The Rock, The Road, And The RabbiShembull

Being on Equal Footing with Others (Galilee)

Daily living for every Jew was an act of faith. They spent each waking moment trying to keep not only the Torah—the Mosaic Law—but also the extra 600-hundred-plus man-made laws imposed on them by the religious leaders of the time. We can’t imagine the weight of such a legalistic burden on everyday life. No one could be pure enough, or holy enough, or without blemish before God under such self-righteous leaders.

Jesus came to ease the burdens on the Jewish people. In Matthew 11:28–30, He said: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” No wonder the peoples’ hearts soared when they heard Him teach! No one in their world ever spoke such words of life or hope or compassion to them. Such love! 

But perhaps no one in the ancient world longed for Jesus’ message of grace more than women. In first-century Israel, their freedoms were severely limited by Jewish law and traditions. They were basically confined to their father’s or their husband’s homes and had no authority of their own. They were considered inferior to men and little more status than slaves. But Jesus consistently demonstrated that He had a high value and respect for women.

One of my favorite stories of Jesus’ love for women is in Mark 5, when He heals a woman whose menstrual cycle has caused her to suffer for twelve years. She touched the hem of His garment (a major violation of the law), and He broke the law as well by talking to her in public. Rabbi Jason has some beautiful insights about this story of Jesus’ love. 

As he notes, this woman was desperate—she had not been touched by family or friends for twelve years! She had lived for over a decade in a perpetual state of shame as an outcast who was excluded from the social and spiritual life of her community. She was afraid, but when she heard Jesus was coming to her town, she felt she had nothing to lose and took a big risk. Jesus’ gentle response underscores how radically different He dealt with women than did other men of His day. Rather than being upset—which would have been the normal reaction from a rabbi or priest—He commended the woman’s faith (see Mark 5:34).

Rabbi Jason also notes that just as the woman with the issue of blood was viewed as unclean, many religious leaders in Jesus’ day viewed the Gentile nations as unclean and unworthy. This perspective was due to the fact that nations of the world were pagan at this time, and their cultures were dominated by idolatry, bloodshed, and sexual immorality. Despite this, Jesus did not focus on their sin but on God’s promise of redemption for all people.

Just like the woman who grabbed hold of Jesus and found personal redemption, one day all the nations of the world will do the same (see Zechariah 8:22–23). Jesus sees all people as having equal value in Christ (see Galatians 3:28). This does not mean there is no longer any differences or distinctions between men and women or Gentiles and Jews; rather, it implies a spiritual equality. There are no second-class citizens in God’s kingdom!

Respond

What are some of the rules you live by? How have some of these proven to be helpful? How have some proven to be a burden? 

What are some fears that keep you from approaching God? What does this story of the woman with the issue of blood tell you about how He receives you into His presence?

Who do you know that needs to experience God’s grace and acceptance? How can you be an example of faith and freedom to that person?