The Gospel of Luke, unlike any other of the gospels, focuses on quite controversial topics. Today, these continue to strike us significantly, highlighting unique elements from the author. The latter stresses the role of women from a very modern perspective. Luke emphasizes on high-ranking, wealthy, and wise women and basically points out how important these have been to the Christian movement by supporting Jesus and his disciples. Furthermore, Luke also highlights how education might have not just been reserved for the male community but also for those female willing and able to open up to new horizons. The passage of Martha and Mary, Luke 10: 38-42 [1] provides us with an insight on how relevant it might have been for certain individuals at that time to break with the traditional ideals in order to accomplish certain goals, in this case the teachings of Jesus. Certainly, this all resembles Luke's community and how women played an important role in such by not only engaging in social practices but academics as well. Although Luke points out how shocking it might have been at that time to go against household traditions, he also highlights how important it was to learn the word of the Lord, regardless of gender or social background. The latter mentioned is described in the passage where Martha reproaches about Mary's conduct and Jesus simply says how Mary has chosen over the best of the two options, either serving (following traditions) or learning (modern view). Moreover, it is quite interesting how familiar Luke's gospel is when it comes to the church's motto rooted in giving everything to the poor, being mercyful, and to follow sacrifices to achieve salvation. I'd be tempted to say this is one of the main reasons for such demands throughout Christian history.
Certainly, Luke's gospel is a break from the traditional scriptures that stress the established behavior based on rules and social practices. It brings about certain changes that call upon new ideals. Leaving everything behind to follow Jesus would be one of the most remarkable, along with what some feminist would call the empowerment of female figures, undoubtedly fundamental. Based on Luke's gospel, the following questions arise: What role specifically did women play in Luke's epoch? Who were the women mentioned in Luke? Was any of them a true figure and possible disciple of Christ? These are some of the doubts pending after exploring Luke's account.
1. Collins, John J. "Martha and Mary 10: 38-42." The Catholic Study Bible. Second ed. New York: Oxford UP, 2006. 1375. Print. New American Bible.
Bibliography
Ehrman, B.D. The New Testament, (New York, Oxford Press, 2004)
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