Mark 15:41, Jesus and the Female Followers
In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
//Quite often, I find myself in a discussion about the role of women in early Christianity. It seems many women held positions of responsibility and respect, despite the suppressive tone of later New Testament writings like the book of Timothy. Why is this so? Why did Christianity break the social rules and give women more respect than did other Judaic branches?
It goes clear back to Jesus. One sometimes forgets that Jesus’ entourage included many women. Mark’s Gospel reminds us of this in today’s verse. Several women followed Jesus … not just male disciples … and many were still a part of his entourage as he made his final, fateful trip to Jerusalem.
Among these female followers we can find Mary, the wife of Clopas; Susanna; Salome the disciple (as opposed to the Salome who danced for Herod); Mary, the mother of James and Joseph; Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza; and, most famous of all, Mary of Magdala. These are among the “many” who followed and served Jesus, as he roamed from town to town. Luke 8:2-3 makes it clear that Jesus’ roaming band of gospel-spreaders included women. The 72 disciples of Luke 10:1-12 undoubtedly included women.
If Christianity later tended back toward suppression of women, it certainly wasn’t because of the example of Jesus.
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)
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The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
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