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.
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Team 6, Question 2
Throughout Jewish, non-Jewish, and religiously mixed territories Jesus performed a variety of miracles in a variety of settings. These miracles included multiple healings of both Jewish and non-jewish people, as well as miraculous acts such as the exponential multiplication of bread and fish in the feeding of the thousands of followers, and calming the seas. While some of these miracles took place in predominately Jewish areas, most of these took place in areas lacking followers of Jesus. Obviously, Jesus was not limiting himself to the amount of miracles he could perform, but it does seem that most of these took place in non-jewish areas for one reason or another. I feel that this may have been able to prove his power and sway followers in areas outside of Jewish areas that may have respected him to begin with. By performing such miracles in front of skeptical populations, the popularity or “legend” of the new King of the Jews could now be confirmed throughout a widespread area. In addition to these non local populations, even Jesus’ own disciples were portrayed as doubters who questioned his supernatural abilities, as well as his motives for enacting them. The supernatural elements of Jesus also paralleled those of Moses, and the comparison to Moses made it easier for Jewish believers to put their faith in the new messiah
Team 6 Question 3
Lucius’ prayer and Isis’ response effectively characterize Isis as an omnipotent being. While Isis is clearly the name of this specific being, Lucius’ prayer indicates that she takes several different forms, each of which is well known as an individual god. Isis confirms this in her response, stating that her power is worshipped “under an abundance of images, a variety of rituals, and an array of names.” She continues by explaining different nations refer to her as different deities, but the Ethiopians, Egyptians, and Africans know her as her true form; Isis. Isis tells Lucius to join the parade that celebrates her own power, find the priest carrying roses and nip off some roses. As a result, he will shed the appearance of a donkey. Further reasserting her power, Isis tells Lucien that after all of this takes place, he should expect to be eternally indebted to her as his redeemer. Lucien will benefit from all of this however, as Isis will oversee his now blessed and illustrious life. In addition, she will require praise from him in the underworld after his death, but if he praises and follows her diligently, she may grant him a “term of life beyond what your fate decrees.” There are definitely some similarities between Isis and Jesus when comparing the passages. Both share the characteristic of omnipotence, or being infinitely powerful. Both followers of Isis and Jesus praise and obey them in exchange for the privilege of eternal life. One can understand the rivalry between followers of Isis and Jesus due to their similarities. Both deities require a lifelong commitment and expect to be regarded as the one true, omnipotent being.