When the Jews were offended with Jesus regarding him not following their Sabbath day rules; he spoke to them of his divinity among many other profound statements.
The one verse that struck me deeply was John 5:39.
39 ¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Thus to me it means that the Old Testament would teach of Jesus Christ. So if we look carefully, we should see many examples that could teach of the attributes and the mortal mission of the Saviour.
I have decided to look at women in general and one of those women as recorded in the Old Testament. Those times were generally patriarchal in nature, very few women are found recorded. This does not diminish the value of women in the eyes of God because the role of women as nurturers in raising their children in their homes is much more significant than the roles of men as found in the Old Testament.
The episode I have chosen does not make it the only event of importance regarding women, rather it is what comes to my mind, a rather disorganised mind, I must confess.
Esther
Ahasuerus is the king of Persia and Media, a vast kingdom of the time. This king is “showing off” as we might say in the modern vernacular. Obviously he is making sure all his princes etc, will toe the line and not get any ideas to overthrow him. He wants to show off the beauty of his queen, Vashti, (I can think of a current political leader who could also fit into this mold), but she is annoyed at his command, particularly since the king is drunk, and she feels (quite rightly) that it is belittling to her dignity. But unfortunately for her, this fellow has all the power at his disposal, so he deposes her as queen.
Esther is chosen to be queen as we can see in the Book of Esther. However, her uncle Mordecai got on the wrong side of Haman, who then decided to have all the Jews destroyed. Esther had not disclosed that she was a Jewess under the advice of her uncle. Mordecai and the Jews find out the devastating news that the Jews are to be exterminated on a set date. Queen Esther decides to go into the King’s Court after a three day fast. There is a great risk of death if her presence in the court is not accepted by King Ahasuerus. Significantly Mordecai points out to Esther the following idea:
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Refer Esther 4: 13 +14)
Her presence is accepted and diplomatic intrigue follows. Haman gets the short end of the stick and gets executed, the Jews can defend themselves and the story ends well for Esther and the Jews. The holiday of Purim is instituted.
The significance of certain events can to used to bear witness of Jesus Christ
- Three days of fasting (parallels to the death of Christ – where his spirit was separated from his physical body for three days)
- The Jews are delivered from certain death at the hands of Prince Haman (all mankind is delivered from death from Satan by Christ’s atonement and crucifixion)
- The Jews are not automatically saved; they have to defend themselves from being killed by their enemies (parallel is that man must do certain things to be saved by Christ)
- The Jews celebrate the holiday of Purim; the Christians have the sacrament (or communion)
Women in general
Women, ancient and modern, can be used as symbols of Christ. Some of the ways that come to my mind are as follows:
- Childbirth – fortunately I am a male, I have not had to endure what nearly all women have had to. Modern science has done much to reduce risk of mortality but how many women have died through the ages when attempting to deliver children? After incredible pain, a child is born. Joy follows suffering. Life is created through the travail of suffering. By the suffering of Jesus, we have the opportunity to become the Children of Christ, to be “Born Again”.
- Service – I have observed my mother and my wife. Service is so natural to them, unlike me, their first thoughts are of serving others. Their selfless nature is hard work and a great deal of personal sacrifice. I am certain that other women outside of my immediate circle will also fit into this category. The Saviour’s life was one of exemplary service, his focus was on his fellow men. He always served until he was exhausted.
- Teacher – I have seen how women are involved in teaching their children and the natural skills that they have. Not so much information but values that the mothers have learned. The fabric of society depends greatly upon women. Note that Jesus was a Master Teacher, without doubt the greatest teacher of all.
- Finally, love. The unconditional love of a mother, I remember when we were kids and we could never do anything wrong in the eyes of our mother, it was always the fault of the neighbour’s kids! I will never forget my father’s teachings on this matter, once he said to me that even when the most wicked villain was hanged and all society celebrated his demise, yet you would see the mother watching and grieving nearby. Love is entwined with service and sacrifice; those you learn to love the most are those you served the most. Christ encapsulated Charity, unconditionally loved all men and women.
I know there are many other concepts that you may see, these are a few of mine. Also I know that there are many remarkable women that we can find in the scriptures, all we have to do is look and think.