Luke Loves Dual Portraits
I’ve spent a number of years at the post-graduate level analyzing Luke’s two-volume Luke-Acts. I’ve observed that, among many other astonishing techniques, Luke consistently pairs two stories together in order for us to compare. He creates dual portraits for us to gain insight into how two different people respond to revelation, hardship, or temptation. Frequently, the pair consists of a man and a woman.
John, author of the 4th Gospel, also uses the same pattern of duality. He joins two similar stories together (close proximity) so we can compare them. For example, John introduces us to a prestigious Jewish man in chapter 3 and then introduces us to a lowly Samaritan woman in chapter 4. By placing these two opposite characters in close proximity, we as readers have an opportunity to evaluate and compare their responses to Jesus. For example, Nicodemus, named, a man, a leader, Israel’s teacher, and a Pharisee, came to Jesus during the night. Why come to Jesus in the darkness? But the Samaritan woman, unnamed, female, without social standing or prestige, met Jesus at midday in the bright light. In both cases, they are the only two figures in the conversation.
John wants us to compare the nature of the two conversations with Jesus and the two results of that conversation. When the words and attitudes of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman are compared, we are better able to evaluate the heart of each character. The two stories shine light on each other. This type of comparison would be ideal for a group to learn how to practice the three steps of Inductive Bible Study. But I am digressing. Let’s get back to the 3rd Gospel, Luke.
Luke’s Habit of Placing Men and Women Back to Back
Luke also uses duality to help us compare the response of a man to Gabriel’s announcement (Luke 1:5-25) and the response of a woman to an announcement from the same messenger (Luke 1:26-38). It’s the dual case of aged Zechariah and young Mary who are deliberately placed in close proximity to each other.
Gabriel announces to both Zechariah and Mary that they will have a son. That announcement ties the stories together. Then, the characteristics of both sons (John, Jesus) are cited in detail. At this point, Luke’s shows us that Zechariah’s response to the heavenly announcement is to request proof. Unless he is given further evidence beyond the simple word of Gabriel, he won’t believe. In striking contrast, young Mary responds to Gabriel’s announcement in faith. Readers expected the reverse.
Zoom In
This comparison causes us to zoom in on the woman’s response. She is depicted by Luke as the servant of the Lord. But Gabriel, older, prestigious priest, leader, experienced, whom we expect to respond as a servant, doubts the voice of the Lord through Gabriel. His faith failed. Young Mary, in contrast, has a strong faith in the word of God through his messenger. Surprise. It’s a reversal of our expectations and perhaps of our biases.
But it is the comparison of aged Zechariah and young Mary that brings the contrast into sharper focus. It is the dual portrait that helps us evaluate each figure more accurately. Zechariah’s doubting response to the Word of God shines light on Mary’s response of trust and servanthood. Zechariah is not the only religious leader, the only priest, who fails in Luke’s Gospel. He’s just the beginning of a series of older, experienced, religious leaders in Luke who fail. And Mary is just one of many women in Luke’s Gospel who are models of faith and discipleship.
Group Study
So, in a group study, Bible students will want first to observe the many contrasts between Zechariah and Mary which Luke has inserted into the story. Then, after careful observation of all the details in the two stories, we are then prepared to interpret and ask: what is Luke trying to teach us in this story based upon his comparison? What is Luke doing with what he has written?
There are many more dual portraits, of course, in Luke-Acts. He repeatedly deploys men in contrasting scenarios with women. He invites us to weigh and evaluate the two figures and consider what they have to teach us when viewed side-by-side.
So, why not invite a few friends over for coffee/tea and a detailed analysis of one set of Luke’s dueling portraits? Luke provides us with many dueling portraits. It’s fun, challenging, skill developing, and best of all, beneficial to your life in Christ.
Thanks for reading.