The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Accepting the Kingdom of God Lk 18,15-30

Overview

We begin by noting the three parts that form this passage and considering their unity:
the children (verses 15-17), the ruler (verses 18-23) and Jesus'teaching (verses 24-30).
Look at how the example of the children provides a contrast with the preceeding episode of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
Notice also the verbal links running through - see verses 15,17,24,25, 30. See also how verses 18 and 30 are linked. To whom is Jesus speaking in the three parts?

Why do you think I have called this section "accepting the kingdom of God"? How does it fit with the middle unit?

Go now to my response.

Reading

In verse 15, many translations bring out that Luke uses a different word to Mark (Mk 10,13). Note too how Luke in verse 16 has altered Mark (Mk 10,14). What has Luke in verse 17 omitted from Mk 10,16?
What then is the effect of these changes?

With the next part, 18,18-23, we can see how Luke's story involves a different person compared with Matthew (Mt 19,22) and Mark (Mk 10,22). How does a ruler compare with the children of the previous episode?

What does verse 19 say about Jesus' relations with God?

Look back to 10,25 - what is the answer given there?

What is the answer given here? Note exactly what is quoted and what is not quoted - see also Romans 13,8-10.

What has Luke added to Mark (Mk 10,21) in verse 22? How is this addition typical of Luke? What are we to make of Jesus' response bearing in mind to whom it is addressed?

What is the man's reaction in verse 23, again comparing with Mark (Mk 10 22)? To whom is Jesus looking in verse 24 and to whom is he now speaking?

Consider the image of verse 25.

That is then followed by a response and reaction in verses 26-27.

Following Peter's question in verse 28 (and see verse 22), how are we to understand Jesus' reply in verses 29-30. Do we take it literally?

Go now to my response.

Jesus' Fate: Lk 18,31-34

Though the three predictions by Jesus of his fate are commonly known as predictions of the passion, they all include a reference to the resurrection as well. This says much about the traditional emphases of the Church in the reading of the Gospels.
Look therefore at all three predictions (9,22 then 9,44-45 and now this one) and see how the details have developed. Who are responsible for the sufferings of Jesus in each?

What has Luke added to Mark's prediction - see also 9,45?

Why do you think the prediction is placed at this point in the story?

Go now to my response.

The Sunday Gospel

This passage does not feature in the Sunday Lectionary. 18,18-34 is read in Mark's version (Mk 10,17-30) with its distinctive comment (Mk 10,21) on the 28th Sunday in cycle B.

We now move on to our overview of chapter 19, beginning as we have seen with Jesus approaching Jericho, 18,35.