Crosstalk – April 26th, 2009

This Sunday in the church year: year b, easter 3

This Sunday’s scripture focus: Luke 24:36-48 (NIV) (The Message)

Background: Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels.  Luke was written last, using Mark, along with other documents now lost to us, as source material.  Luke was a traveling companion of Paul.  The gospel of Luke is considered the “gentile” gospel, because it contains no exclusively Jewish words or phrases, and explains things Jewish readers would have taken for granted.  Women and minorities play prominent roles in Luke’s gospel.

Today’s scripture focus is Luke’s account of the same story we read from John’s gospel last week.  Just as in John’s account, the disciples are frightened when they see Jesus, assuming He’s a ghost.  In addition to having the disciples examine His wounds, Jesus eats some fish in their presence to prove He’s flesh and bone.  “In their presence” is literally translated “at their table.”  Jesus sits down with His followers, shares a meal, and opens the scriptures.  Jesus explains why He had to die and rise again, and the minds of His students are able to comprehend it for the first time.  

Today’s sermon will focus on Jesus as Teacher and followers as students.