Day 207: John 4:27–38

Just then His disciples arrived, and they were amazed that He was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking with her?” (v. 27).

Hear me clearly: I am pro-men. And (not but) I am also pro-women. What may come as a news flash to some is that these pros are not exclusive. I believe the biblical roles and responsibilities of men and women differ sometimes to complement and complete each other, but our places in the heart of God are the same.

Yes, Jesus speaks to women who listen. Always has. Always will. Anyone who wants to believe Christ didn’t have profound encounters with women might want to skip the Gospel of John, because it supplies many detailed accounts that are abundant in meaning.

John 4:1–39, for example, introduces us to the woman from Sychar. You probably know her by the label “the woman at the well,” but do you realize she was the first person to whom Jesus declared His messiahship? He led their conversation from His request for a drink to His gift to her of Living Water. The woman then became an evangelist as she returned to Sychar to proclaim: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29 hcsb).

John 8:1–11 tells of the religious leaders grabbing a woman who was taken in the act of adultery and bringing her before the Lord. There they demanded that Jesus judge her, but He refused to play their game. He knelt and drew on the ground until their consciences began to accuse them. When the crowd melted away, Christ asked the woman, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” When she replied, “No one, Lord,” Jesus responded, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more” (vv. 10–11 hcsb).

John 11:17–44 recounts Jesus arriving in Bethany after the death of his friend Lazarus, and we see him dealing with the two sisters, Mary and Martha, as individuals. Martha went to meet Jesus with combined words of reproach and hope. “If You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You” (vv. 21–22 hcsb). Jesus calmly accepted her words and revealed Himself to her in a fresh way. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?” (vv. 25–26 hcsb).

Mary met Jesus differently. She also stated her belief that Jesus could have healed her brother, but she fell at His feet weeping. In this case Jesus “was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (v. 33). He asked where they had laid Lazarus, and Christ wept. Then to the joy of both sisters He called Lazarus from the grave.

John 12:1–8 continues the story of Martha and, particularly, Mary. Six days before the Passover when Jesus would die, the sisters gave a dinner in Jesus’ honor. Overcome by her love for Jesus and, I suspect, both motivated by a premonition of what was to come and driven by the Spirit, Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. Judas Iscariot declared the gesture an extravagant waste of what could have gone to the poor. But Jesus declared Mary’s action sacred in anointing Him for His burial. Matthew 26:13 wraps up this scene best with Jesus’ words: “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Our very words at this moment continue the fulfillment of His promise.

Based on these segments—and many others we could list—three things about Christ astound me and make me fall even more in love with Him:

1. Jesus was not ashamed to be seen with a woman. This may not seem like a big deal, but how many of us have dated someone or even married someone who seemed ashamed at times to be seen with us? Beloved, Jesus Christ isn’t ashamed to be seen with you. In fact, He wants nothing more! He’s also not ashamed to talk to you. I meet so many women who are timid about sharing what they’ve gleaned in Bible study because they don’t have much education and they’re “probably wrong.” Listen, the One who spoke the worlds into being has chosen you for a bride! Study His Word like someone being spoken of and spoken to! He wants your life to radiate proof that He’s been talking to you. He’s proud of you!

2. Though very much a man, Jesus understood the needs of a woman. I despise that ridiculous feminist “theology” that tries to make a woman out of God or at least make Him feminine so we can feel like we have an advocate—“someone who understands.” Beloved, Christ understands us better than we do! Of course, He has a decided advantage over every other man. He wove us together in our mother’s womb. Still, I’m relieved to know that I am never too needy for Christ—particularly when I’m feeling a tad high maintenance. Did you notice how personal He got in almost every scenario? He was totally unafraid of intimacy then—and He still is.

3. Without exception, Jesus honored women and gave them dignity. Do you see a single hint of second-class treatment? In any stretch of the imagination, can you make a woman-hater out of Jesus? Not on your life.