“Hosting a Rabbi: A Lesson in Discipleship from Mary and Martha”

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 is often used to comment on the appropriate behavior of the sisters. Is one overly busy? Is one intruding on male-dominated circles? Taking the context seriously, however, both in the composition of Luke and in the cultural expectations of the day, will refocus our attention on other details. What were the cultural expectations for hosting a Rabbi in the home? Who was allowed to learn from the teachings of a Rabbi? And how do these two sisters teach us what it means to be a good disciple?

Dr. Cyndi Parker

Cyndi Parker holds a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies from the University of Gloucestershire and teaches in churches and universities around the world. She is the creator of Narrative of Place, the host of the Context Matters podcast, and the Director of Education and Conversation at Resurrection Philadelphia. At the core of many of her projects is the desire to help people learn to read the Land of the Bible. Cyndi lived in Jerusalem for five years, and she continues to develop innovative educational trips to Israel, seeking to inspire students of all ages through experiential education.