Background:
At the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth, Jewish culture was decidedly patriarchal (see Appendix B). The daily prayers of Jewish men included this prayer of thanksgiving: “Praised be God that he has not created me a woman.” At the Temple in Jerusalem, women were restricted to an outer court. In synagogues they were separated from the men and not permitted to read out loud. They were not allowed to bear witness in a religious court. But Jesus’ way of welcoming and responding to women has much to teach us about how God created women with inherent worth as divine image-bearers.
Memory Verse:
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.”—(Proverbs 3:13–14, ESV)
Reflection:
Do you think you are too unimportant for Jesus to love you? What are some ways you experience His unconditional love and acceptance?
Study Guide Available
For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.