In January we discussed a spiritual axis of evil that many churches eagerly embrace despite the deadly consequences of allowing this unholy troika of racism, social distinction, and gender discrimination to dominate.
The evils of racism and social distinction. Whatever our excuse, racism and worship segregation plus overpopulation of judicatory boards and committees with those of enhanced socioeconomic status—while excluding those of whom God’s Word declares, He chooses the poorer of this world to be rich in faith (see James 2:5)—remain as much evil today as they were when Paul admonished the church against these divisive sins (Gal. 3:27–29).
The evil of gender discrimination. Like these other sins, preventing deployment in ministry on the basis of gender hampers the proclamation of the gospel and denies a basic biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.
The New Testament records how women have been utilized in many functions and offices since the very inception of the church. While the Seventh-day Adventist Church today does not ordain women to ministry, this decision appears to have been driven far more by ecclesiological policy of all denominational entities remaining unified in practics than by nonnegotiable theological imperatives.
Scripturally, the roles of prophet, elder, deacon, teacher, evangelist, pastor, bishop/administrator, and even apostle appear to be open for both genders as affirmed by church practice, apostolic declaration, and biblical affirmation. Prejudicial reasoning to the contrary, you will not find biblical support for excluding women from church leadership. On this, both Paul and Jesus are in complete accord. Jesus’ own example—His personal ministry—thoroughly demonstrates this fact by one consequential episode (John 4) in which He destroyed all three man-made barriers.
“But He needed to go through Samaria” (v. 4, NKJV). Jesus actually went against the normal travel route from Jerusalem to Galilee in order to go through Samaria. Jews typically headed east, crossing over Jordan near Jericho in order to journey along the East Bank until well north of Samaria. Then, recrossing the river into Galilee, they avoided even the soil of the despised Samaritans. But Scripture declares the Lord had a purpose in mind. Jesus needed to go to Samaria.
The Gospel says, “Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. . . . A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink’ ” (vv. 6, 7).
Jesus eradicates racial boundaries. “Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (v. 9).
By instigating this one conversation, Jesus intentionally breached the taboo against Jews engaging Samaritans. He exemplified the theology of the apostle Paul, who declared that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile (see Gal. 3:28).
Jesus eradicates social distinction boundaries. After discussing the availability of living water, the woman responded, “ ‘Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’ The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You have well said, “I have no husband,” for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.’ The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet’ ” (vv. 15–19).
For an individual of Jesus’ perfect, unsullied nature to offer such a sinner both conversation and conversion demonstrates that no individual is beyond heaven’s redemptive love and plan for discipleship. Despite her past and despite her present ongoing involvement with another’s spouse, Jesus offered her the same acceptance He extends to every disciple. New life for a low life!
Jesus eradicates gender boundaries.
The Lord called this new convert to proclaim the message of spiritual liberty for the captives. In utilizing this woman as the fi rst-recorded public evangelist, Jesus clearly demonstrated that every believer possesses capacity and calling for ministry.
She was used by God just as Mary was used as the fi rst preacher of the resurrected Lord. These women ministered, not just in prophetic roles, but in a proclamation. Clearly, God calls and uses women in ministry. The church should do no less.
And she was successful! The whole town was eager to hear her. What an evangelistic strategy for gathering a crowd! She advertised her message by saying, “He told me everything I’ve ever done!” “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did’ ” (v. 39).
In my opinion, Jesus needed to go through Samaria in order to eradicate false concepts about who qualifi es to minister. The Bible is clear. We are all one in Christ Jesus.
