Clothed with Divine Mercy and Power

A Portrait of How 'Clothing' Characterizes Discipleship of Jesus in Luke's Gospel

Abstract

This essay explores connections in Luke’s Gospel between clothing and one’s relationship to Jesus. It examines several passages unique to Luke in which clothing, whether literal or figurative, plays an important role, as well as other significant clothing references that have Synoptic parallels but are distinctly framed in Luke’s narrative. When viewed together, these clothing references convey key characteristics of what it means to be disciples of Jesus and to embrace life in the kingdom of God which Jesus inaugurates through his ministry, death, and resurrection. This portrait presents a fresh perspective from which to consider the nature of Christian discipleship today.