Jesus was revolutionary for his time, giving roles to women that had never been done before. His approach was strategic, much like Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s. Ginsburg understood that lasting change often requires careful, incremental steps. One of her early cases, *Moritz v. Commissioner* (1972), involved a man who was denied a caregiver tax deduction because he was a male. Ginsburg took on this case because she knew that if the court ruled in favor of the man, it would set a precedent that would eventually benefit women. By choosing a case where the victim of discrimination was a man, she cleverly navigated the biases of the time and laid the groundwork for future gender equality cases. She knew the courts would favor a man in this case and would benefit women in the long run. She played the long game. Ginsburg’s methodical approach allowed her to build a series of legal victories that gradually chipped away at gender discrimination. She knew that if she inched forward her efforts would compound over time.
Similarly, Jesus knew that to create enduring change, he had to challenge cultural norms in a way that was strategic and incremental. He gave women significant roles and responsibilities, subtly shifting societal expectations. For instance, Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26) broke several social taboos, yet it was done in a manner that gradually encouraged acceptance rather than outright rebellion. By acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women like Mary Magdalene and others, Jesus set a precedent that would slowly transform the cultural landscape.
Thecla, a follower of Paul, embodied a more radical approach to women’s rights. According to the apocryphal *Acts of Paul and Thecla*, she defied societal norms outright. When she was denied baptism, she cut her hair and baptized herself. Thecla’s defiance was ahead of her time and too radical for her contemporaries. Her story, while inspiring, didn’t immediately resonate and took centuries to be appreciated for its significance.
God must have given Thecla a unique gift, understanding that her radical actions, while not resonating with the people of her time, would be recognized and celebrated centuries later. It’s as if God planted a seed in her, knowing that her bold defiance and unwavering faith would eventually bear fruit in a society more prepared to appreciate her courage. Thecla's story, like many others in history, shows that God’s plans often transcend the immediate context. Her actions, deemed too ahead of their time, were part of a divine strategy. God knew that her fervor and radical steps would be a beacon of inspiration for future generations, demonstrating that sometimes, the most significant changes start with those who dare to defy the norms, even when the world isn’t ready to accept them. This foresight underscores the idea that God's plans are intricate and far-reaching, often appearing crazy or nonsensical in the moment but ultimately leading to profound and lasting change.
Thecla was just 17 years old when she first met Paul and decided to follow him, choosing a path radically different from the life she was expected to lead. I don’t know about you, but I remember being 17 much more vividly than being 27. At 17, I had just gotten my license and was allowed to drive my dad’s truck around town. To me, this was the epitome of freedom. All I had wanted my entire life up to this point was independence. I didn’t want anyone to tell me what to do, where to be, or how to act. I wanted to drive around in my truck, listening to mix tapes I burned from Limewire.
At 17, your brain isn’t fully developed, particularly the parts responsible for decision-making and long-term thinking. This is why you think making margaritas in your car with a travel-sized blender and an AC adapter for the cigarette lighter is a good idea. It’s the reason you see so many teenagers doing things that make you question what they were thinking. Their frontal lobes aren’t fully formed yet. Despite all the impulsive, not fully-formed thoughts and actions we take at 17, it’s also the age when we feel we can change the world. At 17, I felt like the world was my oyster, conspiring to make my dreams come true. I felt like I could be whatever I wanted to be and do whatever I wanted to do. This sense of invincibility is why so many young people make incredible differences in the world—they simply don’t believe they can’t.
Thecla wasn’t old and wise; she wasn’t strategic like Ruth Bader Ginsburg or calculated in her actions. What she did know was that she was passionate, fierce, courageous, and brave. Her heart and passion led her to Paul, which in turn led her to Jesus. With her fiery, youthful passion came many consequences. She was almost burned at the stake and nearly killed by a lion for believing what she did and expressing it how she did. According to tradition, Thecla disguised herself as a man to follow Paul and preached the gospel openly, which led to her being sentenced to death multiple times. However, she miraculously survived each attempt on her life, demonstrating her unshakeable faith and God's protection over her (Acts of Paul and Thecla).
Thecla’s story is a powerful testament to the influence of youthful fervor and the impact one can have when driven by deep conviction. Even though her actions seemed rash and reckless at the time, God had a purpose for her. Her story, although it didn't resonate fully with her contemporaries, was preserved and later celebrated. God knew what He was doing, planting a seed that would bloom in due time, inspiring countless generations with her bravery and faith.
Jesus and Ginsburg both understood that change needed to be palatable to their contemporaries to be effective. They were both strategic, knowing that gradual, incremental change would eventually lead to significant, lasting transformation. Thecla’s fiery passion and bold actions, though initially rejected, planted seeds that would take root in future generations. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most radical voices are the ones that inspire change long after their time