From ‘Notes on the Formation of the Gospels’,
by John Wijngaards; published in Background to the Gospels
(Bangalore & Ann Arbor 1981) and Together in My Name (London
1991).
Luke has a great interest in the theme of material possessions, in the
contrast between rich and poor. Leaving aside other implications, we may note
how Luke appeals directly to people’s experience of conducting business.
While drawing in this on Jesus’ teaching, he gives it sharper relief. Here
too the image of the shrewd business man or business woman takes on a deeper
symbolism.
A rich landlord knows how to build larger stores for his harvest,
but he has not learnt how to be ‘rich for God’ (Luke 12,12-21).
The unjust manager of an estate who ensures future support for
himself by cheating his landlord, teaches us to be as clever in the affairs of
God as people are in the affairs of the world (Luke 16,1-12).
Those entrusted with the management of people and property are
expected to produce results. The same applies to responsibility in God’s
Kingdom (Luke 12,35-48).
Just as we should calculate the cost of building another story on our
house, so should we be aware of the cost of becoming Jesus’ disciple (Luke
14,25-30).
Luke selected with preference texts from Jesus’ teaching in which
skilled workers and professional people are held out as examples. It reflects
the group of active Christians for whom he is writing.
Read about this theme in: L.T.JOHNSON, The Literary Function of
Possessions in Luke-Acts, Missoula 1977; id., Sharing Possessions:
Mandate and Symbol, Philadelphia 1981.
