The book of Luke is known as a “Gospel” and was written by Luke himself. Luke was both a historian and medical doctor, so therefore has a unique understanding of the narrative of the Gospel and offers an even more unique perspective. Luke’s name does not appear in the book, but there is much evidence that points to him as the author. This Gospel is the follow up volume to the book of Acts, and the wording and structure of these two books indicate that both were very likely written by the same person. Both of Luke’s works are addressed to the same person, Theophilus, and the second volume references the first volume. (Act 1:1). Certain passages in Acts use the pronoun “we” indicating that the author was likely accompanying Paul when the events …show more content…
Immediate Background Our passage is Luke 20:9-19, also know as the “Parable of the Wicked Tenants.” Jesus Christ spoke this parable against those who questioned His authority. This same parable appears in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Before we get started here are a few helpful definitions of parables: [Parables] function not as discussion-openers but as conversation-stoppers. Instead of engaging opponents in dialogue in order to lead them to a reasoned point of view, Jesus, through his parables, throws such light on what his adversaries are about that they are forced to see their attitudes as essentially foolish. (Andrew Parker, Painfully Clear, 65) The parables require, even compel, interpretation, and their meaning derives from the fusion of the parabolic narrative and the belief system of the interpreter. Hence the parables are ever new, adapting easily to the concerns of each new age, even each new interpreter. (Mary Ann Tolbert, Perspectives on the Parables, 40) With Jesus, the device of parabolic utterance is used not to explain things to people's satisfaction but to call attention to the unsatisfactoriness of all their previous explanations and understandings. (Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of the Kingdom,