Let’s take a step back and take in the bigger picture at this point. Remember, Luke has returned to the order of pericopes we find in all three synoptic gospels. At the point where Luke joins Matthew and Mark again, he has included the stories both of them have. The synoptic Gospels are back in sync again.
Matthew, Mark and Luke all have the same segments in the same order:
- Become like children to enter the Kingdom (Mt / Mk / Lk)
- Parable of the Rich Young Ruler (Mt / Mk / Lk)
- Camels pushed through Needles (Mt / Mk / Lk)
- The consequences of leaving everything behind (Mt / Mk / Lk)
- Unique to Matthew :– The Parable of the Landowner paying all the same wage (Matt 20:1-16)
- The third prediction of the Resurrection(Mt 20:17-28 / Mk 10:32-34 / Lk 18:31-34) – This one!
- The pride of the sons of Zebedee (Mt 20:20-28 / Mk 10:35-45)
- The Healing of Bartimaeus (Mt 20:29-34 / Mk 10:46-52 / Lk 18:35-43)
Mark’s is the first gospel. Most times, the other two synoptic writers take their cue from Mark, especially when they are running in parallel. But there are times when they deviate and add their own segment or focus, or omit portions and move on. Before we joined the crowd (of three Gospels again) we were working our way through uniquely Lukan material in the Greater Interpolation (Luke 9:51-18:14). Luke chose to bring us back into line with the others, at the point of Jesus telling us if we wanted to enter the Kingdom of God, we needed to be childlike. Now that is an interesting point to join the others again, especially in the light of what Luke has complied before that.
Luke basically follows the lead of Mark, but omits the Pride of the Sons of Zebedee. It is for sure he knows about it, but he chooses to leave it out. Instead, he moves straight on to the Healing of Bartimaeus. Everything is still in Mark’s order but Luke has chosen to omit some segments. Not only that, but he has chosen to put his own spin on this particular pericope. Now is a chance for you to colour code the segment and see what you come up with. What is Luke’s purpose, both in this segment and in what follows?
Continuing story in the next Gem in vivid colour.
Even when you don’t feel your best or strongest, you still have something to give.
Mona Siregar
To finish first, you must first finish.
Rick Mears
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.
Erica Jong
I pray you may have a God-inspired glimpse of the grandeur of His Word that leads you to awe and wonder and worship!
Ian Vail
But I warn you: it can become addictive.
Ian Vail