Chapter 9

Luke’s Portrait of Jesus: A Savior for “All Nations”

Key Topics/Themes

Part one of a two-volume work Christianity as a universal world faith Innocence of Jesus and his followers Radical reversal of social order Insertion of two new bodies of material into

Markan order

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Introduction

Luke as theodicy Divine promises to Israel now open to

Gentiles Importance of John the Baptist Centrality of Jerusalem in God’s plan

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The Author and His Sources

Dedication to Theophilus Authorship

Luke, the “beloved physician” Traditional view: travel companion of Paul Debates over the traditional view Only Gentile New Testament writer

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Sources (continued)

Date After 70 CE Luke’s detailed knowledge of siege of Jerusalem Written between 70 and 90 CE

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Luke’s Use of Sources

Admits using sources Luke’s additions to Mark

Infancy narrative Lesser interpolation Greater interpolation Resurrection narratives

Dependence upon Hebrew Bible

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Typical Lukan Themes

The Holy Spirit Prayers and hymns Jesus’ concern for women Jesus’ affinity with the unrespectable Christianity as a universal faith Innocence of Jesus and his followers Jesus as “Savior” The importance of Jerusalem

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Infancy Narratives: John and Jesus (1:5-2:52)

Birth of John the Baptist The role of Mary Luke’s use of hymns

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Jesus’ Galilean Ministry (4:14-9:50)

Also known as the “lesser interpolation” Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth The “lesser interpolation”

Luke’s Sermon on the Plain Reversals of status for rich and poor The importance of women

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Luke’s Travel Narrative (9:51-18:14)

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Introduction to the Travel Narrative Also known as the “greater interpolation” Little action; mostly teaching Jesus in Samaria Jesus’ victory over Satan’s realm

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Survey of the Travel Narrative

Parable of the Good Samaritan Setting Ethical complexities

Mary and Martha Instructions on prayer Luke’s views on riches and poverty

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Travel Narrative (continued)

Lazarus and the rich man Jesus’ love of the unhappy and the outcast Parables of joy at finding what was lost

The lost sheep A lost coin The prodigal son

Parable of the dishonest steward

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Jerusalem Ministry (18:31-21:38)

Conflicting beliefs about the Parousia Parousia has already occurred Parousia is imminent

Lukan sayings about the kingdom The fall of Jerusalem and the Parousia

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Passion Narrative (22:1-23:56)

Luke’s interpretation of the Passion Stress on the innocence of Jesus Jesus’ death as a righteous example

The Last Supper

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Jesus’ Final Ordeal

Luke’s portrayal of the disciples The Sanhedrin hearing Jesus sent to Herod Antipas Pilate protests Jesus’ innocence Jesus asks for forgiveness of his executioners Jesus consoles others “This man was innocent”

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Epilogue: Resurrection Narratives (24:1-53)

Jesus appears on road to Emmaus Jesus appears to disciples in upper room Jesus’ life, death, resurrection foretold in

Hebrew Scriptures Disciples to remain in Jerusalem; await

empowerment by Holy Spirit

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Summary

Gospel ascribed to Luke Jesus a world savior God’s compassion and forgiveness for all Disciples to carry on Jesus’ work until

appearance of Son of Man

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Summary (continued)

Disciples to carry Jesus’ mission “to the ends of the earth”

Mission of church extended indefinitely into the future

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