[Propertalk] Although Mary is mentioned only infrequently in the New Testament, her portrayal there ranges from model disciple to estranged parent

[Joe Parrish]

The last written Gospel, that according to Luke (ca. 120-130 AD. according
to the latest scholarship), seems to raise the importance of Mary beyond all
other Gospels, but it may also be responding to the greater interest later
Christian communities expressed in knowing more details about Jesus.

But during his lifetime, there was probably at least some estrangement
between Jesus and his closest family, Mary and his brothers (see, for
example, "Mark 3:20-35, that recurs in the other Synoptic Gospels") and
("John 7:5 similarly notes that Jesus' brothers did not believe in him"). 

"Mark's tradition may reflect a polemic against the influence that members
of Jesus' family had within the early Christian movement after his death, as
members of his biological family struggled with some of his other disciples
for leadership of the movement..[yet] it seems clear that Jesus' brother
James was an important leader in the primitive community soon after Jesus'
death.."  ".Paul notes only that Jesus was born of a woman, and Mark is just
a little more informed in knowing Mary's name."  [The] "representation of
Mary as the model of belief and discipleship in Luke forms a sharp contrast
with the silence of Paul and Mark."  "Perhaps Mary's more prominent role in
(the later written Gospels according to) John and Luke reflects changing
attitudes toward the bonds of kinship and families or simply a growing
interest the life of Jesus beyond the time of his ministry." 

 

http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx

 

Stephen J. Shoemaker 

Professor of religious studies at the University of Oregon

 

Although Mary is mentioned only infrequently in the New Testament, her
portrayal there ranges from model disciple to estranged parent.

Did you know.?

*	Mary is mentioned only infrequently in the New Testament.
*	Mark and Paul have almost nothing to say about Mary, while in Luke
and John Mary figures prominently.
*	At the Annunciation, Mary effectively becomes Jesus' first disciple
and the model for other disciples.
*	In John, Mary is actively involved in the beginnings of Jesus'
ministry at Cana.
*	John identifies Mary at the foot of the cross, where she is
entrusted to the care of the beloved disciple.
*	In Acts, Mary is present in the upper room at Pentecost.
*	Some traditions suggest discord between Jesus and his mother and
family.
*	A noncanonical
<http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx>  gospel called
the Protevangelium
<http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx> of James, from
the second century, tells the story of Mary's life from her own conception
through the Nativity."

 

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