The following is a paper submitted to Dr. Joshua W. Jipp in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course NT 6211, Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Literature, at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, October, 2014.
This paper seeks to investigate the significance, purpose, and/or meaning of Jesusâ death in the gospel of Luke. It will do so by examining Jesusâ death according to six topics: (1) Jesusâ death as the culmination of a theme of opposition to Jesus, (2) Jesusâ death as the fulfillment of Godâs will and plan, (3) Jesusâ death as a pattern of discipleship, (4) Jesusâ death in the context of satanic conflict, (5) Jesusâ death in terms the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, and (6) Jesusâ death as explained in the Last Supper.
Culmination of a Theme of Opposition to Jesus
Conflict between Jesus and others, especially the leaders of the Jewish religious institution, is a significant theme in Lukeâs gospel. From the opening chapters, Luke presents the infant Jesus as a child âappointed for the fall and rising of many in Israelâ (2:34). And from the very beginning of Jesusâ ministry, opposition to Jesus arises (4:22-29). In fact, Jesus sees His rejection as a defining feature of His ministry (7:31-35).
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