Luke’s Gospel

BackgroundGentile-ChristianAlso: Author of the Acts of the

Apostles

So similar in their formulation: words, phrases, dialect, etc. ◦Believed too that Luke was present

during particular events in Acts.

Believed that Luke was the missionary companion of St. Paul

Church historian Eusebius recorded that Luke came from Antioch

Believed that Luke was a physician as well

Continued

Thought: Wrote for Gentile-Christian Communities

Idea of Christianity: not just for Jews, but for everyone

Gentile - Christian Community

Omits Jewish titles.Uses the following instead:

◦“Master” in place of rabbi◦“Lawyer” for scribe (or law-keeper)◦“Savior” for Messiah

◦Luke also stresses that Jesus is the only Lord - separation from gentile lords / pagan gods

No denial of Jewish backgroundLuke does not flat-out deny the

Jewish background

There is no rejection of the Jewish heritage, only the omission of some things found in Mark and Matthew.

Legend has it - Luke was an artist and painted a

portrait of Mary

More correct: Luke’s choice of words and style of words, made him a “word artist”◦Luke wrote it beautiful (prose) &

polished (educated) Greek

Luke: The ‘Painter’

Historical Background

35% of Mark’s Gospel present in Luke’s

Luke: Also aware of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple

Date of Authorship: 75 - 90 C.E. (A.D.)

Why does Luke write the Gospel?

Look at Luke 1:1-4 - The Prologue

Shows - concern with historical detail and literary purpose

Dedication to Theophilus◦Who is this person?◦What does this word mean?

Luke’s Prologue

“Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have taken place among us, exactly as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus, so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.”

Prologue Re-capThe Prologue is written to a man,

or a group, called TheophilusThe intent is to show that Luke’s

Gospel is presenting the truth.

The intent is to show history, and the history more specifically of the man called Christ

Luke shows concern for historical detail

References to Jerusalem as the symbolic center (place of Jesus’ death, focus of the early church)

Salvation History & Luke -- 3 Periods:◦1. First 2 chapters: Shows relationship between

Jesus and history of Israel◦2. Remainder of gospel: ordered account of

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the promised Savior

◦3. In Acts: Luke - traces spread of apostolic mission in world

Luke: “Historian of the Church”

Accurately connects salvation history & ordinary history.◦E.G.: Linking John the Baptist to historical figures (Lk. 3:1-2)

Gospel begins in Jerusalem: announcement of John the Baptist and tells about Simeon and Anna prophesying in the Temple that Jesus is the promised Savior

Luke 1:5 - 45, 56

Recollection of Abraham and Sarah through Zechariah and Elizabeth

Gabriel, the angel present first in Daniel, to proclaim the coming of Elijah (NT: John the Baptist)

Annunciation: brings about a new era in the church - a “newness God has begun to bring about (Brown).”

Jesus’ birth: a total surprise, and unlike that of other miraculous births found in either the O.T. or N.T.

Jesus is born to Mary, a virgin who is “totally surprised by the idea of conception” by the Spirit of God -- the spirit of God overcoming her

Jesus’ birth is two fold: for Israel and for something new and greater

Jesus’s Birth:◦1. Jesus: will be the expectation of Israel;

the Davidic Messiah Proclaimed by Gabriel 1:32-33 (II Sam 7:9, 13,

14, 16)

◦2. He will be “the unique Son of God in power through the Holy Spirit.” Proclaimed by Gabriel 1:35 Mary’s response: “Be it done unto me

according to your word.” (Lk. 1:38)

The Annunciation

John the Baptist’s conception: already a pre-cursor to that of Jesus’ birth -- Elijah will come before Christ, and is seen in the womb of Elizabeth

Symbolic also as Elizabeth blesses the womb of Mary

John the Baptist

The Magnificat 1:46-55This ‘prayer’ and others (i.e.: Benedictus,

Gloria in excelsis), could be removed from their context and stated on their own to represent something

It reflects the style of Jewish hymnology as seen in I Maccabees

Christology: God has done something decisive, but doesn’t reference right to Christ’s mission

Magnificat spoken by Mary = significant statement that Luke acknowledges Mary as the first disciple; the first to hear of Christ

Magnificat: significance in liberation theology

Narratives of Birth, Circumcision, and the Naming of JBap & Jesus

Elizabeth unexpectedly gives ‘John’ his name; Zechariah recovers speech

Zechariah’s prophesy - states all that has been promised to Israel

Setting for birth of Jesus: supplied by decree by Ceasar Augustus for census of Empire◦Historically: this is inaccurate; Augustus never

does a census and the governor of Judea asks for a census 10 years too late for Jesus’ birth…Luke: setting something in antiquity

Continued

Bethlehem: small city, but Luke calls it “City of David” in order to show Jesus’ connection to Israel, and eventually to whole world

Augustus: presented as a great leader and ‘savior’ -- Luke presenting Jesus as a more powerful one◦Presence of the angels

Presence of shepherds: parallel to that of Matthew’s magi…

Notice: both the magi and the shepherds depart, and never return; therefore, not recognizing the immediate “Christ-hood” of Jesus -- not recognizing his Christology

Mary is the only one who is present during the time of his public ministry

Luke: preserves her status as the first disciple - up to and including his suffering and dying on the cross.

Parallel btwn. Jesus’ parents accepting of the Law & Simeon and Anna: who are law abiding and are awaiting the Savior as Jesus is presented in the Temple

This is part of Luke’s thesis: Jesus is not contradictory to that of the Messianic Expectation

Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke is the only Gospel to have this expression of Jesus’ divinity at such a young age

The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, is a non-canonical source reflecting this & Jesus’ life btwn. the ages of 5-12.

The question is: When did Jesus acquire his divinity/powers? Luke wants to show that he had these powers @ a young age

Luke’s placing this between infancy narrative & life of public ministry: Luke shows who Jesus is in a “Christological sequence”◦1. In the annunciation: angel proclaims who Jesus

is - the Son of God◦2. At 12 yrs. old - Jesus proclaims who he is

We are told that upon returning to Nazareth, Jesus is obedient - by not provoking any more revealing incidents like that in the Temple

◦3. Age 30: God proclaims who Jesus is at his death

Jesus’ Ministry

Luke 4:14-44Jesus picks a passage from Isaiah to read at

his synagogue in Nazareth◦ Isaiah 61:1-2

Luke: Tells us in dramatic fashion - returns “in the power of the Spirit” following his temptations in the desert

The passage above - mentions the coming of the Messiah; the people in the synagogue recognize Jesus in an admirable way…In him the Messiah is taking place

God’s reign is present

What Isaiah prophesized is happening right now

In this passage: Jesus shows what he’s here to do:◦Came to preach the gospel◦To help people live freely◦To perform acts of mercy◦To work for justice◦To celebrate God’s presence in the

world

The message sinks inThey question who he is:

◦“Who is Jesus? Isn’t he the son of Joseph? How could our carpenter neighbor be the promised one?”

◦“It doesn’t make sense”

Jesus’ ResponseAcknowledges that no prophet

earned recognition in his hometownElijah and Elisha were rejected by

their contemporaries -- as a result: they helped Gentiles

Jesus’ message is therefore identified as universal

They want to take Jesus and kill him - they lead him to a hill, to hope to push him over, but he escapes (prelude to his true death)

Continuing Luke’s Gospel

Miracles, Ethics, & the Church

Synagogue Reading: Isaiah 61These verses in Luke’s gospel are

important for many reasons:1. Reveal Jesus and his identity:

what he thought he was (Messiah, Savior) - his mission is afflicted and oppressed (major pt. for Luke)

2. Scene: Foreshadows his public life

3. Two themes: Holy Spirit & importance of prayer

Luke 4:31-44Luke explains 4 events in

Capernaum

1. 31-37: The 1st (of 21 miracles) is an exorcism -- it is not the devil, but some other demon (Jesus will struggle with demons throughout Luke)

2. 38-39: Healing of Simon’s mother-in-law (but without fisherman found in Mark’s Gospel because Jesus has not called them yet) -- no crowd gathered

3. 40-43: Jesus goes to a deserted place4. 44: Jesus travels throughout the

synagogues only in Judea (not all of Galilee)

Luke 5:1-11The miraculous catch of fish and the call of

the disciplesLuke’s reordering of events…Not like Mark,

who says the men were called before the Capernaum episode(s)

Simon more likely to follow, in Luke’s presentation, as he has healed his mother-in-law and caught this great number of fish

Simon: Profession of who he is: an unworthy sinner -- parallel to Paul in N.T.

The act of leaving everything behind: important to Luke: illustrates detachment from possessions & willingness to follow

Next: Healing of a leper 5:12-16

5 Controversies with the Pharisees

1. Contention with the Pharisees and Jesus’ healing of the paralytic

2. Contention with the Pharisees over Jesus’ call of Matthew Levi, the tax collector

3. Contention with the Pharisees over fasting

4. Contention regarding the picking of grain on the Sabbath

5. Contention over the healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath

Controversies Con’tPharisees criticize Jesus for his

workCriticize his behavior:

◦His claim to be able to forgive sins◦His associates◦His failure to have his disciples fast◦Their picking grain◦His own healing on the Sabbath◦Take special attn. to Luke’s

announcement of Jesus praying: 5:16

The Paralytic

HealingMeant to show Luke’s broadening of

Jesus’ ministryNot just to the Pharisees & teachers of

the Law in one area -- but to Galilee, Judea, & Jerusalem (and as such beyond to the world)

Power of the Lord was with him to heal (5:17)

Broadening as well as he describes a house that is roofed with tiles rather than straw/mud that was typical of Galilee

Call of LeviLuke: no longer focused on Jesus (out

of respect?)Focus: on his disciples -- sending the

same message◦Seen in Mark 2:16

Question of fasting is in relation to the old and new (understanding) -- how it was to be in society.

Luke is respectful of the old ◦Maybe to show respect toward those in

his community that were having difficulty adjusting to new system of Christianity?)

ResultJesus gains enemiesEnemies who plot against him

(Luke 6:11)The Herodians (Mk. 3:6) -- not in

Luke’s Gospel; dropped out of the picture as meaningless◦Suggestion: Because Luke is writing

to a Gentile community, they wouldn’t have any idea as to what the Herodians were…away from Jewish thought.

The Role of the Holy SpiritLuke & Acts: highlight role of H.S. in

salvation history…It’s an unfolding of God’s plan.

3 Stages:◦1. Age of Promise - today: promises are being

fulfilled; the H.S. has labeled him the man for the job

◦2. Time of Jesus - He = center of history; Jesus teaches salvation guided by the Spirit - miracles prove his power/message & paschal mystery: completes salvation

◦3. Age of the Church - H.S. empowers the Christians to continue gospel mission until Parousia

Holy SpiritAppears frequently in Luke-Acts

◦Mary & conception: 1:35◦2:27 - Simeon convinced to accept

Jesus◦3:22 - Descends on Jesus in form of a

dove◦4:1 - Leads Jesus into desert◦4:14 - Guides Jesus’ emergence from

the desert◦10:21 - prayer is guided by Spirit◦11:13 - teaches us how to pray for

the H.S.

Prayer & Jesus’ MinistryLook at the following passages, and note

the times when Jesus prays:

◦ 3:21◦ 5:16◦ 6:12◦ 9:18◦ 23:34

Prayer & Jesus’ MinistryH.S. and Prayer: “hand-in-hand”Followers of Christ: Pray as often as Jesus

didPrayer of Jesus:

◦ 3:21 - at baptism◦ 5:16 - He withdrew to lonely places: desert◦ 6:12 - Before choosing disciples - prays on mountainside◦ 9:18 - Before Peter identifies him as Christ - he prays over

what people call him; Jesus tells Peter he prays for him◦ Hanging on the cross: Jesus prays to God (23:34)

Jesus teaches others to pray (21:36; 11:13; Our Father)

Teaches us to pray: even in adverse times (Garden of Gethsemane (22:42)

ParablesLuke: Focus parables on compassionate

Messiah and universal SaviorJesus draws parables on common

activities:◦ Fishing◦ Farming◦ Weddings◦ Baking bread◦ Shepherding

Contain: news of God’s reign, repentance, and forgiveness

Parables: ask us to reflect on own lives in light of good news

Proclaim God’s goodness & challenge those who resist this message

Reflections on the Parables

Parable: vivid word picture -- makes simple comparison to daily life & a religious message◦Drawn on common experiences of daily life

Contain the heart of Jesus’ good news about reign of God, repentance, & forgiveness…

Parables: show how Jesus faced opponentsParables: Proclaim God’s goodness &

challenge those who resist message to rethink their prejudices

Joy and Peace (Lk. 15:11-32)Luke: radiates joy and peace of

Jesus◦Evident in opening verses of the

GospelThe Magnificat: sign of peace

spoken by Mary“The birth of the Messiah brings

joy in heaven as the angels glorify God and announce peace.”

Shepherds experience joy & peace of Jesus - as they came in from the fields

ContinuedCrowds: rejoice over Jesus’ lifeClosest companions: experience

Joy working for himJoy at Jesus’ entrance into

Jerusalem:◦Blessed is he who is coming / as King

in the name of the Lord! / Peace in heaven / and glory n the highest heavens! (Lk. 19:38)

Most joyous occasion:JESUS’ Resurrection -- he greets

his followers with peace and urges them to rejoice @ what God has accomplished for them.

Joy & Peace

Luke 152 Themes: Come together in this

chapterContains 3 important parables:

◦Lost sheep◦Lost coin◦Lost son (“Prodigal Son”)◦ The stories show the Pharisees anger

toward Jesus for eating with sinners -- Jesus shows these parables in order to articulate God’s love…

Parable of the Father’s LoveParable of the Prodigal SonFocus: on God’s love/the father’s

love -- @ lowest point in life, realizes he’d be better at home

Son - returns at joyous occasion - which disturbs brother

The return: source of greatest rejoicing (15:32)

Jesus as Compassionate Messiah

Jesus = compassionate Messiah who has come to prove God’s great love

Born humbly, lives humblyOutcasts - visit him first

(shepherds)Family: poor (gift of 2 turtle

doves)Luke’s Gospel: resonates with the

poor over the othersLook at Matt’s first Beatitude and

then Luke’s (Pg. 122)

Lazarus & the Rich ManLuke: only one to tell story of

Lazarus & the rich manLazarus: suffers in life - waiting

for scraps from the table of the rich man

Lazarus: rewarded in heaven - the eternal reward [the rich man: opposite]

Those who have plenty, must share with those who have less. - Generosity is mandatory

ContinuedZacchaeus: tax collector who

climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus

Jesus: asks ‘Z’ to stay with himZ: accepted Jesus into his home

-- Jesus accepted him into his heart

People complained as Jesus ate with a tax collector/sinner

Z: Promised he’d give 1/2 his wealth to the poor

Jesus as Universal SaviorSavior for all peopleGood Samaritan: story presented

to show that everyone is our neighbor - Jesus shocks his listeners with this truth

Same as in Matt. 5:44 and Matt. 7:12 - embrace everyone & imitate our loving God

The ‘Gospel of Women’

Mary: perfect model of faithElizabeth and Anna: proclaim Jesus’

true identityMary Magdalene: first to announce his

resurrectionJesus: includes women in key moments

of his parables (parable of the lost coin)Attitude of Jesus: contrast to that of

rabbis/others - they are equals in the reign of God (faithful disciples who heard the word of God)

ConclusionPgs 124-125