Rather than view women as risks, liabilities, or burdens, Jesus invites them to draw near. With her characteristic and refreshing blend of scholarship and empathy, Rebecca McLaughlin invites us to examine the stories of women woven throughout the ministry of Jesus, searching for the common threads of good news. And a clear, unhesitating message emerges: ‘Suffer the women to come unto me.’ Herein is instruction and encouragement for women and men alike seeking to live as brothers and sisters in God’s family.” Martha thinks she’s serving Jesus by giving him a meal. But Jesus clarifies that he’s the one serving the real food—and Mary is right to sit at his table. (62) We deny the manipulative and coercive uses of data and AI in ways that are inconsistent with the love of Rebecca starts off this novel by telling the reader how attractive Christianity was to women in the ancient day. Rather than women being excluded and made less-than (as was the culture), early Christians saw women as their sisters and their equals. "This ethical reversal, based on Jesus's words and actions, made Christianity especially attractive to women in the ancient world and formed the basis of our modern belief that women are fundamentally equal to men. Far from being antithetical to women's rights, Christianity is their first and best foundation." Something that is important to touch on in this discussion is ‘sexual freedom'. This is one of the main tenets of the most recent wave of feminism. Many view the Bible’s teachings on sex as unfair or stifling. But when you look at the sexual climate during these ancient times, you will see that the laws God made around sex were to protect women and children, not harm them.

The book is also for those who are questioning—or even deeply skeptical—about Jesus and about the Bible that tells of his improbable life, death, and resurrection. McLaughlin has spent plenty of time considering the cynic’s vantage point, with books that include Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion in 2020 and The Secular Creed: Engaging 5 Contemporary Claims in 2021. She effortlessly brings them along in this project as well. Christianity is the most pro-woman religion in the world. Don’t believe me? Take it from the women who encountered Jesus Christ during his life on earth. Rebecca McLaughlin’s new book, Jesus through the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord (Crossway/TGC), illumines Christ’s character from the vantage point of his earliest female followers. Here are 20 quotes that caught my attention.Far from being antithetical to women’s rights, Christianity is their firm and best foundation. (13) applications. Data should not be mishandled, misused, or abused for sinful purposes to reinforce bias, Chapter 1 looks at Prophecy and the important roles that Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna play in the Christmas story. McLaughlin hits hard, stating that like Mary looking for Jesus in the temple, we often forget who Jesus actually is. We fail to recognize his rightful place of worship in our lives, and his rightful rule on the throne in our hearts. But like he cared for his mother until the end, Christ never leaves us forgotten. In this mind-stimulating and soul-stirring book, Rebecca McLaughlin reveals that far from dismissing and devaluing women, early Christianity was countercultural for the common good. Indeed, it was propelled by women who were truly known and deeply loved. As we look through the eyes and lives of women in the Gospels, we can more clearly see Jesus in all of his resolute truth and radiant beauty.” As we look through Mary’s eyes, we also see the cost of letting Jesus in. Birth itself is intensely costly. Nursing an infant day and night is an ongoing act of sacrifice love… Mary risked much more with Jesus than she would have with another child. She risked her reputation, her marriage prospects, her community, even her life when she replied to Gabriel, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord: let it be to me according to your word.”

Many of Jesus’s followers, and even disciples, were women. The writers of the gospels were men, but much of the content was related by eyewitnesses who were women. McLaughlin focuses on these eyewitnesses and shows why Jesus’s message was (and still should be) so appealing to women.

common good. While God knows all things, it is neither wise nor obligatory to have every detail of one’s This fascinating and inspiring book closes with a look at how the first eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection were women. After seeing Jesus through the eyes of women, I am left with a bigger and clearer picture of my King. I am eager to re-read their stories with open eyes. And I have a fuller heart, both for how Jesus sees women—and how they help me see Him.

Mary] carried in her womb the one through whom all wombs were made. She nursed the one who generated life on earth. She reared the one who formed the stars. But as we look at Jesus through his mother’s eyes, we see how God grabs ordinary folk to be his chosen agents in this world. When you and I let Jesus in, our humdrum lives become the buzzing center of a miracle—however little it may feel that way at times. (31) In her book, "Jesus Through The Eyes of Women," Rebecca McLaughlin presents an excellent treatment of numerous women who were associated with Jesus throughout his life and ministry. Each of them provides a glimpse of our Lord, showing how Jesus Himself cared deeply for these women and, not only honored them, but elevated the dignity and integrity of women in a culture where women were often abused and sadly, often treated as little more than property. Jesus did not see women as risks or burdens. He honored them. Healed them. Encouraged them. Brought hope to them. Discipled them. And gave them true hope. And these women cared deeply for Jesus. Boundaries are necessary for human flourishing. The Bible’s boundaries surrounding sex and limiting it to a male and female within the covenant of marriage protects all parties and creates a safe and healthy environment for everyone to thrive. Among many other benefits, it creates financial, emotional, and physical stability.

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Before we get into her masterful debunking of certain myths and stereotypes, let me deflate one on the author’s behalf: though women are in the title, this book is not just for women, and it is not even really about women. This is a book about the person of Christ, and it is for all those who want to know and follow him more. The fresh perspective it offers us is an aide to that lifelong endeavor.