Cruciform Discipleship: The Narrative Function of the Women in Mark 15–16

The purpose of the present essay is to argue for a thematic convergence between Mark and Paul by focusing on the literary function of the named women in Mark 15–16. First, I reconsider the seemingly unexpected conclusion of the Gospel at Mark 16:8, which appears to describe the women’s fearful and disobedient flight from the tomb. In contrast to the frequent negative view of their role in the narrative, I offer a positive assessment of the women’s role as exemplars of Markan discipleship. Second, I describe how Mark’s portrayal of these women as faithful disciples coheres with the theme of cruciform discipleship developed in Pauline theology. The intent of these two steps is to demonstrate that the function of the women in Mark’s narrative provides another thematic link between Markan and Pauline theology.