268 Luke's Liberation from Misogyny Part 3

We conclude this series of Luke's intentional inclusion of women in his gospel. There are some 28 incidents and 13 of them are unique to Luke. How reassuring it is to know that Jesus was so inclusive of women and that they participated in such significant ways throughout His ministry. Even to the point of giving them the opportunity to share with everyone that Jesus has risen from the dead and is a live - waiting meet with them in the near future. We are so blessed to have Luke's unique perspective.

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SHOW NOTES

Luke records the following significant women or women groups:

1. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (1:24 -25)—unique to Luke

2. Elizabeth blesses Mary under inspiration (1: 39-45)—unique to Luke

3. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is told by Gabriel of her conception of Jesus (1:26-38)—unique to Luke4. Mary visits Elizabeth (1:39-45)—unique to Luke

5. The Magnificat of Mary (1:46-55) —unique to Luke

6. Prophetess Anna’s words (2:36-38)—unique to Luke

7. Simon’s mother-in-law healed of fever (4:38)

8. Widow of Nain son is raised (7:11-17)—unique to Luke

9. Jesus anointed by a woman at Simon’s house (7:36-50)—all gospels

10. 12 disciples plus woman follow Jesus (8:1-3)—unique to Luke

11. Mother Mary and his brothers think Jesus is crazy (8:19)

12. Sick woman healed (8:43-48)

13. Synagogue leader Jairus’ daughter is raised (8:51-55)

14. Martha is a friend of Jesus (10:38-42) —unique to Luke

15. Mary is a friend of Jesus (10:38-42) —unique to Luke (Resurrection of Lazarus is unique to John.)

16. Woman in crowd calls a blessing out on Jesus and his mother (11:27) —unique to Luke

17. The Queen of Sheba (11:31)

18. Crippled woman healed of 18 years of possession on Sabbath (13:10-17) —unique to Luke

19. Woman with a lost coin (15:8-10) —unique to Luke

20. Persistent widow and unjust judge (18:1-8) —unique to Luke

21. Mothers brought their children to Jesus (18:15-17)

22. Widows suffer at hands of religious leaders (20:47)

23. Widow’s offering (21:1-4),

24. Women identifies Peter as a disciple (22:54-57)

25. Jesus speaks to the women in the procession to Golgotha (23:27-31)—unique to Luke

26. Women from Galilee attend Jesus’ burial then prepare spices (23:55-56)

27. Women take spices to anoint Jesus’ body (24:1)

28. Women are first to discover the resurrection (24:10)

Of these 28 incidents 13 are unique to Luke. Clearly Luke valued women and their role in the incarnation.

Luke contributes additional detail to the Passion of Christ.

Only Luke recounts that an angel helped Jesus in his agony in the Garden and that his sweat became “like great drops of blood” (22:44). Luke, always attentive to women’s involvement, tells us about the daughters of Jerusalem on the Way of the Cross (23:27-31).” (Tom Hoopes)

Luke brings hope and comfort to many marginalized groups. He is not only a physician but a healer of the heart. Despised Samaritans are welcome and affirmed. Gentiles have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Women are recognized and affirmed. Who ever you are, according to doctor Luke, “Jesus knows you and loves you.”

Ian Hartley, August 2026