Jesus in Context

Bankers and Interest

Commerce and Money

Jesus refers to depositing money with bankers so that it could earn interest before the owner returned.

Scripture: Luke 19:23

Benefactors, Patronage, and Rulers

Political/Legal Context

Jesus refers to Gentile rulers who exercise authority while receiving the prestigious designation benefactor.

Scripture: Luke 22:25-27

Purse and Traveling Bag

Travel and Roads

Jesus contrasts the disciples' earlier mission without money bag or traveling bag with the more difficult circumstances ahead.

Scripture: Luke 22:35-36

Fishermen, Nets, Boats, and Partnerships

Fishing and Maritime Life

Galilean fishing involved boats, nets, nighttime labor, equipment maintenance, and cooperative business relationships.

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Oaths and Everyday Truthfulness

Jewish Religious Practice

Jesus addresses oath-taking and rejects attempts to make speech more trustworthy by invoking heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or one's own head.

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Tunics, Cloaks, and a Debtor's Outer Garment

Clothing

Jesus distinguishes the inner tunic from the more substantial outer cloak, a garment protected by biblical law when taken as security for debt.

Scripture: Matthew 5:40; Luke 6:29

Patching an Old Garment

Clothing

Jesus draws upon the familiar practice of repairing valuable clothing and the danger of attaching unshrunk cloth to an older garment.

Scripture: Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36

New Wine and Old Wineskins

Food and Dining

Wine could be stored in skin containers, and newly fermenting wine required a container capable of tolerating increasing internal pressure.

Scripture: Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-39

Children Playing in the Marketplace

Social Context

Jesus compares His generation to children who imitate celebration and mourning but complain when their companions refuse to respond.

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35

Heavy Burdens and Religious Interpretation

Religious Practice

Jesus pictures religious requirements as heavy loads placed upon people by teachers unwilling to help carry them.

Scripture: Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46

Building the Tombs of the Prophets

Burial and Mourning

Honoring the graves and monuments of revered figures could publicly express respect for the dead, creating the irony behind Jesus' criticism.

Scripture: Matthew 23:29-31; Luke 11:47-48

Water, Kiss, and Oil: Receiving a Guest

Social Convention

Jesus contrasts Simon's reception of Him with the woman's actions through recognizable gestures involving foot washing, greeting, and anointing.

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50