Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Advent Readings: Luke 3

Luke 3

The life of Jesus is intertwined with the life and rule of earthly authorities. The chapter begins with a historical setting: 15th year of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was a governor of Judea, two Herodian brothers rule the territories of Galilee, Iturea and Trachonitis etc. Then, right before a description of Jesus’ baptism, St. Luke goes into a historical “jump” – incarceration of John the Baptizer by Herod (royal character). Then the chapter ends with the genealogy of Jesus.

There are many debates over genealogy itself and its difference from the one in Matthew. I think it is the “royal” context that unlocks the mystery of Lukian presentation. Unlike Herod or his brother Philip, who track their authorities to Rome, and even Caesar whose power doesn’t go further then a couple of centuries, the Royal authority of Jesus goes beyond the human appointments or people’s approval. His royal status goes back to God himself (Lk. 3:38).

That’s why when the voice comes from heaven saying “You are my beloved son,” the combination of Gen. 22:1 and Psalm 2, we should understand it as a statement of Divine inauguration of the King of kings and the LORD of lords!        

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