Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 173:690 (Apr 2016)
Article: The Eating Motif And Luke’s Characterization Of Jesus As The Son Of Man
Author: Jason Valeriano Hallig

BSac 173:690 (April-June 2016) p. 203

The Eating Motif And Luke’s Characterization Of Jesus As The Son Of Man

Jason Valeriano Hallig

Jason Valeriano Hallig is Professor of Bible and Theology at Philippine International College in Antipolo City, Philippines, and senior pastor of International Christian Fellowship in Taytay Rizal, Philippines.

Abstract

Scholars have recognized eating as a prominent motif in the Third Gospel. Studies of the motif, however, have been limited to sociological and theological interpretations and implications. Often it is taken out of its literary context or weakly linked to characterization or the plot. Using narrative criticism, the author relates the motif of eating to Luke’s characterization of Jesus as the Son of Man. Three aspects of the meaning of the Son of Man are discussed vis-à-vis the eating motif: (1) Eating and Jesus’s birth and earthly ministry, (2) Eating and Jesus’s humility, suffering, and death; and (3) Eating and Jesus’s second coming and future glory. This article places the eating motif in its literary context and shows how it enlivens Luke’s characterization of Jesus as the Son of Man.

Introduction

Scholars find a strong eating motif in the Third Gospel.1 Gordon T. Smith notes,

BSac 173:690 (April-June 2016) p. 204

It is no surprise that the New Testament reveals that eating was important for Jesus and that the new covenant was both inaugurated and renewed around a meal—the Lord’s Supper. But the Last Supper was only one of the many meals Jesus ate. Eating was for Jesus a key means by which he proclaimed the coming of God’s reign and acted, or enacted, its arrival. Meals were a central way in which Jesus portrayed the values and vision of the covenant and the meaning of the rule of God. He often referred to eating and drinking in the kingdom of God, and in speaking to his disciples, he anticipated that day when he would eat and drink with them “at my table in my kingdom” (Luke 22:30).2

Similarly, Robert Karris points out that in most of Luke, Jesus was usually either on his way to a banquet, at a banquet, or on his way from a banquet where he had probably disturbed the powers-that-be with challenging questions and annoying parables or where he dared to dine with sinners and other marginalized or outcasts of the society.3 In fact, Karris, with some exaggeration, believes that “Jesus got himself killed because of the way he ate.”4...