Gender and Discipleship . . . OR . . . Beyond Cultural Barriers

Sabbath School Class—A Life of Discovery
February 2, 2008
Larry R Evans

Quiz for Reflection

1. We must understand the impossible to experience the impossible. [Lk 1:29-38] True or False?

2. Understanding precedes believing.[Lk 1:5-25] True or False?

3. The only disciples Jesus had were men. [Mt 29:55-57] True or False?

4. In the times of Christ, as well as in our own, women are often the cause for prejudice. True or False?

5. The faith of a disciple is not limited by cultural norms. [Mt. 5:25-34] True or False?

6. If something is really good and wholesome it will not distract us from our relationship with Christ. [Mk 10:38-42] True or False?

7. Martha, while active in serving, was lacking in faith. [Lk 10:38-41; Jn 11:17-27] True or False?

8. Jesus recognized cultural gender barriers and worked around them. [Jn 4:4-30] True or False?

Reflective Review

It should come as no surprise to find that Jesus recognized cultural barriers to His mission. Gender was certainly one of them. The way He worked around such barriers is as important as the barriers themselves. He sought to bypass that which would hinder true discipleship. The gentleness yet firmness by which He sought to restore all—men and women—says something about the qualities of discipleship He wished to establish. It is also instructive to the Church which is to follow His lead in making disciples.

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