The Gospel of Luke has been called "the most beautiful book ever written," and it is, for many people, their favorite gospel.
Please read through my study questions on the Gospel of Luke (also attached to the syllabus for the sake of those who prefer hard copy). Then read through the first twelve chapters of Luke's Gospel.
For the blog entry here, please do *both* of the following:
1. Pick out a verse or passage that you think particularly well shows why people find this gospel attractive and explain your choice of this particular passage.
2. Choose one of the study guide questions and suggest an answer.
Please come to class ready to discuss in class the verse/passage you chose and to suggest an answer to at least one of the study guide questions.
1.
ReplyDelete51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature[a] and in favor with God and man.
I at least find this section attractive because seeing Jesus as a child is unique to the gospel of Luke. You get a glimpse of Jesus' journey through life and how he got to his three years of ministry. It's fascinating to me how his knowledge and wisdom grew as he got older, and his divine mission probably became more clear.
2.
Is their anything in the Gospel of Luke that might appeal to particular groups among the gentiles, e.g. to women, to the poor, to philosophers, etc.?
This gospel gives a lot more recognition to women. For example, Mary's faith in giving birth to the Messiah, sinful women who will later anoint Jesus, or the persistent widow. The gospel of Luke could be attractive to women due to this purpose, it's also ahead of its time in giving this much credit to women.
1. Chapter 5:29-32 (Below is verses 31-32. 29-30 is the context)
ReplyDeleteJesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
I think these verses are very good at demonstrating why people find this book attractive because Jesus tells us the reason for his ministry. Jesus doesn't come for the Pharisees or scribes, but comes for the sinners, like the tax collectors and the like. The Gentiles, who would be shunned by the Jewish people for being sinners, would love to receive the message of a savior coming for them as well as the Jews.
2. Luke does not cite the Old Testament nearly as much as Matthew, but when he does cite the OT he does it at greater length. Why?
I think the main reason behind this is that when Matthew frequently pulls from the OT, he knows that his target audience (Jews) would already know the context around it. But Luke pulls from the OT less because the gentile wouldn't understand the significance of his selected passage, and when Luke pulls from the OT, he makes sure to give the extra context surrounding it, which is what gives it the greater length.
1. Luke 4:35 "Be Quiet!" Jesus said firmly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of everybody. And it came out without hurting him.
ReplyDeleteJesus continues to amaze the crowds and the news about him clearly spreads very quickly. Earlier in verse 3, the demon recognizes the man as Jesus of Nazareth and asks if he came to destroy them. It is fascinating hearing and see this account because I just imagine what it would be like to witness it. What I find attractive about the writing from Luke is that he is very descriptive in what he says and all the events are very clear and concise.
2. Is there anything in the Gospel of Luke that might appeal to particular groups among the gentiles, e.g., to women, to the poor, to philosophers, etc.?
I would say the Gospel of Luke is very easily understood and describes many accounts in very good detail. The reason I believe this is so is because he was a doctor and he had a lot of time spent with Paul. His empirical status is represented in his writing, specifically in observation of the texts he was reporting about.
I like the first quote you used. I can see how people would find that passage attractive. It shows that demons obey Christ and that He has authority over everything.
DeleteFor the second half of your response, I also agree that He makes it easy to understand. I agree that it was made for the Gentiles, and again and again throughout His Gospel, He makes it resonate with them. - Joseph
1.
ReplyDeleteLuke 5:8-11 Most specifically, the lines from Simon, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man," and Jesus's response, "You will be catching man."
I believe this is a nod to the purpose and power of Luke's gospel. Luke's intent is to level the playing field. We are all sinners. No voice is more important than another's. Women, children, the poor, unclean, sick, and sinners are deserving of love. I think that Luke displays this idea throughout his book. The power aspect comes from Jesus's transfiguration of even the most unclean into those on whom he builds his church. Jesus, not once, turns and says, "You're right, you are too sinful for me." Instead, he turns the ordinary into extraordinary. Peter, who thought of himself as too sinful, would go on to be given the keys of the kingdom of God and the first pope of the Catholic church.
2.
Luke cites the Old Testament much less than Matthew, but when he does, he cites it in greater detail. Why?
Luke is speaking to an entirely different audience than Matthew. Matthew's audience was primarily Jewish and therefore knew much of what he was referring to without needing to quote the whole phrase. Luke starts his book with traditional Roman and Greek literary styles. It is then assumed that he is speaking to the Gentiles. More specifically, his gospel is about human dignity and for the voice of the unheard. We see this through his writings about Mary and Elizabeth. He starts this important document with an in-depth retelling of two women who are seen by the eyes of society as unimportant. Later, he pays tribute to the outcasts of Jesus's time and focuses on their stories. The reason Matthew and Luke are so different is the people to whom the book was intended.
8:45-46 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
ReplyDeleteEven though the story of the woman with the bleeding disorder was mentioned in Matthew, I think that these verses that are unique to Luke help highlight why it is attractive. While preoccupied by other tasks and through a sea of people, Jesus was able see a single hurting person in a crowd. As her condition would have made her unclean and generally others she touched, I believe that she was awaiting condemnation as she was called out, but instead she was met with a blessing. I think that this shows a theme of this book of seeing the hurting and blessing the condemned.
2.Luke does not cite the Old Testament nearly as much as Matthew, but when he does cite the OT he does it at greater length. Why?
I would assume that this is because of a difference in audience. Matthew is writing to the Jews who would be educated in the Old Testament writings and be able to reference them. Luke's book is more aimed at Gentiles, who would generally not be well educated in the Old Testament. I also think that the Jewish audience would be more interested in the Old Testament references and evidence, where the Gentiles would see it as extraneous information.
1.
ReplyDeleteRather than a specific verse, I particularly enjoy the way Luke opens his first couple chapters of his telling of Jesus' life. He spends over 80 verses setting the scene for Jesus' birth, giving information on John the Baptist's birth, and uniquely including two of four hymns - Mary's, Zechariah's, and Simeon's songs (1:46-56, 1:67-79, and 2:29-32) - which the other gospels do not include. Luke's storytelling is superb and easy to follow, and I can't help but think of Christmas time when I read the birth of Jesus in chapter 2 since much of this section is read during my church's Christmas Eve service as I'm sure it is for many other churches.
2.
Why does Luke spend so much time on the events surrounding the birth of Christ? How is his account of Christ's birth different than Matthew's? How do you explain these differences?
Luke's description of Jesus' birth makes it obvious why this gospel is the go-to for nativity storytelling. It seems like Luke wants to not only tell us that Jesus was born, but what KIND of Savior was born. He gives ample political context before Jesus' birth, showing Luke's tendency towards exactness and orderliness. He also gives backstory to Mary as well as describe where Jesus was born - a lowly manger. All of these details that were absent from Matthew's gospel help emphasize how Jesus was to overturn expectations, and that He would bring "good news that will cause great joy for all the people" (2:10). By establishing Jesus' fully divine and fully human nature at birth, he is grounding his story in real history for an audience of Gentiles and making the nature of salvation inclusive for the poor (shepherds and Mary I believe are foreshadowing for this).
1. I think the very beginning of the Book of Luke shows why it might be attractive to many people. Luke explains that his book is a compilation of stories and information that he gathered from eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. For myself, I have always found this book interesting because it wasn't one direct account of a close disciple. Those accounts are vital, but because Luke searched out many witnesses and assembled the story using the accounts of different people, he was able to get a fuller picture of certain events by hearing multiple perspectives. Certain details that eyewitnesses might have included were left out because he was not a first-hand disciple, but considering that his attempt was for the purpose of helping Theophilus to be certain about what he had been taught, he did an excellent job telling the important stories and providing useful information.
ReplyDeleteI think that many people could find this approach helpful, especially those who like Theophelus, did not witness most of it themselves. Since all of us today are in that boat, this is a good explanation of why many people may find this book attractive.
2. Luke did not cite the Old Testament nearly as much as Matthew, but when he does cite the Old Testament he does it at a greater length. Why?
It seems pretty clear that Matthew wanted to show the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy as it related to Jesus, so he needed to reference a lot of it. Luke's focus was more about documenting what Jesus said and the events that took place over his life on Earth, so less Old Testament quoting was needed. But there seems to be a lot of good evidence to suggest that Luke and Theophilus were Gentiles. So, they wouldn't know the Jewish texts from memory as well as the Jews, even though they might greatly respect them. If that is true, it would make a lot of sense for Luke to cite longer passages for Theophilus so that he could understand without confusion. I don't know for sure that I'm right on this, but it's my best guess.
1. I'd choose Luke 1:37 as my verse. One of the best messages you could send in terms of what is possible with god "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37) Luke lays it out clear and right in front of you easy to read. Regardless of you goals, aspirations, or stuggles, with god anything is possible and anything could happen.
ReplyDelete2. (What reason does Luke give for writing his gospel? What sources does he claim for his information?) Luke wrote this gospel as I can find for his friend Theophilus and other Gentile Christians like him. And there are three sources that Luke uses for his information. Earlier Accounts, Eyewitnesses and ministers, And investigation by Luke Himself. Overall the book of Luke is to inform that God's salvation is for all, the sinner, the poor, and the outsider, all.
1. When Jesus raises the widow's son, verse 13 seems to highlight something very important about Jesus' character that makes Luke's gospel so appealing. It says, "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her..." This women did not seek out Jesus directly and yet Jesus had *compassion on her, this was not done out of apathy. And throughout Luke's gospel we see this idea of Jesus' great care and intention with all people, including the gentiles. It seems very obvious that, of course, gentiles would enjoy this book because it says Jesus has compassion, that he loves them though they are not grandfathered in by way of Jewish ancestry.
ReplyDelete2. 3. How does Luke treat the Pharisees and Sadducees? Is his portrayal of these groups any different than Matthew's?
Luke's portrayal of the Pharisees and Sadducees is much more brief and less key to the point of his book. The portrayal shows their hypocrisy, but unlike Matthew, they are not as significantly discussed both in quantity no detail. For example, when the sinful woman anoints his feet when Jesus is with a pharisee, the pharisee takes a sort of "back seat" in the story. The Pharisee is important in highlighting how repentance was the difference between him and the woman, but the story's focus seems to be more on the woman, and how it was faith that saved her. That idea would be more important in teaching Theophilus and the other learning disciples than trying to call out those who thought they needed no savior. The whole point of sharing the gospel with Theophilus was for him to understand and also share the gospel further, whose evangelism would be filled with many gentiles. It would be less important to focus on the Pharisees' self-righteous following of the law than to show other gentiles in need of saving that they are saved by the gospel.
One that caught my eye was Luke 15:20 "SO he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him." I chose this one because it showed the compassion and mercy and his love from his father. It showed a great image and it was emotional and explains why this gospel is so great and everyone loves it because of lines and verses like this.
ReplyDeleteI chose this study questions -What reason does Luke give for writing his gospel? What sources foes he claim for his information? He wanted to write this gospel to show a true and reliable account of life and Jesus and what he said to strengthen every Christian and their belief. He wants his readers to have a true and thoughtful appreciation and trust for the gospel and that is what Luke is doing when he wrote this. He gets these from eye witnesses and people close to the word and their messages. He also just does his own research too.
1. The verse that stuck out to me was: "Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7). I found this one to be appealing to people because Jesus is explaining to the crowds how they need to have courage during persecution under the Pharisees. That they need to be fearless in their beliefs and God will protect them. This verse and gospel is attractive because it gives Jesus's followers comfort to know that God will protect them from threats of persecution and that he is always looking out for them.
ReplyDelete2. I chose the first study question: What reason does Luke give for writing his gospel? What sources does he claim for his information? In the prologue Luke writes that he has decided to do his own investigation and write all of his findings down so that people will see what he has and will know the truth of Jesus. He is writing his gospel to spread awareness of Jesus's teachings and attempts to link Jesus with Old Testament promises.
Collin DeLeeuw
ReplyDeleteLuke 9 48 “Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” I think that this is attractive because it shows that the people who are the least in society can gain the kingdom of heaven. I chose this passage because I think it shows the power of Jesus. It shows that he cares about the lowest people, and he cares about everyone.
Is their anything in the Gospel of Luke that might appeal to particular groups among the gentiles, e.g. to women, to the poor, to philosophers, etc.?
I think that the text above really sticks out to the poor. When he says the least among you, he, in my opinion, is talking about the poor. He welcomes them, and that is uncommon.
1. A verse I found to be representative of Luke's writing was 3:11, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." I took interest in it initially because of its message, but when I thought about it in the context of being spoken from John, who I believe is a very no-nonsense individual who is very committed to his divine mission. The verse fits John perfectly, and I think it is a sign of Luke's impressive writing that he can separate John and Jesus so clearly with his writing.
ReplyDelete2. I chose the study question "What reason does Luke give for writing his gospel? What sources does he claim for his information?" It is clear that Luke wrote his gospel to create a clear, well-written, and most importantly, accurate telling of the life of Jesus. He did this through the use of eyewitnesses and people who had followed Jesus.
1. Verse/Passage:
ReplyDeleteI believe one passage in the gospel of Luke that is attractive is 10:33–34, from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I chose this because it shows radical compassion goes across race and gender . Samaritans were outsiders but Jesus makes one the hero of the story. This would appeal to Gentile believers because it shows that love and mercy matter more than status or background.
2. Study Question #7:
There are many things in Luke that would appeal to Gentiles. Luke emphasizes women like Mary and Elizabeth the poor, and social outcasts. He focuses on parables about gentiles a lot. Plus his focus on compassion, justice, and salvation for all people, not just Jews would show Gentiles that they fully belong in God’s plan. - Joseph
1. Luke 1:46- 55 (The Magnificat)
ReplyDeleteI find the song of Mary to be a beautiful prayer and a reminder of The Psalms of David. I think it is that reason people like it so much is it is a praise scripture through and through. It gives glory to God while also magnifying the intense faith and trust Mary has for God and Her Lord and savior she carries.
2.I honestly believe it is the story teller in Luke and him wanting to tell a detailed account of the beginning of The Lords life. He is more detailed of the events surrounding Jesus's Birth directly. The day of his birth and the events surrounding it are told with great detail (I.E. The Shepherds and looking for a inn.). Also the great telling of Mary's role and Yes in the story. Verses Matthew who briefly mentions the prophecy of the birth. I believe it is because Matthew was more worried about portraying the fulfillments of Jesus prophecy wise to the Jews. Verses Luke who was telling the story for the stories sake.