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There is so much we can learn about Jesus by studying his interactions with women in the Bible! In the first century, women were generally marginalized. They were viewed as inferior to men, excluded from public life, prevented from getting an education, and often seen as the property of their father or husband. Yet, in every encounter Jesus had with a woman, he broke through social norms and religious restrictions and treated them with respect and dignity.

We see Jesus with women in the Bible:

• Teaching and having spiritual conversations with women

• Healing a woman on the Sabbath

• Welcoming a woman’s interruption of his teaching in the tabernacle

• Receiving and rewarding the touch of an unclean woman

• Making a woman the first witness to his resurrection

Jesus’ treatment of women was revolutionary for that time and culture, and it’s still a model for us today.

Let’s see what we can learn from Jesus’ interactions with women through Biblical studies of women who personally encountered Jesus.

THE SHAMED CRIPPLE: Jesus and the Bent Woman

Bible Study Teacher: Lisa Harper

Even though this woman interrupted Jesus’ mid-sermon, he stopped and beckoned her closer. He didn’t consider her a bother, didn’t speak to her as a disabled person. He touched her, freed her from her bondage, and turned her shame into honor by calling her a daughter of Abraham.

Life Lesson:

We are always a delight to Jesus; we’ve got his complete attention.

At Study Gateway you’ll find Bible studies on women characters found throughout the Bible. Two of our favorite studies are Twelve Women of the Bible and Twelve More Women of the Bible, taught by leading Bible study teachers. These different women give insights and draw lessons from the lives of women in the Old and New Testament.

THE SUFFERING OUTCAST: Jesus and the Woman with the Issue of Blood

Bible Study Teacher: Chrystal Evans Hurst

This woman broke social norms and religious taboos by touching Jesus, even though that would make him unclean. What seemed like a lifetime of bleeding, loneliness, and social isolation was finally over! Jesus did not scold her, but declared, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

THE BUSY DOER: Jesus and Martha

Bible Study Teacher: Amena Brown

Jesus wanted Martha to understand that while her desire to serve was valuable and important, knowing God and being in his presence needed to take priority in her life.

Life Lesson:

Our identity in Christ is a gift of God’s grace, not a standing that we can earn by hard work and good intentions.

Life Lesson:

Jesus is with us and never leaves us, even through long seasons of pain and struggle.

THE MARGINALIZED MESS: Jesus and the Woman at the Well

Bible Study Teacher: Lysa TerKeurst

It’s extraordinary. Jewish rabbis in the first century did not trust women, invite them into religious discourse, or even speak to women in public. Yet Jesus looks past her gender, her ethnicity, and her scandalous reputation, to connect her heart with the heart of God.

Life Lesson: Jesus wants to deal with your messes and give you a message.

THE WHOLEHEARTED STUDENT: Jesus and Mary of Bethany

Bible Study Teacher: Elisa Morgan

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In a world where women were often marginalized and kept from receiving religious training, Mary was a student, hungry to learn and receive the words of Jesus. Mary never took Jesus for granted.

Life Lesson:

Make it a top priority to listen to Jesus and be in his presence.