The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The return: Lk 10,17-24

We first note the composition of these verses:
verses 17-20 are unique to Luke
While for verses 21-23 see Mt 11,25-27 and Mt 13,16-17

These verses are therefore the result of Luke's editing and given a unity by him. Note how the two sections are linked in verse 21.
Read through these verses and consider what might be the dominant theme.

What is the attitude of the seventy in verse 17 in contrast to 9,10? What is the signifcance of the demons (we've seen this several times already, 4,39 for example.

Satan: see Job 1,2-12. Echoes here of Is 14,12 as well as Apoc 12,7-12.

See how snakes and scorpions in verse 19 recall Psalm 91,19.

"Names written in heaven" (10,20) come up a number of times in the Old Testament. Daniel 12,1 is perhaps the best example. The theme is picked up by the Apocalypse (Apoc 3,5).

This leads into a prayer of thanksgiving by Jesus (10,21-22) which echoes that of 8,10. This leads onto a blessing on the disciples (11,23-24). How do these verses together form a concluding reflection on the Church's mission?

Then have a look at my response.

We are now ready our reading of the second half of the chapter, beginning with the Good Samaritan, 10,25-37.