The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

THE PASSION ACCORDING TO LUKE

The Upper Room: Lk 22,14-38

We begin by investigating how Luke has re-cast the last supper scene as described by Mark. We may need to let go of some preconceptions if we are to see Luke's different purpose.

First, note how the whole section is marked out by the new time in 22,14 (see Jn 13,1 and Jn 2,4) with at the end the change of place in 22,39.

Now, look at how the meal unfolds; what are its various episodes or stages? Then look at Mark 14,17-31. How has Luke changed Mark and how has this changed the style of the parish. Consider how what we might think are the most important verses from our reading of Mark are given a different setting in Luke. For something similar, look at 1 KIngs 2,10 or Acts 20,17-38.

An important detail at this stage is to consider the difference between verses 15-18 and verses 19-20.

Having had a good attempt at this, look at my response.

Blessing over the Bread and the Wine: 22,14-20

For Jesus' words over the bread and the wine, 22,14-20, first compare with Paul's account in 1 Cor 11,23-25. What can we conclude?

Then list out the verses 14 to 20 and compare each verse with Mark 14,22-25. You will discover a variety of details which are special to Luke.

Then explore the Old Testament background: Ex 24,8; Jer 31,31; Zech 9,11

Review what you have discovered in your reading and consider what Luke is saying about this meal. Then go again to my response.

The Discourse: 22,21-38

Verses 14-16 as we have seen provide the setting for this farewell discourse. Jesus has told his disciples he is about to suffer (verse 15). Having given thanks over bread and wine as a concrete sign of his Passover to be done in memory of him (verse 19), now is the time to draw out the significance of what is about to happen.

Reading verses 21 to 28, some of it may strike you as familiar. Luke's editing has indeed made use of sayings found elsewhere in the Gospels. Let us now explore that further by looking up the following references and then linking them with the speech:
Lk 9,46 and Mark 9,34.
Mk 10,42-44 (note the wider context).
Mt 19,28
Mk 14,29-31

Then try to work through the themes coming through in the discourse. Are there threads running through what Jesus is saying - bearing in mind the setting of the speech.

Having done this, take a look at my response.

We can now continue with our reading of Jesus on the Mount of Olives, Lk 22,39-53.