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

turning of salvation towards the Gentiles. In this respect, the travel narrative forms the
turning point of the Way that the evangelist uses to expose the history of salvation. The
conflict theme at the outset is confirmed in 9:51 with , as well as in
the great travel notices, and the Parable of Pounds (19:12-28). 25 In addition, Luke, as in the
Greek symposion literature, contrasts sharply between Jesus’ teaching and that of the
Pharisees. The Lukan banquet motif functions as an important apologetical role, as it
challenges the social importance of contemporary Judaism and its prohibition of common
meals with Gentiles. The church later follows the practice of shared meals in accordance with
Christ’s example and divine guidance. According to Székely, Luke is fond of expressing
Jesus as the wandering guest who offers salvation. In the travel narrative particularly he adds
a more ethical theme to this idea. In so doing, the way in the Journey becomes understood as
a manner of living that brings salvation to men, and still more demands a responsible attitude
for men who try to build up a new society and realize salvation for each other. Jesus is the
Guide who has originated this living way through his death and resurrection by his
journeying among us. The way continues as if it reached Theophilus, and us. 26
F. Noël takes up as the mention that Luke is inspired to create his travel narrative from the
travel notices of Mark, which portrays Jesus’ going up to Jerusalem. His basic conviction is
that redaction critical exegesis is the best means to unveil the christological and
ecclesiological scope of the Lukan travel narrative. In order to realize the theological,
christological and ecclesiological consequences of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, the evangelist,
Noël believes that Luke, by means of the disturbed genre, intentionally brings about a tension
between form and content in the travel narrative. Jesus is on his way towards the ascension,
which is described in 9:51 with , and he ultimately reaches the ascension through
27
his passion, death and resurrection. This christological purpose is intrinsically connected to
an ecclesiological intention. Jesus’ instruction and parenesis in the travel narrative are crucial
for the sake of the disciples of Jesus’ day, and the Christian community in which Luke lives.
Given the fact that the instruction in the Journey is given by the Lord for the period from his
departure until his return at the end of times, it is naturally intertwined with the christological
and ecclesiological theme. Jesus’ teaching in the Journey stimulates discussion and conflict
within his people so that they make a choice against, or in favour of him. Moreover, for Luke,
25. Ibid., 132-35, 136-40.
26. Ibid., 141-50, 168-70.
27. Noël, The Travel Narrative in the Gospel of Luke: Interpretation of Lk 9:51-19:28, 218-28.
215