Luke’s theme of compassion and empathy toward societal outcasts holds true in the following passages, starting with the story of the crippled woman. First, the woman is noted solely for the fact that she has been suffering and crippled for 18 years, emphasizing Luke’s attention to vulnerable outcasts. After she has been healed, the religious leader is described as “indignant” (depending on the version of your Bible) when he tries to tell Jesus the rules of the sabbath. After Jesus berates his religious opponents, they are described as “humiliated,” while the others were in awe of Jesus’ works. This story confirms the concept of Jesus looking out for outcasts even while pompous religious officials looked down upon them. In the parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man who has invited many guests to his dinner. After several poor excuses from his guests, the man tells his servant to seek out and invite the sick, crippled, blind, and lame to attend. Basically, this story shows the compassionate nature of Jesus’ character. The fact that the man continually sought guests for his banquet is relatable to Jesus in that he is more willing to save people than they are to be saved. Furthermore, the banquet represents his kingdom, and reinforces the idea that all people have had a chance to follow Jesus, but many have rejected him. In the parable of the unjust judge, a persistent widow continually asks a judge for justice against her adversary. After hearing her constant pleas, the judge decides to help her, but only so that she will stop bothering him and he won’t have to worry for his safety. In the same way, the parable demonstrates that God will hear your calls for help and respond more promptly than the selfish judge. The parable indicates Luke’s interest in social justice as it draws attention to a societal flaw; many of those who are supposed to determine what is just are not necessarily fit for their duty. The judge only acts for his own self interest, while the essentially powerless woman seeking justice has a difficult time finding it. I feel that these parables would have resonated much more powerfully with a first century audience. These parables contradict the social structure of that time, often ending with an impoverished, sick, or unwanted person finding success. Meanwhile someone with high social status, such as a religious official, ends up on the wrong side of Jesus’ judgment.