GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Adult Jesus: Lk 3,21-38
The Baptism of Jesus: 3,21-22
Compare 3,21 with Mk 1,9-10. What has Luke added to Mark; what has he omitted? What is Jesus doing in verse 21 which causes the heavens to open? See Ezekiel 1,1.
We are told that Jesus is at prayer. Why among the many references to prayer in this Gospel might I highlight 22,41?
For the Holy Spirit coming down on Jesus, note 1,35. Consider also Joel 3,1 (2,28 in some bibles) and Acts 2,16.
For verse 22, look at both Mk 1,11 and Mt 3,17. What differences can you see?
Look as well at Psalm 2,7 and Isaiah 42,1 for the background to what is said by the voice from heaven.
Look now at my response.
The Genealogy of Jesus: Lk 3,23-38
The genealogy is introduced by verse 23 where two points can be noted. Look at Gen 42,46 and 2 Samuel 5,4. Look also at 1,35.
We can pick up the importance of the genealogy without getting involved in details. What do you think might be the purpose and the importance of genealogies?
The comparison we can make is with the genealogy given by Matthew (1,1-17), so make a note of the obvious differences and similarities:
What is the order of the two lists?
What is the earliest name in each list?
Compare Lk 3,31-32 with Mt 1,5-7. See also 1,27 and 2,4. Who is David's son?
What names clearly standout in Matthew's list but are omitted by Luke?
What does this genealogy tell us about Luke's project?
Once again, a response from me.
The final stage of this introduction is the Temptation of Jesus, 4,1-11