Friday, December 29

The Women in Jesus' Story

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

One of the beautiful characteristics of Luke's gospel is his regular pairing of stories -- where there is a story with a man, their is often a parallel story with a woman. Like Simeon's story, Anna too, recognized Jesus as the one Israel had been waiting for to deliver her from Roman occupation. She too, praised Jesus as their savior and deliverer.

We often overlook the importance of the women in the Bible. We think of it as a patriarchal book. But the stories of women are there if we are willing to see them. Luke wrote as a scholar for an audience of educated readers. This suggests there were educated women longing to see themselves reflected in the story of their deliverer. Luke did not disappoint. As we move through the gospel of Luke, pay attention to the many women who had important roles in Jesus' life and ministry. You will be richer for it.

Narrative Lectionary Text: Luke 2:33-40

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.