What Can We Learn from Luke About Jesus’ Attitudes to Women?
What can we learn from Luke about Jesus’ attitudes to women?
In order to discuss what we can learn from Luke about Jesus’ attitudes to women we must first understand a little about Luke himself. According to Charpentier E (1981:81) Luke had been seen as the, ‘beloved physician’, which is also cited in Hayes, M A. and Gearon L (1998:145) whom further state that Luke travelled with Paul from Troas to Philippi in Greece, Paul, (Col 4:14) expressly calls him, ‘the beloved physician’. He was in fact Paul’s medical adviser. Luke’s acts were written in c AD 80.
The status of women in Palestine during the time of Jesus was very decidedly that of inferiors. The women is, ‘in all things inferior to the man,’ as stated by first century historian Flavius Josephus (as cited by Jesus central.com). Historically and traditionally, Jewish men did not speak in public to women even to their own wives. However, Jesus never treated women in the expected ways of his culture at all. He talked with them, he taught them and he also expected and trusted them to be able to proclaim the Good News. Jesus therefore acted and spoke as if women and men were equal before Gods eyes. According to churchofgoddfw, Luke’s gospel portrays Jesus as the one, ‘…who fully accepted women. Regardless of their social or marital status.’
It seems that Luke give’s greater prominence to women throughout his Gospel. It is obvious that Mary plays a central role in Luke’s Infancy narrative according to Hayes, M A. and Gearon L. Mary’s role in history was to be an extraordinary one. God chose her to be mother of Jesus Christ. ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ (Luke 1:34-38) Though Mary knew she was facing shame and humiliation, in faith, she willingly submitted herself to God’s will. Mary acted in great courage and faith. Jesus therefore honoured his mother throughout his life and also at his crucifixion. Mary was actually at the foot of the cross where Jesus
In order to discuss what we can learn from Luke about Jesus’ attitudes to women we must first understand a little about Luke himself. According to Charpentier E (1981:81) Luke had been seen as the, ‘beloved physician’, which is also cited in Hayes, M A. and Gearon L (1998:145) whom further state that Luke travelled with Paul from Troas to Philippi in Greece, Paul, (Col 4:14) expressly calls him, ‘the beloved physician’. He was in fact Paul’s medical adviser. Luke’s acts were written in c AD 80.
The status of women in Palestine during the time of Jesus was very decidedly that of inferiors. The women is, ‘in all things inferior to the man,’ as stated by first century historian Flavius Josephus (as cited by Jesus central.com). Historically and traditionally, Jewish men did not speak in public to women even to their own wives. However, Jesus never treated women in the expected ways of his culture at all. He talked with them, he taught them and he also expected and trusted them to be able to proclaim the Good News. Jesus therefore acted and spoke as if women and men were equal before Gods eyes. According to churchofgoddfw, Luke’s gospel portrays Jesus as the one, ‘…who fully accepted women. Regardless of their social or marital status.’
It seems that Luke give’s greater prominence to women throughout his Gospel. It is obvious that Mary plays a central role in Luke’s Infancy narrative according to Hayes, M A. and Gearon L. Mary’s role in history was to be an extraordinary one. God chose her to be mother of Jesus Christ. ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ (Luke 1:34-38) Though Mary knew she was facing shame and humiliation, in faith, she willingly submitted herself to God’s will. Mary acted in great courage and faith. Jesus therefore honoured his mother throughout his life and also at his crucifixion. Mary was actually at the foot of the cross where Jesus
References: Charpenter, E (1981) How to Read the New Testament. London: SCM Hayes, M A. and Gearon L (1998) Contemporary Catholic Theology: a Reader. Herefordshire: Gracewing Richards, C (2002) Introducing Catholic Theology. Suffolk: Kevin Mayhew The Bible Societies (1976) Good News Bible. London: Collins http://www.churchofgoddfw.com/women/w_leadership.shtml [accessed 22.05.12] http://www.gci.org/jesus/women [accessed 28.04.12] http://www.godswordtowomen.org/jesus.htm [accessed 19.05.12] http://www.jesuscentral.com/ji/life-of-jesus-modern/jesus-feminist.php [accessed 28.04.12] http://theologytoday.ptsem.edu/jul1986/v43-2-article4.htm [accessed 22.05.12]