Episode 29: A Rebellious Son? - Reinhartz

Boston College STM Online: Encore Podcast

A Rebellious Son? Jesus and His Mother at the Wedding in Cana (John 2) LECTURE

March 2, 2016Presenter: Adele Reinhartz

In the Gospel of John, chapter 2, Jesus, his mother, his brothers, and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana, in the Galilee. Inexplicably, the wine runs out early, while the celebrations are in full swing. When Jesus's mother points out the problem to her son, hoping he will help, his answer is surprising: "Woman, what does this have to do with you and me?" This lecture looks closely at this exchange in the context of the norms and expectations of parent-child relationships in Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, and considers its role in the Gospel's overall presentation of Jesus.

Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning

Adele Reinhartz is Corcoran Visiting Chair in Christian-Jewish Relations at Boston College, and professor, Department of Classics and Religious Studies, at the University of Ottawa.