In the Christian Science Bible Lesson February 20, 2012 Issue

The spiritual value of womanhood

For the lesson titled "Christ Jesus" from February 20-26, 2012

By Karen Bailey

In this week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Christ Jesus,” the Apostle Paul declares this great truth: “Ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:28, 29, Responsive Reading).

The Christ had come! The Old Testament prophecy and promise were fulfilled and revealed in the virgin birth of Jesus, exemplified by his word and works, and confirmed through his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Science and Health states, “The divinity of the Christ was made manifest in the humanity of Jesus” (p. 25, citation 28).

In ancient patriarchal societies the father’s heir was his son. This insured the continuity of the family name and lineage, but contributed to the diminished value of women. We see evidence of this in Matthew’s account of “the book of the generation of Jesus Christ.” Matthew cites the lineage of “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ” (chap. 1:1, 16), rather than the lineage of Mary, for his proof of the fulfillment of the prophecy of the virgin birth (see Matthew 1:18–23, cit. 3).