Was it unusual for a woman (Mary) to sit at Jesus' feet?

[tonychanyt]

Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at a well in J 4:

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised that he was speaking with a woman.

The disciples were surprised to find Jesus talking with a woman because of the cultural and social norms of first-century Judea. At that time, it was unusual for a Jewish man, especially a rabbi or teacher like Jesus, to engage in a public conversation with a woman who was not a relative—particularly a Samaritan woman.

But no one asked him, “What do you want from her?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

The Disciples didn't dare question Jesus about this. Jesus spoke to women, dined with tax collectors and "sinners" (Mk 2:15), and touched the untouchable (Mt 8:2). His ministry broke cultural norms.

Lk 10:

39 She [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

It was unusual for a woman to sit at Jesus' feet in the cultural and historical context of first-century Judaism. At that time, sitting at the feet of a rabbi was typically the posture of a disciple, and discipleship was generally reserved for men. Women were not encouraged to engage in formal religious study or to take on the role of a disciple.

Mary listened to Jesus' teaching while her sister Martha was busy with household tasks. Martha complained to him, but he affirmed Mary's choice, saying, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Lk 10:42). This interaction highlighted Jesus' radical inclusion of women in his ministry and his affirmation of their right to learn and participate in spiritual matters.

By allowing Mary to sit at his feet as a disciple, Jesus challenged the societal norms of his day and demonstrated that women were valued in the Kingdom of God. This act was consistent with Jesus' broader ministry, which often broke cultural barriers to include women, the marginalized, and the outcast.

Was it unusual for a woman (Mary) to sit at Jesus' feet?

Yes, and Jesus allowed it to demonstrate his point of inclusiveness in his ministry.