religious significance to his crucifixion

Marshall

sees the account as historically accurate because Luke was primarily a historian and he states in the beginning that he has carefully investigated things.

Matera

sees Luke as being more concerned with using his material to convey his theological understanding of who Jesus really was and therefore more interested in the religious significance of Jesus’ death.

Key religious motifs - Jesus’ death was his destiny

• this is illustrated by the central role of Jerusalem in Luke

• the gospel starts and ends in the temple.

• Jesus’ passion does not come as a surprise; it is part of a predetermined plan.

key religious motifs - God’s royal son

• as Jesus nears Jerusalem he is recognised as the Son of David.

• parable of the ten minas - people misunderstand the nature of Jesus’ kingship, Jesus must go on a long journey (suffering and death)

key religious motifs - Jesus’ innocence

• stressed in Luke

• one of the criminals recognised that Jesus has done nothing wrong

• the criminal acknowledges Jesus’ kinship by asking him to remember him when he enters his kingdom.

key religious motifs - God’s saving plan