1. Read chapters 22-23. In a bullet-point list, identify 3-5 elements that you find especially striking, surprising, puzzling, offensive, or any questions you may want to raise in class. You do not need to use complete sentences for this list.
2. Reread 22:35-38. Based on this passage, why does Jesus tell his disciples to carry bags and swords on the night when he was arrested? This passage is a bit tricky, but give it your best shot. Note also that the 'scripture' to which Jesus alludes is Isaiah 53:12.
3. Reread 22:66-23:25. Pilate finds himself in a difficult tension between two things he does not want to do. Describe these two things, as best you can.
4. Now read chapter 24, and trace the following themes:
Where do you see references to food in this section of Luke?
How do the Old Testament scriptures factor into this section of Luke?
Luke highlights the fact that Jesus is risen in a real body, that is in many ways like our bodies. How does he do this?
Luke also highlights that in some important ways, Jesus's resurrected body is unlike our bodies. How does he do this?
Paper For Above instruction
The Gospel of Luke provides a profound and multifaceted account of the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, replete with rich symbolism, theological insights, and narrative nuances. This paper explores five key elements from Luke 22-24 that stand out as particularly striking or puzzling, analyzes Jesus’ instructions about carrying bags and swords before his arrest, examines Pilate’s difficult dilemma, and traces recurring themes in Luke 24, especially those related to food, Old Testament scriptures, and the nature of the resurrected body.
Firstly, among the elements in Luke 22-23 that may be startling are the disciples’ preparedness for violence, the ambiguous symbolism of Jesus’ instruction to carry swords, and the depiction of Judas’ betrayal. Notably, Jesus' directive to take swords (Luke 22:36-38) appears to be tactical, but it prompts questions about the symbolism and literal importance of weapons at a time when Jesus typically advocates
for peace. The mention of carrying bags and swords seems to symbolize readiness or perhaps foreshadow the coming conflict, aligning with Jesus’ reference to Isaiah 53:12, highlighting the suffering servant’s record.
Another surprising element is the portrayal of Pilate’s internal conflict. In Luke 23:4-5, Pilate finds himself in a dilemma: releasing Jesus would align him with justice, but condemning Him appeases the crowd, risking his authority and possibly provoking unrest. Pilate’s reluctance underscores the political and moral tension underlying the trial, revealing that societal pressures often override personal convictions. The narrative emphasizes the injustice of the proceedings while subtly criticizing imperial authority’s brutality. Turning to Luke 24, several dominant themes emerge. First, references to food recur frequently, such as the Emmaus disciples recognizing Jesus “in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:30-31). This act signifies communion and the recognition of Jesus’ presence, a crucial motif that connects physical sustenance with spiritual renewal. Second, Old Testament scriptures are central to Luke 24, particularly as Jesus interprets the Law and Prophets (Luke 24:27), illustrating that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection fulfill biblical prophecy and emphasizing continuity between Scripture and the resurrection event.
Luke underscores that Jesus’ resurrected body is real and tangible. For example, Luke 24:39 records Jesus saying, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself.” The disciples touch Him, and He eats fish to demonstrate His bodily resurrection, emphasizing that the risen Jesus is not a ghost but a physical person in many ways like us. However, Luke also depicts differences: Jesus’ body can appear suddenly, vanish, and sustain wounds without injury, suggesting an altered but real physical form that surpasses ordinary human limitations.
In conclusion, Luke’s portrayal of the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection is rich with symbolism, theological significance, and nuanced portrayal of Jesus’ physicality and the fulfillment of Scripture. The directives to carry swords, the moral dilemmas faced by Pilate, and the recurring themes of food and Scripture deepen the narrative’s theological complexity. Moreover, Luke’s depiction of Jesus’ resurrected body balances its tangible reality with its transformative qualities, offering profound insights into the mystery of the resurrection and the nature of eternal life.
References
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Black, D. A. (1987). The Gospel of Luke. NICNT Series. Eerdmans.
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