Compassion for Women

In Chapter 7, Luke records the effect of the Lord's compassion and forgiveness on women. Two cases are given some space. First, a poor widow is given a new lease of life when Jesus raised her only son from the dead, giving him back to her (vv. 11-17). The second involves a sinful woman, who by faith, claimed Jesus' forgiveness and sought Him out to lavish on Him grateful worship (vv. 36-50). This was done in the house of a judgmental Pharisee who had invited Jesus to eat with him. Jesus, knowing the man's thoughts, confronted him with the truth and publicly declared the woman's forgiveness, sending her away in peace.
Chapter 8:1-3, in my opinion. belong to chapter 7 because they speak of other women—many—who followed Jesus and provided for Him and His disciples out of their means. These women received the benefit of Jesus grace and compassion in being healed, freed of demonic possession, or restoration. Three are named, revealing the stark contrast on their status and circumstances.