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How Jesus Empowered Women

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10:38-42 NLT

How Jesus empowered women

Jesus spoke with women

Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” JOHN 4:27 NLT

Jesus affirmed women as disciples

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10:41-42 NLT

Women were a part of the traveling ministry of Jesus

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. LUKE 8:1-3 NIV

Jesus called on women to direct and lead men

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” MATTHEW 28:8-9 NLT

Jesus unleashed women to minister in his Church

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head … 1 CORINTHIANS 11:5 NIV

The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist … He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. ACTS 21:8-9 NLT

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers … 1 CORINTHIANS 12:28 ESV

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. ACTS 18:26 NLT

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. ROMANS 16:3-4 NLT

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. ROMANS 16:7 NLT

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. ROMANS 16:1 ESV

“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. (Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.)” ROMANS 16:27 KJV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, offering Jesus any burdens from your day, and inviting Him into this time. Ask God to open your heart, revealing whatever He wants to reveal as you come to Him. Prayerfully consider how Jesus viewed and treated women; is there any attitude, mindset, or behavior that you need to change in order to become more like Him? What do you feel God wants to challenge in you? Next, is there anything you need to confess as it relates to either a) tuning out the voice of the opposite gender or b) not stepping into your calling to use your giftedness for the Church? Confess these to God now, and ask Him to give you a listening ear and a willing spirit as you learn to honor others and to step more fully into your calling. Close your time by thanking God for His grace over your life. Write down your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine your heart toward both genders, and how you can use your gifting to serve others. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Share a time when you felt genuinely celebrated, affirmed or empowered. How did that experience impact you?
  3. REAL WITH GOD: Read MATTHEW 28:8-9 NLT. After his resurrection, Jesus asked the women to do something outside their comfort zone. Where has fear or comfort kept you from doing what God has asked you to do?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: In the Kingdom of God, we all have the opportunity to lead through our attitude, service and humility, regardless of our gender, age, or position. How can you use the skills or gifting God has uniquely given you to serve others? (If you’re not sure, ask your group to share what they’ve seen in you.)
  5. TAKE ACTION: Encourage each other to use your gifts: Close your time by praying together for the people in your group, that God would empower both men and women (as Jesus did) to use their specific gifts to serve His Kingdom.