Mary Magdalene In The Synoptic Gospels

The women in the Synoptic gospels had a certain quietness about them. They came in many different kinds of quiet. Quite in a sense that they hid in the shadows of the precise description of men, and quite in a sense that Jesus came to them much less than he went to men. Although there are a few stories that focus attention on women; in Luke’s Gospel for example, “A Sinful Woman Forgiven” (7:36-50), or “Jesus Visits Martha and Mary” (10:38-42) are indeed giving attention to women. However, they are not necessarily portrayed in a positive light. This is when the Gospel of John comes in and gives character to these women, brightens their existence. According to Sandra M Schneiders, the fourth Gospel is a rich resource for those who are convinced

John gives her emotion, reveals she had faith in her lord, and worry about where he went after his crucifixion. John brings her to light and shows us her character. His version of Mary Magdalene at the site of Jesus empty tomb allows me to relate to her; it shows she has sentiment and loyalty to the lord, in John’s version she makes a full confession of her faith in the Lord, the Messiah. Jesus even speaks to her, shows himself to her in a transfigured form; “They [the angels] said to her, “Woman why are you weeping?” She said to them “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be a gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus said to her, “Mary!”, She turned to him and said “Teacher!”. Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:13-17) Johns women appear to be strikingly individual and original characters,

Women are depicted as believing and accepting Jesus; not resisting, deserting or betraying him as do the many of the men mentioned in Johns Gospel. Men are exposed as Non-believing, obtuse, hypocritical, evil characters (Schneiders, 98), while the women build relevance and earn value in their stories. In the Synoptic Gospels, it is typical of a woman to be seen and not heard; they are present; but not important. During this Roman Imperial time, women were displayed as domesticated housewives who were shamed and punished if they so much as thought about speaking out or disobeying the order. Meanwhile, John’s Women play important roles as leaders, and teachers. They are close to Jesus and get a chance to prove themselves worthy of being not only a part of this record but making a difference in history. In conclusion, I unquestionably agree with the points that Sandra M. Schneiders establishes that if the material on women in the Fourth Gospel was released from the shackles of male-dominated exegesis and placed at the service of the contemporary church, there is little doubt that it would help to liberate both men and women from any remaining doubts that women are called to Jesus to full discipleship and ministry in the Christian