Jesus and Women - Bible Study Book: In the First Century and Now

by Kristi McLelland

Imagine walking the dusty roads of Galilee with Jesus of Nazareth—braving jostling crowds just to touch the edge of His cloak and hear Him say, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.”

Those words, once meant to comfort a hurting woman’s soul thousands of years ago, were also meant for you.

Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland on those dusty roads as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him today.

Note that video access is not included with the purchase of this Bible Study book. To view the seven essential teaching videos for this study (approximately 60 minutes per session), please purchase the Jesus and Women leader kit. Viewing of video teaching is recommended for the best experience of this Bible study book.
 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Spirituality, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2020

Reviews

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far one of the best Bible studies I’ve done ever and I do a couple every year. I love learning about how Jesus came not to turn things upside down but to turn things right side up and how he included women in his teachings, in his parables,
in his discipleship and he was truly the great equalizer.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this study. I didn't think I would after watching the first video. I was not drawn in by the author's presentation style. I learned some interesting cultural thing though so I kept at it. I love learning about other cultures, but particularly things that put the Bible in perspective. Probably by the 2nd video, I'd warmed up to the author and found I enjoyed her style, both in the videos and the writing. I learned so many amazing details that by the time I was near the end of the study I found myself dragging my feet to finish. I didn't want it to be over! I'm now seriously considering some of her online courses. The author can be repetitive at times, but I believe it helps those ideas sink in. I have a much better understanding of women in Jesus' time.

[Carolyn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristi walks readers through several interactions that Jesus had with women in the Bible and makes it clear that He loved and cherished women and saw them as important. This study drives home that Christianity, that God Himself cares deeply about women and that a piece of His ministry on earth that often gets little attention was how much time He spent with and attention He gave women.

Best Bible Study I’ve ever been part of. The videos are what make this what it is - Kristi’s teaching style is VERY academic but also very effective. Week after week she repeats many of the key ideas and then introduces new ones - it’s a style that allows for better recall.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much! What a great study (feast)! I loved it!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study. What grace and lifting up Jesus gives women. These are lessons we sometimes don't hear in church.

[Elizabeth Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve completed this study. I leave reminded of truths and cultural contexts I had forgotten. As with Jesus interacting with women in scripture, I feel lifted up and restored. It feels cheesy when Kristi says it each week but the thought continues to cross my mind, “Who loves Jesus right now?!” I love Jesus more and talk more in love with him because of my time in this study with Kristi and with my community.

[Hallie Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tremendous study of looking with a new lens at the stories of Jesus interacting with women in the Bible through the lens of the first century Middle Eastern world. I learned so much through the study, but specifically through Kristi’s video teachings. I will never feast on the word of God in the same way again.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great Bible study book with my church group. The videos that go along with the chapters are very helpful especially because the book and videos go hand-in-hand. You can read the book without the video but there are specific pages in the book for note taking based on the lecture she is giving.

[Katie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is genuinely one of the best Bible studies I’ve ever completed. I learned SO much about the culture Jesus lived in and how radical he was in His treatment of women!!! I can’t recommend this highly enough!

[Lisa Yunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best studies I have ever done!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Jesus revealed as a true feminist. I want to learn more.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the videos that go along with this study. Kristi is SO knowledgeable about Middle Eastern culture. I learned a lot from this study.

[Ciara Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best study I have ever done. Absoutely changed my life. 💗

[Kathy Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Bible studies I have ever completed. Kristi McLelland is an outstanding story teller, teacher, and a phenomenal expert on 1st century Israel. She helped me move my learning from head knowledge to heartfelt love for Jesus. Would love to redo this study in a few years and hear it all afresh!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably the best Bible study I’ve ever worked through. It was beautiful looking in depth at several of Jesus’ interactions with women and reading those scriptures through a first century middle eastern lens. Looking at these scriptures and stories with the historical and cultural context of that day, as well as learning some of the Hebrew idioms, made scripture really come alive with a fresh understanding for me. I absolutely loved digging in and seeing Jesus’ heart for women that he had in the first century and continues to have today.

I highly recommend watching the teaching videos that go along with this study book (you can purchase the book from Lifeway with video access). And if you can do this study with a group of friends, that’s even better! The discussion time in my small group was so precious.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Bible Study completed with an inspiring group of women. I learned a lot and will remember it often.

[Linda Pavich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is good the videos that go with the book are excellent a real eye opener for women to know the Love Jesus has for Women

[C.D. Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might buy everything she writes! Love her insight into the Jewish culture.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ ⭐️

This devotional was so beautiful and clearly showed Jesus love for women. Makes me love Him even more!

[Lisa Pickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful Bible study!

[Britney Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing study focusing on Jesus' interaction with women and how counter-cultural it was for the time! Time and again, He lifted women back into the place of equality that God had intended. "Jesus didn't come to turn things upside down, He came to turn things right side up" - Kristi McLelland

[Annie Sostok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and full of joyful healing within each page, lesson and video feast. Something the Lord used to really help me begin the journey of engaging with shame that has long held on and shaped my sight of God’s love for me. This book helped me rediscover the relational-compassionate-healing-presence, friendship, and familial care of God for me. Empowering me, by the Spirit, to fight lies, see Jesus in his love, and apply the loving Jesus to my heart, mind and story. Thank you for a wonderful encouragement on the journey of faith- God used this to help me embrace his love and believe that real delight can be found in Jesus. And I go from this feast joyful and singing in delight of the kind, patient, pursuing Jesus.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Word. I do not have enough superlatives for this amazing study book and video series. I learned so much about understanding the Bible through 1st Century, Middle Eastern eyes. At the end of every video, I said, "Wow!!" And then my brain would freeze for a short while because I was overwhelmed with new truths and with the beauty of who Jesus was and is. Because I wrote a novel with a biblical setting last year, I've done a lot of reading and studying along a similar theme, but Kristi's teaching is so accessible. I will watch all the videos again, and I will go through this study book again. Wonderful. Deep. Encouraging. Educational. Life-changing.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reviewed 28% for Bible study selection - DNF. The premise of the study is fascinating as I love understanding Biblical history and first century Jewish culture. The teaching was average and not super engaging. However, I heard troubling things from her in other speaking engagements outside of this study (e.g. referring to the Holy Spirit as a “she”). Also, it bothered me that she opened up the video teaching to this series wearing a talit (Jewish prayer cloth) that is typically reserved for men only. It wasn’t clear why she was assuming that garment since it ordinarily isn’t worn by women. Would not recommend.

[Christy VanZandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best Bible study I’ve ever done. Many women’s Bible studies seem to be superficial focusing on ourselves. How does emotions affect me, how does my past affect me, how does my relationships affect me, what does this verse say about me etc.? It’s me, me, me. This Bible study was different in that it stresses taking the focus off ourselves and focusing on God. What does this say about God? Also, loved all the cultural and historical context. I learned so much in this study with my group of ladies. Looking forward to doing other studies by this author.

[Donna Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study. Mc Lelland’s excellent historical Middle Eastern cultural study helps us strip away the false assumptions and conclusions we’ve come accept as truth about Christian women, the result of interpreting Jesus’ interactions with women through a Western cultural lens. As McLelland states over and over again, seeing Jesus interact with women through a Middle Eastern cultural lens helps us see and understand the real Jesus and love him more and more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time through this study and it's so much deeper when you put more into it. Take the time to reflect truly on the questions being asked. It's also the first time I did it with a group of women, and I felt like it was much richer to have the discussions each week.

[Anna K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this both the first and second time through! Incredible attention to detail that brings so much context to these stories from the Bible.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

The content in this book, or as our presenter/author calls it, "a feast," was so powerful and perspective shifting. I have heard it debated for many, many years about whether or not we need to factor culture into our reading of the Bible. After going through this study, I am absolutely in the 'yes' camp. It added such a significant layer of depth that I have been missing since I am lacking in understanding of Jewish culture, being an American Christian.

Throughout the videos, she often asks "Who loves Jesus right now?" And you will find yourself adamantly yelling at the screen, "Me! I love Jesus right now!" She details how Jesus restored justice and righteousness to women in the 1st century world and I cannot stop marveling at all the little details I now get to tuck in to my previous Bible knowledge.

I have been recommending this "feast" to everyone I know! It has made a shift in my approach to scripture; instead of thinking about what does this passage teach me about me, I am learning to view it as what it teaches me about God first, because the Bible is ultimately God's story about who he is and what he has done.

I have to almost review the video class and the book separately. The videos that accompany the reading are absolutely worth 5 stars. However, the book would be difficult to read without the extra context of the videos and even then, it doesn't really correspond, making it easier to listen and not take notes until later. But I wouldn't let that keep you from this!