Why Jesus Is A Feminist

It’s no surprise that feminism has been a big topic the past few years. It’s actually Merriam-Webster’s 2017 word of the year.

I’m all for women’s rights. I mean, I’m a woman and I’d love to see women being paid the same amount as men, running more companies, and if they’re in a leadership role, being seen as a strong leader versus a b****; which is a real stigma.

However, I think some who are extreme feminists are trying to belittle men in the process of raising women up.

But, feminism isn’t focused solely on women. It’s really just equality for both sexes.

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

In my personal opinion, you don’t really see ‘feminist’ and ‘Christian’ go together. I’d say, though, Jesus was a feminist.

In Genesis, God created man and woman. He created Eve out of the rib from Adam’s side. We’ve heard the typical stance that women were meant to live alongside of men. Not beneath them.

I’d say that’s true. There’s another point I’d like to make, though.

Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Most see the word helper and think women have roles that are inferior and supporting roles compared to men.

But, that word, helper, is a Hebrew phrase “ezer kenegdo” which can be translated into the English words “strong” and “rescuer.”

So, ezer kenegdo means ‘strong rescuer.’

God created women to be strong rescuers. “It is the help that opposes, two parts of equal weight leaning against each other to stay stable and strong. It means that women were created to be man’s strongest ally in pursuing God’s purposes.” – Sarah Bessey

Ezer is in the Old Testament several times. 21 times and 3 different contexts, actually.

Twice in Genesis for the creation of women
Three times when Israel sought military aid
Sixteen times when God was described as Israel’s helper

Think about that. Those roles. Strong, leadership roles.

Women are warriors.

We weren’t created to minimize ourselves when men are around. Instead, we are suppose to use our strength, intelligence, gifts, and the best we have to offer while being on mission in the world.

“Throughout Scripture, we can see women of valour, women operating in their anointing and created purpose as ezer kenegdos. Warrior is an ethos or attitude, not necessarily a vocation, gathered against the forces of evil and darkness. We are deployed into creation as the perfect ally. And then we have a lineage and legacy of Church mothers, women of God, who were warriors in the situations where God placed them, in ways unique to their temperament and character, callings, gifting, and even choices. Women from Ruth to Rahab, Deborah to Mary Magdalena, Corrie Ten Boom to Evangeline Booth.”

Creation tells us we’re created, chosen, called, and made in the image of God as strong warriors. Jesus tells us we’re loved, free, redeemed, and beloved.

Jesus loves women. He lifts them up and gives them wonderful gifts.

Jesus also loves men.

Men are called to be spiritual leaders, providers, protectors, servers, and followers of God.

Women are called to empower strength, act as a refuge and allow people to feel safe (Genesis 3:20), and are made to be delighted in.

See, one gender isn’t superior to the other. The roles are just…different. And that’s ok. Our differentiated roles in life should be respected and lifted up. We should be encouraged and encouraging.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

“Like the man, she is also God’s creative masterpiece — a work of genius and a marvel to behold — for she is fearfully and wonderfully made. The ezer never sheds her image-bearer identity. Not here. Not ever. God defines who she is and how she is to live in His world. That never changes. The image-bearer responsibilities to reflect God to the world and to rule and subdue on His behalf still rest on her shoulders too.” – Carolyn Curtis James

I’m not sure when it became a competition to be better than the other sex, but I think God knew what He was doing when He created men and women and what He created them to do.