Christology in Luke's Gospel

Christology in Luke's Gospel
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

[still under construction]

Titles Attributed to Jesus:

Most Christological titles used in Mark and Matthew are also used in Luke:
- Christ/Messiah
- Son of God
- Son of Man
- Son of David
- King of Jews
- etc.
New Christological emphases in Luke:
- Lord (of Israel, and of all nations)
- Savior (of all, but especially the poor)
- Prophet (in word and deed)

How Jesus is portrayed, in his Words and Actions:

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus often reaches out to "marginal" members of society:
- Poor People
- Lepers and other Sick People
- Tax Collectors and Sinners
- Women and Children; Widows and Orphans
- Foreigners; Gentiles; Samaritans
Luke's Gospel has several more narratives of Jesus healing the sick:
- Widow of Nain (7:11-17)
- Crippled Woman (13:10-17)
- Man with Dropsy (14:1-6)
- Ten Lepers (17:11-19)
Luke's Gospel has mMore stories involving foreigners, esp. Samaritans:
- Widow of Zarephath & Namaan the Syrian (brief mentions in 4:25-27)
- Samaritan Villagers (9:51-56)
- Parable of Good Samaritan (10:29-37)
- Ten lepers, one a Samaritan (17:11-19)

“Inaugural Event” of Jesus’ Public Ministry (Luke 4:16-30):

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2a
But Jesus does not read Isa 61:2b, calling for God’s wrath!
Jesus applies the text of Isaiah to himself, thus implying that he is the “prophet” and “anointed one”
Jesus proclaims God’s mercy and care for all peoples, not just Israelites, but also for foreigners and enemies
Jesus then uses two examples from the days of Elijah & Elisha to show God caring for foreigners, even the enemies of Israel!
- Widow of Zarephath
- Namaan the Syrian

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