The role of women from Biblical times until this day has been misrepresented
and misunderstood. In traditional Judaism, women were generally seen as
separate but equal. Women’s obligations and responsibilities were different from the men, but no less important. Man and woman were created in the image of God.
In Old
Testament Times
Women have held positions of
respect in Judaism since biblical times. Miriam was considered one of
the liberators of the Children of Israel, along with her brothers Moses and
Aaron. Deborah was a judge. Seven of the 55 prophets of the Bible were women.
The Ten Commandments require respect for both mother and father. Both parents
are equally entitled to honor and reverence.
The New
Testament Order
In the New Testament, Mark listed
the 12 who were with Jesus. He did not forget to include the name of the betrayer,
the one who was instrumental for the death of Jesus. However, Mark presents the
disciples’ blatant failure to understand the message of Jesus and their
insensitivity to the agony of Jesus in Gethsemane.
Toward the end of his Gospel, Mark found the only faithful group of followers
at the Cross and the tomb are women. They were given importance at the end.
Often, Jesus used women as positive examples in stories and
events for those who have responded to God with appropriate faith. The parables
of Jesus often deal with the life and conduct of women; (Luke 13:20, 21), the
women and the leaven; (Luke 15:8, 9), the lost coin; (Matthew. 24:40, Luke
17:35), the women grinding at a mill.
If Jesus’ parables and actions lifted women to a status
equal to that of men, the sayings of Jesus make it clear that it is not of
their sex that women or men are important. Rather it is their relationship to
Jesus that matters. Jesus’ respect for and inclusion of women as disciples and proclaimers
provided the foundation for the positive place of women in the churches and
their ministry. Historical evidence shows that Jesus treated women with equal
dignity.
The Church of Jesus Christ belongs to women and men. Our
vision recognizes the full humanity of women together with men as people of God
called to work for dignity and genuine community based on love, understanding
and right relationships. We need to uplift Jesus’ relationship to women and men
as a model, and dare to become a community of women and men in equal partnership.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are
all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Witness is the sign of the living Church. This is one of the
fundamental purposes and priorities of the church - to live and serve the
people. The church is not whole when women’s gifts and talents are ignored. The
Church is a community who lives as a sign of new creation and a sign of a new
vision.
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Spread the Word
One of the greatest ways that you can help Asia
International Mission fulfill our mission is by spreading the word about what
we do. It’s amazing what God can do when we’re willing to share what He’s doing
in us. If you’ve been moved by the ministry of AIM, tell someone about it.
Get the Word Out
Here are a few ways to spread the word:
Join our Facebook Cause
Read Our Blog
Feel free to
comment on our entries, and tell all your friends.
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Prayer Requests
Pray for wisdom to know which ministries to support in the
world and how to best help them.
Pray for openings to speak in many churches and mission
groups.
Pray for short-term volunteers who are contemplating future
mission trips.
Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated.
