the role of the lukan parables in terms of the purpose of luke's gospel

Chapter 6
The Lukan Parables in The Travel Narrative
In order to search for a unifying theme of the Lukan parables, it is imperative that we
examine the travel narrative (Lk 9:51-19:28) in the Gospel of Luke, since all the parables
which we have analyzed in Luke are located in the travel narrative. Accordingly, the aim of
this chapter is to unveil proper kernel themes of this travel narrative, and to consider what
relationship the Lukan parables have with the core themes in the travel narrative, so as to find
a unifying theme.
1. The Delineation of the Travel Narrative
Luke 9:51 is widely accepted as the beginning of the travel narrative, since a programmatic
introduction clearly signals a new beginning, with the –formula which is a Lukan
introductory character stemming from Septuagint expressions. 1
From a narrative point of
view, 9:51 reveals, in solemn tone, a situation that is very different from the one before. The
repeated references to Jesus’ determination to go to Jerusalem in 9:51 and 53, also underline
the fact that Luke 9:51 is the beginning of the travel narrative. We can also add the terms
in 9:51, 52, 53 and 56 here. On the other hand, the issue of where the Lukan travel
narrative ends is a more vexing problem than where it begins. The closing verses proposed by
scholars are largely 19:27/28 and 19:44/46/48. A significant number of scholars claim that
when Jesus virtually enters Jerusalem, Luke’s travel section ends with 19:44, 46 or 48. That is
why the travel notices continue after 19:28. In what follows, I will deal with suggestions of
the delineation for the end of the travel narrative, and then put forward the most proper
alternative.
1. See A. Denaux, “The Delineation of the Lukan Travel Narrative within the Overall Structure of the Gospel of
Luke,” in ed., C. Focant, The Synoptic Gospels (Leuven-Louvain: Leuven University Press, 1993), 357-92,
especially 369-77; F. Noël, The Travel Narrative in the Gospel of Luke: Interpretation of Lk 9:51-19:28 (Brussel:
Voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten, 2004), 207-328, here 207-48. F. Neirynck’s view of the –formula that
Denaux and Noël follow is as follows: 1. + + verbum finitum: 5:1,12,17; 8:1,22; 9:28,51; 14:1;
17:11; 24:15 (other usages except introductory expression: 19:15; 24:4). 2. + verbum finitum: 1:41; 2:1;
7:11; 9:18,37; 11:1,14,27; 17:35; 18:35; 19:29; 20:1; 24:51 (other usages except introductory expression:
1:8,23,59; 2:6,15,46; 9:33; 17:14; 24:30). 3. + infinitive: 3:21 (cf. Mk 1:9); 6:1 (cf. Mk 2:23); 6:6, 12
(other usage except introductory expression: 14:22). With respect to the beginning of the travel narrative, both,
except for the above contention, add that 9:51 is undoubtedly the beginning of the travel narrative, because Luke
adopts the journey to Jerusalem from Mk 10:1-52 which has a new stage in Mark’s Gospel.
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