| The purpose of the dissertation is to identify and develop appreciation for the theme of the reversal of weeping in the Gospel of Luke. Lukan scholarship has not fully recognized the reversal of weeping as a distinctive Lukan theme since so much attention has been paid to distinction between the poor and the rich.;By understanding Luke's third beatitude (6:21b), "those who weep now shall laugh," and third woe (6:25b), "those who laugh now shall weep," as two pegs on which the theme of the reversal of weeping is hung, the dissertation proposes that the reversal of weeping is a distinctive theme in Luke.;In doing so, Luke uses the Greek word for weeping, kappalambdaalphaiotao, repetitively to highlight the theme. This technique of Leitwort leads readers to focus on the reversal of weeping more effectively because Leitwort is not restricted only to a word or phrase but also to concepts and themes. Thus, the repetitive use of kappalambdaalphaiotao intensifies the theme.;Luke's presentation of the reversal of weeping is not limited to identifying it as a distinctive theme. There are narrative intentions and theological implications that Luke also targets. First, Luke wants to demonstrate concern for such marginalized groups in society as widows, sinners, betrayers, and women. He also shows how their fortunes are reversed by Jesus. Second, Luke portrays Jesus as the promised prophet, describing Jesus as a prophet from the OT like Elijah and Jeremiah, but superior to them. Finally, Luke provides the theme of the reversal of weeping as a significant phenomenon of the kingdom of God, particularly to show that the presence of God's kingdom is inaugurated and realized in Jesus Christ. |
