Discipleship in Luke's Gospel

by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.


I) JESUS’ DISCIPLES IN LUKE:

Characters also in Mark & Luke: Most of the named and anonymous disciples of Jesus in the two earlier Gospels are also in Luke.
In contrast to Mark, but like Matthew, Luke improves the portrayal of Jesus’ core disciples: they are smarter and more faithful than in Mark, and thus function as positive role models for us.

New Characters in Luke: Luke introduces several new disciples of Jesus, not seen in Mark or Matthew.
Many of these are women, who have very prominent and more active roles than in the other Gospels:

II) JESUS’ TEACHINGS ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP:

Direct Teachings: Luke retains but condenses many of the teachings of Jesus found in the other Gospels, but also emphasizes the “radical” or uncompromising demands of discipleship:

New Parables in Luke: Luke has many more parables than the other Gospels, since he keeps most of Mark’s parables, along with twelve parables also found in Matthew, but adds almost twenty new parables. Some of these deal with approaching God in prayer (persistent, humble, repentant) and some with being prepared for the final judgment; many others address issues of inter-personal relationships and social justice:

III) RESURRECTION AND HOLY SPIRIT:

The risen Lord teaches his disciples that his death and resurrection were foretold in the Hebrew scriptures, and that they must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be sent out on mission.
He departs (ascends) to heaven, and we must await his promised return. The Acts of the Apostles (Luke’s 2nd vol.) continues all of these themes, showing the apostles as positive role models for the community of believers.

 


Related Resources:


Electronic New Testament Educational Resources
Electronic New Testament Educational Resources


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