Seen: How Jesus Viewed And Valued Women In The Book Of John

By Kristina Kesel Campbell
Translated by Viviana Kesel
New England Family of Churches 

Hello! I developed this study as I was in awe of the depth of Jesus’ interactions with women that I read about in the book of John. As women, we can often wonder if Jesus sees us, how he views us and what value we have in his sight. These scriptures have been an encouragement to me and other women as we see how precious we are in God’s sight!  

This is a Bible study that can easily be done on your own but I find is most fun to do with a few friends so you can share thoughts on each of the scriptures!  

This study outlines Jesus’ interactions with women throughout the book of John. The gospel of John highlights relationships and connections that Jesus had with the people he taught and loved.  

Jesus’ 21^st century women: a few of of our current ICOC Women’s Service Team

A helpful place to start: Grace and Truth 

John 1:14,17  

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

In these verses, we see some important themes to carry throughout our discussion on Jesus’ interactions with women. We see the relational concept of the Word becoming flesh in Jesus, showing us God’s desire to come, connect and have a personal relationship with us by truly making his Word come to life.  

We also see that Jesus was full of grace and truth and that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  

I love that Jesus was completely full of both grace and truth. As women, we tend to naturally lean to one side or the other, more on the grace side or more on the truth side. Sometimes we balance out a bit as we age but often, we have a preferred way of interacting. Jesus can connect with us completely no matter which side we lean toward and as we read about his interactions with women, we will see he was full of grace and truth in the way he addressed the women he met.  

Cultural Context

It’s important to know some cultural background from the time to be able to see how Jesus viewed and valued women in a way that was different from the world around him. In first-century Israel, women were mostly valued for their ability to bear children and care for their husband, families and home. These are all noble responsibilities and take great character to do in a godly way. However, in these times women’s worth was largely tied to their biological function because of this. It was customary for men and women to not be allowed to be alone together or even speak in public. Women also did not have direct access to or encouragement to study out the scriptures for themselves. Sadly, their intellectual ability was often questioned and therefore they were not allowed to be a witness in legal proceedings and their testimony was not considered valid.  

Despite what you may feel about this cultural context, or what you feel about the context of today’s world, which is surely not perfect, it is inspiring and encouraging to see how Jesus viewed and valued the women he interacted with!   

I loved reading these passages with friends, and doing a deep study on them myself, because there is always more to discover about how Jesus connected with women, and each woman I discuss these scriptures with has different connections and discoveries of her own. 

How to use this study

I encourage you to read the “helpful place to start” and the “cultural context” sections and then consider these things as you read each verse:  

• How do you see Jesus being full of grace and truth? 
• What counter-cultural interactions with women do you see in Jesus?  
• How did Jesus show value and worth in the way he interacted with these women?  
• Considering this, how do you feel about how Jesus views and values you?   

As you read each verse, discuss and answer these questions first and then read through the included observations and questions. You may have discovered each of these things for yourself first or they may add to the things you’ve already discussed.  

Scriptures to dive into

John 2:1-5 (6-12 for the rest of the story). Jesus turned water into wine

(His first miracle was prompted by his mother)  

Additional discussion thoughts: 

• Jesus respected his mother and her request despite the fact that his time had not yet come.  
• The term “woman” here is actually a kind and endearing word in his time, not used with the attitude we may read into it today.  
• Mary would not have seen Jesus do a miracle before, she just knew there was a problem and believed that Jesus could do something about it.  
• We know weddings can be a stressful time and running out of wine would have been quite discouraging, Jesus’ first miracle became one in response to a woman (his mom) but that would have brought much joy to everyone at the wedding, especially being the best wine served. 
• Mary asked Jesus to do something about the problem but then put herself and the servants in submission to Jesus saying, “Do whatever he tells you.”  

Question to consider: Do you believe in Jesus’ ability and willingness to do miracles in your life because you asked him to?  

John 4:4-30, 39-42. Jesus with the Samaritan Woman  

Additional discussion thoughts:  

• There was a shorter route Jesus could have taken but he chose to go through Samaria, going out of his way to interact with this woman.  
• Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans, a man wouldn’t be speaking with a woman but: “Jesus said to her” -- He initiated the conversation.  
• He was gracious and truthful about her past and present.  
• Jesus revealed to her that he was the living water.  
• “I am he”: He openly professed being the Messiah for the first time.  
• She went back to tell the town, and they listened and came for themselves. 
• Many believed in him because her testimony brought them out to hear Jesus, she had impact on her whole town despite being an outcast herself.  
• It’s not recorded that Jesus got anything to drink; possibly he disregarded his physical need to meet her spiritual need.  

Question to consider: How has Jesus gone out of his way to connect with you? 

John 8:2-11. Jesus and the woman caught in adultery  

Additional discussion thoughts: 

• *This passage is in italics because it is not found in the earliest manuscripts of John. However, parts of this passage are found in manuscripts in different locations and historians believe it was likely passed down in connection with the book of John through oral tradition. In any case, scholars believe this passage is a true historical fact and therefore a worthwhile interaction to study.  
• Jesus bent down and averted his eyes, respecting the woman and her vulnerable and exposed condition.  
• There were many witnesses, elevating themselves above her and Jesus showed her grace by addressing the crowd first.  
• Jesus spoke directly to her, despite her situation and despite her being a woman.  
• He showed her grace by not throwing a stone himself. 
• He truthfully acknowledged her sin and called her to change her life.  
• He equally called the crowd to consider their sin as he called her to as well. 

Question to consider: What sin do you need to leave behind and connect with Jesus’ grace in?  

John 11:5-6, 17-37. Jesus comforted Mary and Martha 

(v38-44 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead) 

 Additional discussion thoughts: 

• For more background on Jesus’ relationship with Mary and Martha, see Luke 10:38-42 
• Verse 5-6: we know that Jesus loved Mary and Martha, and yet he didn’t rush to Lazarus. Instead he waited; because the connection of comfort and the miracle of raising their brother was a better way to love them fully.  
• The women sent word to Jesus in the first place because they believe he cared about them; then Martha went out to meet Jesus. We see her comfort in their friendship.  
• He revealed one of his great “I AM” statements directly to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” 
• He valued her faith, asking her “Do you believe this?”  
• Verse 27: Martha’s confession of faith is one of the fullest confessions of faith recorded.  
• Jesus shared his emotions with these women, being deeply moved in spirit and troubled, he wept. Jesus valued connection with these women in their grief and pain.  
• Jesus performed a miracle for them in raising their brother from the dead. 

Question to consider: What are you grieving in your life that you need to feel Jesus weeping with you and comforting you?  

John 12:1-8. Jesus anointed by Mary  

Additional discussion thoughts: 

• Martha is serving/Mary is worshipping, using their strengths to connect with Jesus.  
• Jesus protects Mary and stands up for her actions: “Leave her alone.” 
• Jesus valued Mary’s sacrifice and its worth is acknowledged in Matthew 26:13 

Matthew 26:13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” 

Question to consider: How do you feel Jesus standing up for you and defending and protecting your worship/devotion to him?

John 19: 25-27. Jesus cared for his mother from the Cross 

Additional discussion thoughts: 

• Women from Jesus' ministry followed him all the way to the cross, believing in their connection to him. 
• “When Jesus saw his mother there”- While taking on the sin of the world and experiencing every type of pain, Jesus saw his mother and considered her needs. 
• Jesus made sure that his mother would be taken care of and used his limited breath and words on the cross to do so. 

Question to consider: How does Jesus meet your personal needs even when it feels like more important things are going on?  

John 20:11-18 Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene  

 Additional discussion thoughts: 

• Mary is looking for Jesus because she is grieving and missing him, she felt close enough to Jesus to come to honor him personally.  
• Mary is the first to see the resurrected Jesus.  
• He reveals himself to her by speaking her name, what a personal way to reveal that he has resurrected, to call her by name.  
• He sends her to go and tell the brothers, valuing her testimony and calling her to share the good news. 

Question to consider: Who do you need to go tell about the good news of what Jesus has done in your life and about his death and resurrection? 

Summary  

What incredible scriptures! I hope you’ve had a great time discovering the depth of these scriptures for yourself or discussing them with your friends. When we pull it all together it’s amazing to see how Jesus viewed and valued women:  

• He valued his mother’s request and performed a miracle in response.  
• He viewed and connected with the Samaritan in a way that allowed her to impact her whole town.  
• He saw the woman caught in adultery but treated her with respect as he called her to a new life.  
• He valued Martha and Mary’s faith and shared their grief and comfort.  
• He valued and defended Mary’s sacrifice and anointing.  
• He saw his mother in the midst of his pain and cared for her needs.  
• He was seen by Mary first and valued her testimony to spread the good news.  

Jesus viewed and valued women in a way that was countercultural for his time. We can be confident that Jesus see us, values our hearts and faith and that he can use us to do great things for him.  

Hope this encourages your faith, walk with God, and connection to Jesus! 

~Kristina