A second glorious text about "gospel" in the Lukan infancy stories is found in Luke 2, but this one concerns Yeshua (Jesus) and not Yohanan (John). It is found in Luke 2:8-14.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
1. This is a gospel for "all the people" -- maybe Gentiles, but probably a reference to Israelites.
2. This gospel is a cause for great joy.
3. This gospel is something declared.
4. This gospel's content is that Jesus is Savior -- that Jesus is Messiah -- that Jesus is Lord. Hence, the gospel involves the declaration that Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord.
5. This Savior, Messiah, Lord is at the time of the angelic declaration a baby.
6. This gospel is cosmically significant.
7. This gospel involves "peace on earth for those upon whom God's favor rests." (Hence, an implicit ecclesial body is at work.)
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
T,
Savior here means the one who will rescue Israel from its (national/personal) sins. But, it is very close to "Messiah" and "messianic deliverer" and "liberator." The key here is to read Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis, and John's own preaching ... these clarify the meaning of "Savior."
Scot,
How about gospel as subversive to the imperial powers that be (i.e. the good of Jesus rather than Caesar)? I know empire is currently a hot topic within Pauline studies but I'm wondering what profit you might see (if any) in considering empire ideology as a relevant backdrop for Luke?
gospel of Jesus not good of Jesus... though Jesus is good...sorry.
Scot,
Could this be added to your list of 7?
The gospel is the glory of God on earth in Christ Jesus.
Georges,
Certainly.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.