Women in the Gospels of Mark and Mary

While the Gospels of Mark and Mary are very different and neither gospel makes the role of women the prime focus of attention, the prominence of female characters is striking in both. This chapter explores how, despite their great differences, the two texts show a remarkable similarity in their depiction of Jesus’ women followers. In both, women take on crucial roles at the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly career. Although the original ending of Mark may suggest that the women disciples failed to communicate the message entrusted to them at the, this impression is countered by the later Markan endings and by most other post-Markan retellings of the tomb story. In the Gospel of Mary, Peter and Andrew’s attack on Mary is countered by Levi’s defence of her as a uniquely privileged disciple. Both Mark and the Gospel of Mary use women figures to present a message of discipleship.