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The term “macho man” developed in the 1920’s from the Spanish word macho, meaning male. It became a more popular description of virile, tough, truly masculine males. Although its usage has fallen out of favor recently, it is the perfect picture of Jesus, the Christ. But with a major distinction. For Jesus, respect and honor for the women in His life was part of being a macho man. 

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In Israel’s society, women lived within legal and social limitations shaped by Jewish customs and interpretations of the law. They were not “second-class citizens,” yet their participation in community life depended heavily on the leadership of their husbands. Women could worship freely and even inherit property, but cultural expectations placed men in the dominant position. 

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Jesus, however, treated women far differently. To Him, women were central to His ministry. As the Son of Jehovah, He reflected God’s view of women as valued and essential to His work. In God’s kingdom, women are never secondary. 

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  The Jewish ladies, Martha and Mary are good examples. Living within a short day's journey from Jerusalem, their brother Lazarus’s home was a favorite resting spot for Jesus. When Jesus traveled to the Temple for the fall’s Feast of Tabernacles, he stayed in their home in Bethany. After 

the older of the two sisters, Martha, welcomed Jesus, Martha immediately went about the expected role of a Jewish female, making Jesus and His disciples comfortable, preparing food for the guests, and making the guest area ready for an overnight stay. 

 

While Martha was fulfilling the expected duties, her sister Mary, “Sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His words.” (Luke10:39). She was more interested in the discussion that Jesus and His disciples were having. “The idea of a woman sitting at a rabbi’s feet to hear his teaching would have seemed bizarre, possibly blasphemous.... The acceptable thing in her society would have been to serve guests and get the gist of Jesus’ teaching from someone else later, perhaps asking Lazarus the next morning to sum up what Jesus said.” (G. Conner Salter, biblestudytools.com).  

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When Martha complained that her sister was not helping, “Jesus answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42). The dishes will wait. A devotional time should not. 

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Other women also played a prominent role in Jesus’s ministry. While Jesus and his disciples were touring Galilee preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God, they were accompanied by women who contributed their own resources to support Jesus’s ministry. Among these are “Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joana, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others.” (Luke 8:1-3). 

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Likewise, the unknown woman of Luke, 7:36-50 is remembered. It records her washing Jesus’s feet with her tears and perfume.  While the Pharisees at the dinner party, rejected her as a sinner, Jesus recognized her devotion to him. He blessed her by answering, “Because of your faith, you are now saved. May God give you peace.”  

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Another woman mentioned by name was Mary Magdalene. Possibly she was born and received her name from the city of Magdala. If so, this city was known for its manufacturing fine woolen garments and its great wealth. It was Mary Magdalene that witnessed the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:56) and along with other woman purchased burial spices to anoint Jesus’ body following His death. (Mark 16:1). 

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Women were instrumental in the believer’s communities long after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Woman such as Phoebe and Priscilla (Romans 16:1-3) and Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) were recognized for their generosity in supporting the ministry of the Apostles. 

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In the end, let the question be not how strong we appear, but how thoughtfully we treat others. Let us make room for another voice, acknowledge another person’s contribution, and offer help without seeking recognition. Compassion need not diminish courage, nor kindness weaken conviction. May our words show respect, our choices express care, and our daily actions honor the dignity of every person we encounter. 

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