The Bible was written in a patriarchal context, yet it often challenges cultural norms regarding gender roles. From the very beginning, Scripture affirms the equal value of men and women in God’s creation.
Created in God’s Image
Genesis 1:27-28 declares, “God created humankind in God’s own image; in the image of God, God created them; male and female, God created them.” Both men and women were created in God’s image and given the same divine mandate—to rule over creation as faithful stewards. However, with the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:16), patriarchy emerged not as God’s design, but as a consequence of sin. The idea that men should rule over women originates from human disobedience, not divine intention.
Jesus: A Radical Advocate for Women
Throughout history, many cultures have viewed women as inferior, yet Jesus Christ consistently defied these societal norms. His teachings, interactions, and actions reflect profound respect and love for women.
Breaking Cultural Barriers (John 4:1-42): Jesus engages in deep theological discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well, shattering gender and cultural boundaries. She becomes the first recorded female evangelist, leading her community to Christ.
Defending Women Against Hypocrisy (John 8:1-11): When religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, demanding her punishment while the man involved remains unpunished, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy. He protects the woman and extends both justice and grace.
Honoring Women as Disciples: Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), recognized Mary Magdalene as the first witness of His resurrection (John 20: 11-18), and welcomed women as His followers, affirming their worth in God’s divine plan.
Patriarchy and Misogyny in the Church
One of the most powerful accounts of Jesus confronting patriarchal norms is found in Luke 13:10-17. While teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus encounters a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years. Moved by compassion, He calls her forward and declares, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” As He lays His hands on her, she is immediately healed and praises God.
The synagogue leader protests, insisting that healing should not take place on the Sabbath. Jesus rebukes this hypocrisy, saying, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey and lead it to water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, be set free from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”
By calling her a “daughter of Abraham,” Jesus grants her a title of spiritual significance, countering a culture that often excluded women from such recognition. This moment highlights how Jesus actively dismantled oppressive traditions that valued animals over women.
Sadly, patriarchal systems have persisted within religious institutions, often reinforced by both men and women. Studies reveal that even women, shaped by these structures, sometimes perpetuate harmful beliefs—such as advising battered wives to stay with abusive husbands. However, Jesus provides a model for breaking these cycles of oppression.
Jesus affirms women in five profound ways: He sees her, acknowledging her worth openly; He calls her, affirming her inherent value; he speaks to her, declaring her freedom from affliction; he touches her, breaking cultural barriers through healing; and he affirms her, granting her a title of great significance.
These actions exemplify how women should be treated—not as lesser beings, but as full participants in God’s kingdom.
Ministry of Reconciliation – Restoring God’s Design
Christ’s mission was to redeem humanity from sin—including the sin of gender-based oppression/ Patriarchy. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, believers are called to a ministry of reconciliation, restoring relationships to God’s original design—built on mutual love, respect, and partnership.
As disciples of Christ, we must challenge patriarchy in our churches, homes, and societies by:
- Raising our voices against domestic violence and emotional abuse.
- Addressing the subtle yet pervasive ways women are silenced or undervalued.
- Advocating for equal leadership opportunities for women in the church.
- Honoring the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of gender, cast or creed.
While patriarchy has long been embedded in biblical history and church tradition, it is entirely absent in Jesus’s teaching. The Triune God celebrates the full humanity of both men and women. Jesus declared, “I have come that you [All, including women] may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus saw women, called them by name, spoke words of healing over them, and celebrated their faith. As His followers, we are called to do the same.