Women of WorthSample

Welcome Worthy Woman! The first-century Jewish culture was distinctly patriarchal. The daily morning prayers of Jewish men included a prayer of thanksgiving: “Praised be to God that He has not created me a woman.” This was the view of the vast majority at this point in history. In Middle Eastern, Judaic culture, Jesus’ words and actions were shockingly inclusive. Jesus led by example and displayed a special treatment of women. He refused to treat women as inferior. Given the negative cultural view of women in Jesus’ time, the Gospel writers bear witness to Jesus dealing with women respectfully. Repeatedly responding in ways that rejected cultural norms; He recognizes women’s worth, dignity, hopes, and gifts.

He loves His daughters. You can witness this great love interwoven all through His Word. Let’s look at Genesis first. God most certainly could’ve recorded Adam conversing about the beauty of creation or even many different animals in Scripture. Instead, God provides us with the very first recorded words as an endearing love poem to the woman. Genesis 2:23, “And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’” What a tender picture of God’s love for the woman that she was taken from Adam’s rib? The masterful Creator could have used absolutely any bone in Adam’s body to form Eve, but He chose the rib bone, which was close to Adam’s heart. This is a picture of how man is designed to keep his woman protected, safe, and close to his heart. So they may walk through life together with her right by his side. This is our first portrait of unity and closeness, knit into the design of marriage. This design is a picture of our marriage relationship to the Savior. This recurring theme of marriage begins in Genesis and concludes in Revelation.

When we, the Church, will joyfully celebrate at the marriage feast to the Bridegroom, this intimate communion is stitched into the very fabric of our redemption story. Oh, that we may become saturated in a profound understanding, how Christ desires to have a deep abiding intimacy with His Bride the Church! Adam, before the fall, was sinless. He was put into a deep sleep and given a wounding in his side to bring forth his bride Eve. In like manner, Jesus is sinless and receives a mortal wound in His side by a Roman spear and is put into a deep “sleep” of death to receive His Bride the Church.

Reflection: What do these Scriptures reveal about the character of Christ?

Recognize: Based on these Scriptures, write a statement of Truth about the love Jesus has for you?

Respond: Because you are fully loved and accepted, choose to show someone an act of love and kindness today.