Introduction
This book takes a look beneath the surface of Jesus’ encounters with women he encountered in Israel. Each woman was transformed by their experience with Jesus, in a way often missed by a cursory reading in the Bible. I begin my book by telling of my experience with my garbage can that emptied all over a neighboring pond, exposing not only my litter but also much of myself.
Coming home that afternoon and finding all my garbage picked up, created a picture for me of what Jesus does in my life.
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Endorsements | How to use the book
Three Young Women Discussing Ruth's book, WOMAN MEETS JESUS
Video: Ruth Vander Zee -- Woman Meets Jesus: Part One
Video: Ruth Vander Zee -- Woman Meets Jesus: Part Two
WOMAN MEETS JESUS - what you will find in each chapter
Chapter 1
The Woman With the Bottle of Perfume:
On the Art of Lavish Thankfulness
The woman with a questionable past who came to Jesus and broke an alabaster bottle and poured the oil of nard on his head – perfume worth a year’s wages gives us a picture of lavish love offered because of lavish grace given. Formerly disenfranchised, she walked with a boldness coming from a joyful spirit healed by Jesus. She made a difference for all eternity.
Chapter 2
If I Were the Woman Who Hemorrhaged for Twelve Years:
On Loneliness and Isolation
The desperate woman who suffered for twelve years with a menstrual period breaks a cultural barrier when she pushes herself into a crowd, and, without a word, seeks help from Jesus. Jesus recognizes the faith it took for her to overcome the shame and disgrace she felt and offers her healing and hope. Hope that the out-of-control feelings of negativity, hopelessness, bitterness, and worthlessness, which lay just below the surface of her existence could also be healed.
Chapter 3
I Only Wanted the Best For My Sons:
On Letting Go So Our Children Can Flourish
Salome, the mother of James and John misunderstood the emerging ministry of her nephew Jesus. She hoped his popularity would catapult him into a political career in which her sons could be Jesus’ right-hand men. In getting to know the heart of Jesus she realizes that in letting go of her sons, they were able to reach their full potential. In realizing what she could not do, could not fix, could not control, she found peace.
Chapter 4
Just Plain Mary—Part 1:
On How Jesus Can Transform the Broken to Whole
Jesus healed Mary Magdalene of seven demons and she became a power-house in the Kingdom of God. Transformation of her broken-down, dark heart shows us that the power of Jesus’ grace can take one who has no hope and lead them into a vital, active, and fulfilled life. She used her spiritual gifts and with joy to serve in the kingdom of God.
Chapter 5
Mary—Part 2:
On Significantly Using the Gifts You’re Given
Mary Magdalene, after witnessing Jesus’ death on the cross, is given one of the most important jobs in the history of the world. Jesus asks her to let everyone knows he has risen from the dead. He confirms that her past has nothing to do with the significance in which she lives her present. She knows Jesus wants to roll away every one of the stones of her heart and heal every fear, anger, and self-loathing hidden in the crevices of her being.
Chapter 6
Finished “Its”:
On Forgiveness
Through the voice of a woman standing at the cross we hear Jesus speak “It is Finished.” She realizes he had her in his mind’s eye. The forgiveness Jesus offers it thorough, complete, overwhelming, and amazing. Through the testimony of the woman, we see that Jesus’ salvation is active, present, and daily.
Chapter 7
D-List People on Jesus’ A-List:
On the Heart of True Religion Worship
A feisty woman with a tainted reputation meets a thirsty Jesus at a well in Samaria and he offers her living water. She feels his offer a bit ridiculous since he’s just asked her for water because he has no water pot.
Because Jesus always takes what others consider negatives and transforms them into positives, she is set free to hold her head up. In trusting and respecting this woman, Jesus captivates her heart and the Samaritan woman becomes a missionary of the Gospel.
Chapter 8
Longing for a Miracle:
On the Source of Healing
Ruth puts herself into the story as one of the women who followed Jesus. She asks why Jesus didn’t heal everyone. Why only certain people at certain times? Why so many left unhealed? Why so many miracles not performed?
John, the good friend and disciple of Jesus tells us miracles are signs of the goodness of God for us. They are signs of hope, freedom, and love for us. Signs of healing. Jesus is still in the healing business today for the twenty-first century woman.
How to use WOMAN MEETS JESUS
Woman Meets Jesus can be used in a number of ways.
- As a personal study, with a cup of coffee and a journal beside you. Read the lesson and answer the questions. In the answering of the questions, the Holy Spirit may reveal his healing power through Jesus.
- As a group study, with women reading the chapter before they come and a leader guiding the group through the questions at the end of each chapter.
- As a group study, with one person assigned to “be” the woman in the chapter. She could read or use her acting skills – presenting the first-person account as a soliloquy while the leader guides the questions and conversation of the chapter.
Endorsements | Chapter by Chapter | Purchase the Book at Amazon | Purchase the Book at Barnes and Noble
Three Young Women Discussing Ruth's book, WOMAN MEETS JESUS
Also, do not miss:
Video: Ruth Vander Zee -- Woman Meets Jesus: Part One
Video: Ruth Vander Zee -- Woman Meets Jesus: Part Two
