Day 69, Luke 18:15-43
To prepare for Luke’s version of the entry into Jerusalem, we return to the second half of Luke 18 and read the accounts of the blessing of the children, the exchange with the rich young leader, and the healing of the blind beggar.
Although we have read these accounts before, Luke has insights for us that we have not gleaned from the other accounts. In particular, see how the disciples missed the point repeatedly. Although they have been with Jesus, and heard His clear teaching about what is to come, they are just as susceptible to misunderstanding born of mistaken tradition as we are!
In our day, the gospels are read with a “kingdom hermeneutic” and the picture of Jesus which emerges differs markedly from traditions many of us grew up with (including a theology rooted firmly in Pauline Greco-Roman thought). It is beyond the scope of these readings to dig deeply into that assertion, but I would encourage you to read “Breakthrough” by Derek Morphew and “How God Became King” by N.T. Wright to challenge any theological blindspots that may lead you to the same mistake as the disciples. That error is to expect God to act in the way human beings have told you He should act, rather than embracing His activity as divine and surprising when it differs from your traditions. And get ready for Luke’s account of the triumphal entry to close out the week tomorrow.
Have a great day!
Mark.