Jesus Was a Feminist

Feminism.

Such a simple word, such a complex principle. It holds so many meanings for so many people it’s hard to actually know the real definition. As a solution to that issue, we seem to have all come up with our own.

Webster’s definition seems to me to be the most straightforward:

“Feminism: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”

That sounds about right. I have no qualms with equality in those areas of my life – in fact, I desire that.

Yet, up until recently, the word “feminism” or “feminist” made me cringe. Seriously. I had a physical reaction every time the word appeared. I had no desire to be associated with the term. Sure, I want to be treated equally and get paid the amount that’s due me, but I do not want to be associated with that particular “F” word. As society defines feminism, I pretty much go against everything that it stands for.

But lately, I’ve done some genuine thinking about the whole subject. Asking myself questions such as:

“Am I being too harsh?”

“Is there a biblical way to be a feminist?”

“Can I support this movement without sacrificing my core beliefs?”

I found that I was surprised at the answers I received in my time alone with God. The more I discussed the idea with Him, the more He began to show me something.

Jesus was a feminist. 

In fact, he was probably the first male feminist to exist. There are so many examples in the four gospels that continue to solidify my realization. I want to talk about three of the many verses I found.

John 8:1-11, Matthew 26:6-13, and Matthew 28.

In John, the religious leaders bring a woman who was caught cheating on her husband before Jesus. They demand of Him the punishment she deserves. Even more than that, they attempt to trick Jesus into misquoting scripture so they have reason to put Him in jail. Christ’s response to them is, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.”(v.7) The men have absolutely no idea how to respond to that and one by one they begin to leave because they know that they aren’t able to do what He’s instructed. Finally, Jesus looks at the woman and asks her if no one condemned and she informs Him that they haven’t. So He tells her, “Neither do I condemn you, go and from now on do not sin anymore.” (v.11) Jesus stood up for this woman (who did indeed commit a sin), humbled the religious leaders, and then forgave the woman for what she’d done.

Matthew 26:6-13 tells us of a woman who approached Jesus while He was sharing dinner with the disciples. She’s not been invited and she’s a woman – in short, she doesn’t belong there at all. But, she approaches Jesus anyway. The woman takes a jar of oil (one of the most expensive oils) and pours it over His head. To us, this seems odd, but to them it would’ve been a sign of high honor and respect. She was publicly recognizing who He was and her faith in Him. The disciples are so uncomfortable and annoyed by this scene. They tell Jesus that it’s a waste of good oil and that a lot of money could’ve been made instead to be given to the poor. That’s fair, right? Wrong. Christ scolds them for their lack of understanding, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for Me. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. By pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she has prepared Me for burial. I assure you: wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.” (v.10-13) Not only does He defend her, He gives her a place in history.

Finally, Matthew 28. This passage alone is the greatest argument for Jesus being a feminist. Christ has been crucified. All hope has been seemingly lost – so much so, the disciples flee into hiding. After the Sabbath is over (the day of rest), the women head to His tomb to cover the body in spices to help preserve it. But, when they get there, they find the tomb empty and an angel waiting for them. Then, as they are processing the news, Christ Himself appears to them. He gives them the job of telling the disciples. Christ chose women to share the best news that has ever graced the ears of men.

Jesus was for women!! He loved them, valued their concerns, listened to their needs, and shared the important moments with them. He didn’t exclude them in any way and encouraged others to do the same. Christ treated the women equally.

I have to make this clear though: Christ’s feminism is drastically different from societies feminism. He doesn’t promote abortion (Psalm 139: 13&14). He doesn’t promote the roles of men and women being reversed (Ephesians 5:22-26). He doesn’t promote the destruction of men (Psalm 133:1). He doesn’t promote the idea that our bodies belong to us. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

I still don’t think that I’ll be calling myself a feminist, though I don’t know, maybe it’ll offer good opportunity for gospel conversations. But, I do know that I’m for women in the same way that Jesus was. I know that I cheer for them to succeed in their greatest dreams and endeavors. I love getting to watch women be world-changers.

I want to be a world-changer, just like Jesus.