Throughout his life Jesus’ response to women was one of compassion and inclusion, a rare posture in his day. He was not afraid to be seen in public with the most marginalized ‘sinners’ – prostitutes, adulteresses, and a woman who had been ‘unclean’ for many years with a flow of blood. He revealed himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well, invited Mary of Bethany to sit with him and learn, welcomed Mary Magdalene into his circle of friends, and received an anointing of rich ointment before his death, rebuking his disciples for criticizing the woman who lavished such attention on him.

– Joyce Hollyday

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