The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

THE TWELVE, Lk 9,1-17

Reading through this part, we can see that the comments from Herod, 9-7-9, provide an interlude between the departure and return of the Twelve. As noted in the overview, the return in verse 10 leads straight to the welcome of the crowd in verse 11. So this first part of the chapter has three sections:

Lk 9,1-6: The mission of the Twelve
Lk 9,7-9: Herod's Questioning
Lk 9,10-17: The Feeding of the people

Look now and see how the number twelve in the outer parts connects these verses together while noting that the final mention of 12 in verse 17 does not refer to the disciples.

Herod: 9,7-9

We can look first at the interlude, when Herod is wondering what is going on. Consider the special focus that Luke has provided here compared with the other Gospels (Mk 6,7-32). What does not happen during this mission of the twelve (see Acts 1,21-22)?

This is also a moment for us to note the role Herod has in this Gospel: see also 13,31 and 23,6-12.

The Mission of the Twelve: 9,1-6

"Power and authority" in verse 1: see 4,36, what can we conclude? See also 4,43 and 8,1.
Look at 14,33 in order to help us understand verse 3.
What is the importance of verse 4?
"Shaking dust from your feet" in verse 5: see Acts 13,51.
What is the overall picture we are given in these verses?

Now is the time for my response to the middle and the first sections.

Feeding the Crowds: 9,10-17

This episode occurs in all four Gospels so its importance is clear. Compare Luke's version with Mark, Mk 6,30-44, and pick up the details of Luke's editing.

What are the Twelve called in verse 10? See 6,13 and also Acts 1,2.

Verse 11 then shows us Jesus returning to his ministry. What word in this verse is special to Luke? Compare 9,11 with 9,2 and 9,6.

Who takes the initiative in 9,12? (Contrast John 6,5). What is their attitude in light of 9,2? For the place, consider Exodus 16,2.

In verses 13 and 14, what is the result of Luke's editing of Mark?

Compare 9,16 with the Last Supper, 22,19. Also 24,30.
For the role of the disciples, see 22,27.

How has Luke highlighted the significance of the baskets in 9,17? How does this echo 9,2 and 9,6?

What is the final note of the story in verse 17? See 6,21.

Then go to my response.

We now continue with further questions about just who is Jesus: 9,18-36