The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Jesus crosses the Lake: Luke 8,22-39

The next two episodes of chapter 8 may be taken together as Jesus' journey across the lake. Look at 8,24b (second half of verse) to see a word which provides the theme of the two.

The Calming of the Storm Lk 8,22-25

This incident which is told by all three synoptic evangelists has many biblical echoes. The sea was not a friendly place for the ancients (Ps 107,23-32). Read Jonah chapter 1 as background; note especially verse 5. Look as well at Acts 27 and consider the crossing of the Red Sea (Ps 106,9, Exodus 14).

With this background in mind, compare Luke's account with Mark (Mk 4,35-41). Note the stylistic changes as well as those of substance.

Then go to my response.

The Calming of the Demoniac: Lk 8,26-39

Luke and Mark are great story tellers. Luke tells this episode in 14 verses and Mark in 20. All good story tellers relish the details as both in this story and the next (the healing of the two women). Matthew typically cuts the story down to just 7 verses.

As we have ben doing, we need to compare the accounts of Mark and Luke. Look for the changes which are stylistic and those which have substance, tell us about Luke's particular interests. Look for the details which are special to Luke, notably the state of the man. Where does this healing take place?
Can you spot the contrast between the two episodes?

Then try to read to the story in terms of before and after: what was the man's condition and status before he met Jesus and how was he changed as a result of the encounter?

Then go to my response.

we are now ready to read the final part of this chapter, the two healings.