status. His revolutionary approach established principles of equality and inclusion that continue to influence Christian communities.
Jesus' radical approach to women wasn't just about being kind or compassionate – it was a fundamental challenge to unjust social structures and a demonstration of God's inclusive love for all humanity.
The stories also highlight key Christian values such as sacrificial giving, the importance of sincere devotion over social appearances, and the recognition of prophetic acts. For modern Christians, these accounts serve as examples of how to treat others with respect and how to value genuine spiritual commitment over material wealth.
Key Points to Remember:
- Jesus challenged the social norms of his time by treating women with equality and respect, directly opposing established Jewish customs
- The anointing at Bethany shows Jesus defending a woman's prophetic actions and linking them to his approaching death and burial
- The widow's offering teaches that true generosity is measured by sacrifice rather than the amount given
- Both stories demonstrate Jesus' inclusive approach and his recognition of women's spiritual insights and devotion
- These teachings continue to influence Christian attitudes towards gender equality and social justice today