Jesus’ relationships: Women (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Jesus' relationships: Women
Introduction
St Mark's Gospel contains several powerful stories showing how Jesus interacted with people from different social groups who were typically marginalised or treated poorly in society. This includes women, who faced significant discrimination and were generally considered inferior to men. Jesus' approach to women was revolutionary for his time and challenged many established social norms.
The status of women in Jesus' time
During the first century, women's roles were severely restricted across most cultures, including Jewish society. Under Jewish law and custom, women possessed very little authority or independence. They were largely confined to their family homes and were expected to remain under the authority of either their fathers or husbands throughout their lives.
This cultural context makes Jesus' treatment of women even more significant, as he appeared to challenge centuries of established tradition and social expectations.
How Jesus revolutionised the treatment of women
Jesus demonstrated a radical change in how women should be treated, which went against many aspects of Jewish law and custom. His revolutionary approach included several key elements:
Breaking social taboos: Jesus spoke directly with foreign women, which was considered highly inappropriate according to social customs that required men to only speak with women from their own families.
Using inclusive language: Jesus employed terminology that suggested equality between men and women. For example, he referred to women using respectful terms like 'daughter of Abraham', which gave them equal standing with men in religious contexts.
Including women in his ministry: Jesus welcomed women into his inner circle of trusted followers. His disciples included women such as Mary Magdalene, who travelled with him and supported his ministry.
Defending women's dignity: Jesus consistently challenged situations where women were being treated poorly or unfairly, standing up for their rights and worth as individuals.
Jesus' revolutionary treatment of women directly challenged centuries of Jewish law and custom, making his approach truly groundbreaking for the time period.
Case study 1: The anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:1-9)
Case Study Analysis: The Anointing at Bethany
This story demonstrates Jesus' defence of a woman who performed a significant religious act. The woman anointed Jesus by pouring expensive oil over his head, which was traditionally done during religious ceremonies and was considered a great honour and blessing.
However, her actions attracted criticism from others present, who felt her behaviour was inappropriate. Despite not knowing the woman personally, Jesus firmly defended her actions when others questioned her behaviour.
Biblical quote:
"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 Analysis: This passage shows Jesus recognising the woman's act as prophetic preparation for his death and burial. He promised that her deed would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached, giving her actions eternal significance.
Case study 2: The widow at the treasury (Mark 12:41-44)
Case Study Analysis: The Widow's Offering
In this account, Jesus draws attention to a poor widow's offering at the temple treasury. While wealthy people were making large, impressive donations, Jesus specifically praised the widow for her small contribution of just two copper coins.
Jesus used this moment to teach an important lesson about the true nature of giving and sacrifice. He explained that although the widow's gift was tiny in monetary terms, it represented a much greater sacrifice because she gave everything she had to live on.
Biblical quote:
"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)
Key Analysis: This story demonstrates how Jesus valued the widow's heart and sacrifice over the impressive amounts given by wealthier donors. It shows his concern for the marginalised and his ability to see true worth where others might overlook it.
Significance for Christians today
These stories from St Mark's Gospel continue to have important implications for modern Christians. They demonstrate that:
Equality and dignity: Jesus' treatment of women suggests that all people, regardless of gender, possess equal worth and dignity in God's eyes.
Challenging social norms: Christians are called to question and challenge unfair treatment of any group in society, just as Jesus challenged the mistreatment of women.
Recognising true value: Both stories show Jesus looking beyond surface appearances to recognise genuine faith, sacrifice, and devotion.
Inclusive community: The early Christian community that Jesus established was intended to be inclusive and welcoming to all people, breaking down traditional barriers.
Key Points to Remember:
- Jesus' treatment of women was revolutionary for his time and challenged centuries of Jewish law and custom
- He included women in his ministry, spoke with foreign women, and used language that suggested equality between genders
- The anointing at Bethany shows Jesus defending a woman's religious actions and promising her deed would be remembered forever
- The widow's offering teaches that God values the heart behind the gift more than the size of the donation
- These stories demonstrate Jesus' commitment to treating all people with dignity and challenging unfair social structures