Tag: Biblical Studies

Teach us to pray

Luke joins Matthew in including a version of what became known as the Lord’s Prayer. However, unlike Matthew, Luke separates the prayer off from the Sermon on the Mount.   This may reflect the structuring of the Gospels to make points but also, as likely is that Jesus repeats in private, teaching he has given publicly. … Continue reading Teach us to pray

Neighbours

The parable of the Good Samaritan is sandwiched between Jesus sending out the 72 to spread news of the coming kingdom and Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha about whether Mary should be helping the Lord. 16.1 Read Luke 10:1-16 Jesus now appoints a further group of his disciples to be sent out. The language… Continue reading Neighbours

Revealed

The question of Jesus’ identity has now been established and answers offered.  Peter’s answer that Jesus is “The Messiah” has been recognised as the correct verdict but what exactly does this mean? Peter’s own understanding of Messiahship has proven faulty and Jesus has made it clear that his identity as King is wrapped up in… Continue reading Revealed

Messiah

Christ is not a proper name or even a surname, despite the impression that is sometimes given by talk of Jesus Christ.  We might do better to talk about Jesus The Christ as with John The Baptist. The Christ is an anglicised form of the Greek for “anointed one” or “The Messiah.”  This referred to… Continue reading Messiah

Big Signs

The three synoptic gospels follow up closely Jesus’ kingdom parables by pairing two significant signs, or miraculous events together, the calming of a storm and the casting out of demons.  Luke will include a further significant sign, the raising of Jairus’ daughter. 13.1 Read Luke 8:22-25 One day, Jesus and his disciples cross Galilee by… Continue reading Big Signs

The Good News of the Kingdom

Matthew and Mark cluster together a series of parables with a strong farming theme to illustrate what God’s kingdom is like.[1] Luke selects one of those parables at this stage, the main and longer one about a sower and seed.  He pairs this with one also included by Mark at this stage about a lamp… Continue reading The Good News of the Kingdom