The Gospel of Luke-Part One

Although each of the Gospels have their unique and fascinating narrative impact, my favorite is the Gospel of Luke. This preference started in the year 1990 at which time I was taking my examinations for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The exam consisted of a passage of scripture about which the examined needed to develop a sermon. The requirements of the exam included translating the passage from its native language (in this case, Koine Greek), an assessment of the passage with a nod to various critical commentaries, a sermon summary, and a sermon.

The passage in question was the second half of Luke’s resurrection story in chapter 24, known by the shorthand phrase “The Road to Emmaus”. Briefly summarized, the Road to Emmaus features two disciples walking away from Jerusalem in the evening of Jesus’ resurrection day. One of them is named, the other not. I think that is important but that is for later. While they are walking Jesus comes and walks with them but “their eyes were prevented from recognizing him”. As Jesus walks with the disciples they explain “all these things” that have happened in Jerusalem and are amazed that Jesus (to them a stranger) is so totally ignorant. Jesus’ response is to “open their minds” to the scriptures. As the daylight fades the two men invite Jesus to remain with them and, while at the table, Jesus breaks bread before them and “vanishes from their sight.” They rush back to Jerusalem (which is something I think you can only do in a narrative) to meet up with the others who enthusiastically speak of Jesus’ resurrection. And the two disciples excitedly speak of how their hearts burned within them and how “he became known to them in the breaking of the bread”.

One of the really interesting aspects of reading any gospel is to locate those stories and details that make it unique. This is one such story in Luke’s Gospel that is uniquely his. And, given its importance as a resurrection story, it bears close examination.

And the place to start with this ending story is at the beginning. The place to start is with the first four verses of the Gospel, normally a throw away, a mere formality. And that is where we will start tomorrow.