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Greek Prep Index

Exegetical Considerations
Luke 11:1-13
8th Sunday after Pentecost/ July 25, 2004

1. What is the literary context of this passage?

a. How does that literary context impact a reading of this passage?

2. What are the source materials from which Luke is drawing in this text?

a. What are some significant ways that he may have redacted those source materials?

3. What is the significance of the three-fold use of proseuchomai in vv. 1-2?

a. How does this text relate to the on-going emphasis in Luke-Acts on prayer as opening oneself to the power and will of God?

4. How has this text used imagery of “father” as it relates to:

a. Its first century culture?

b. Early Christian prayer language/liturgy?

c. Lukan Christological?

d. 21st century Christian metaphors for God?

5. What are some key components of the “prayer paradigm” presented in vv. 2b-4 as they might relate to:
a. Jewish prayers of Qaddish and the 18 Benedictions?

b. Luke’s understanding of the basileia tou Theou?

c. Echoes of Ezekiel 36:22-28?

d. Echoes of Exodus 16:9-21?

e. Forgiveness as a constitutive component of Jesus’ mission in Luke?

6. How does the parabolic reflection in vv. 5-10 on the prayer paradigm utilize basic honor/shame understandings of the 1st century world?

7. How might v. 8 be structured as a chiasm (A,B,C,C’,B’,A’), and what is at the center of such a chiasm?

8. How is the parabolic reflection in vv. 11-13 utilize a “lesser to greater” mode of argumentation?

9. How do Jesus’ teachings on prayer in this text:
a. Relate to the core relationship we share with God?

b. Vindicate God and reveal how we participate in God’s own character?

c. Reveal the ultimate values/actions in our relationship with God and with other people?