Woman

"Woman"

In today's world being addressed as "woman" feels almost condescending to me. It definitely doesn't feel warm and fuzzy. Why then did Jesus use this term so many times when He was addressing women? I've come to learn that it is one of my most misunderstood words that He spoke.

Jesus addressed His mom as "woman" at the wedding feast and at a time of great need. John 2:4 This was the place of His first public miracle. Again, He called His Mom "woman" at the time of her agonizing grief that pierced her soul, watching her boy from the cross John 19: 26-27.

Thinking He was a gardener, His friend and disciple, Mary Magdeline stood weeping in deep grief after finding His empty tomb. He addressed her as "woman" and revealed who He was. John 20: 11-18

He addressed the Canaanite mother, desperate for healing of her demon possessed and beloved daughter as "woman". Matthew 15: 21-18

The bent over woman who had been suffered for almost 2 decades, crippled and tormented by evil spirits for 18 years as she stood in the temple. In-front of all Jesus said, "Woman, you are set free from your sickness". Luke 13:12. Later in Luke 13:16 Jesus refers to her as woman with empathy, sympathy and deep care.

In John 4: 7-26 Jesus speaks to the unnamed "woman at the well" with deep compassion, and life-giving freedom and in-turn, she brings her entire town to Him.

The woman caught in adultery was set to be stoned by an angry mob of men when Jesus came onlong. Jesus called them out in a peaceful reveal of truth. John 8:5-7. He turned to her and addressed her as "woman" with loving forgiveness and freedom from the shame that engulfed her. John 8:10

Gynai is greek for "woman". As so many other occasions in the bible, social norms and terminology are lightyears from todays assumptions. Gynai was a word synonymous with respect, honor, reverence and a term of endearment to a beloved wife. Greek poetry even uses it to depict a princess and a queen. Perhaps that word, "woman" is more of a crown than a diss. When we look closely at all of these accounts in the bible, it clearly reveals the love and respect Jesus had for all woman.

Woman, do not let doubt make you feel invisible. Do not let shame make you forget that you are not your mistake. Do not let grief tell you that you dont have the strength to go on. Do not let sorrow tell you that it's all over. Do not let sickness tell you that it will never change. Do not let disabilty overshadow your enormous God-given abilities. Do not ever for a single second doubt that you are the apple of His eye. You are created in the image of God with divine destiny, purpose and a blueprint of grace. You are more than enough. Stand tall woman and remember who you are.

#Jesus