Share the differences you find between the two passages from Luke and Matthew. Find even the smallest detail. Then share why you think Luke did what he did with his sources (compared to Matthew). This is the heart of redaction criticism. Luke is not ignorant. He is choosing small details in order to impact his story. Here are some things to think about (you need not answer all of these):
Where is the passage in Luke’s narrative? Where in Matthew’s? Why did Luke choose to place it where it is?
Does Luke have more or less than Matthew? Why?
What about word choice? Does Luke phase anything differently? Why?
What about the surrounding passages? How does Luke’s version fit in with what comes before and after it (compared to Matthew’s)?
Sample Solution
