Date
1-9-2024
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics (PhD)
Chair
Leo Percer
Keywords
Luke, Shepherd, Intertextuality, YHWH Shepherd, Divine Identity, Luke's Birth Narrative, Zacchaeus Pericope, Lost Sheep Parable, Christology
Disciplines
Religion
Recommended Citation
Rhoads, Dottie H., ""A Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners": An Intertextual Reading of Luke's Jesus According to Divine Identity and YHWH Shepherd Language" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5144.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5144
Abstract
Luke’s Gospel has been heralded as the Gospel for the outcast. This study suggests a biblical-theological approach to Luke’s depiction of Jesus that may guide an interpretation of Jesus’ person and activity. This study assumes an intertextual reading of Luke and identifies qualities and activities that he possesses and assumes according to Old Testament texts. Old Testament prophetic texts and Second Temple Jewish texts detailing YHWH’s intentions to return as Shepherd to his scattered and exiled people are examined. Luke’s birth narrative and accounts of dynamic moments in Jesus’ ministry (Lk 15:1-7; 19:1-10) are read in light of this intertextual relationship, and divine identity concepts and creedal rhythms are suggested as components of a framework that contributes to an understanding of Luke’s Jesus in light of the larger movement of Israel’s Scripture. Ultimately, it is suggested that this reading of Luke presents Jesus as possessing the identity of YHWH Shepherd.
