GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Two Sabbath Controversies: Lk 6,1-11
We can begin by checking 6,1 & 6,6 with Mk 2,23 & 3,1, confirming as we saw in the overview how Luke has connected two sabbath incidents which Mark kept separate.
Eating on the Sabbath: 6,1-5
As usual, compare this episode with Mark (Mk 2,23-28). One addition by Luke may stand out.
Next, check the Old Testament background: look at the ten commandments (Dt 5,12-15) and then look at what is permitted on the sabbath (Dt 23,25). What is the problem of the Pharisees?
Jesus in reply refers to an incident concerning king David told in 1 Samuel 21,1-6. You will find the background for this in Leviticus 24,5-9. How might the Pharisees have reacted to this connection?
Note that Luke has added a significant extra action in 6,4 to Mark (Mk 2,26). Consider Jesus's statement by looking at 22,19.
What is the effect of Luke's changing Mark (Mk 2,27-28) in verse 5?
Healing on the Sabbath: 6,6-11
What does Luke add to Mark about Jesus entering the synagogue? See, for example, 5,3 or 5,17.
What do the Pharisees do or say? What is their aim (see 23,2)?
What has Luke added to Mark in verse 8 (see also 5,22)? Look at 7,39 to see what this tells us about Jesus.
Also, how does verse 8 echo 4,38-39?
What does verse 9 tell us about Jesus and his priorites?
How is the healing done in verse 10? Note the contrast with Mk 3,5. What does Jesus not do (see 5,13)?
Compare 6,11 with Mk 3,6. How is it both stronger and milder?
Now look at my response.
We now move on to our overview of the rest of chapter 6 and see how the next stage in Luke's story unfolds.