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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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”). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“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.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx">http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stephen J. Shoemaker <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Professor of religious studies at the University of Oregon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Although Mary is mentioned only infrequently in the New Testament, her portrayal there ranges from model disciple to estranged parent.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Did you know…?<o:p></o:p></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Mary is mentioned only infrequently in the New Testament.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Mark and Paul have almost nothing to say about Mary, while in Luke and John Mary figures prominently.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>At the Annunciation, Mary effectively becomes Jesus’ first disciple and the model for other disciples.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>In John, Mary is actively involved in the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry at Cana.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>John identifies Mary at the foot of the cross, where she is entrusted to the care of the beloved disciple.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>In Acts, Mary is present in the upper room at Pentecost.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Some traditions suggest discord between Jesus and his mother and family.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>A <a href="http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx">noncanonical</a> gospel called the <i><a href="http://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/mary.aspx">Protevangelium</a></i>of James, from the second century, tells the story of Mary’s life from her own conception through the Nativity.”<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>