Luke

“Mary Schertz is a literary artist. Her commentary brings out Luke’s artistic framing of the Jesus tradition in a way that itself reads as a sparkling work of literature. She shows how Jesus integrates two Hebrew Bible roles, each with a twist, to become both the nonviolent divine warrior and the nonpassive suffering servant at the head of the movement that bears his name. Fresh with insights into debated issues of interpretation, theology, and real-world application, Schertz’s commentary stands squarely in the peace church tradition, full of usable resources for preaching, teaching, worship planning, and personal Bible study.”
  ~Jon Isaak, director of the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies and author of New Testament Theology: Extending the Table

“Mary Schertz provides her readers with a true gift. Relying on a historically informed, literary treatment of Luke’s Gospel, she moves seamlessly from a careful reading of the biblical text to theological reflection and finally to personal and communal application. Academics, ministers, and laypeople alike will benefit from this informative yet accessible commentary.” ~Andrew Arterbury, professor of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University

“This highly readable, even poetic, commentary introduces readers to the peace-filled message of the Lukan Jesus. Mary Schertz draws on the best of biblical scholarship while crafting an accessible description of the gospel that will nourish readers’ minds and hearts alike. It is a gift to both the academy and the church.”
  ~Melanie A. Howard, associate professor and program director of biblical and theological studies, Fresno Pacific University

“Professor Schertz leads us on a journey through one of the most important stories in Christian history. This readable commentary recognizes that to interpret Jesus’ own understanding of his crucifixion rightly requires understanding it in light of (not apart from) its political meaning and in light of (not apart from) Jesus’ life and mission. ‘Kneeling to fight’ drives Schertz’s reading of the Gospel, as Luke’s story of the ‘nonviolent divine warrior’ rings especially true for our violent age. We do well to heed this message.”
  ~Emerson B. Powery, professor of biblical studies, Messiah University, and author of Jesus Reads Scripture: The Function of Jesus’ Use of Scripture in the Synoptic Gospels

“With lucid prose and poetic imagery, Mary Schertz invites readers to accompany Jesus within the narrative world of the Gospel of Luke. Reading her interpretive comments and reflections, I am reminded of student conversations overheard in the lounge after class. Later, students will be abundantly rewarded with insight and inspiration as they hear the Gospel story anew.”
  ~Jacob W. Elias, professor emeritus of New Testament, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

“Mary Schertz’s analysis of Luke is excellent. Her expert remarks on the nuances of Greek and English locutions reveal many layers of meaning, while the full work is delightfully character-driven and powerfully reader-oriented. This is a volume that keeps its promise to test each interpretation against its truth for the neighbor and the community—the result is a truly discerning, life-affirming study.”
  ~Breanna J. Nickel, assistant professor of Bible and religion, Goshen College

“This bold commentary is more than a distillation of new comments on Luke’s Gospel. It represents decades of prayerful meditation on Luke’s literary artistry, a call to nonviolent resistance, and an invitation for another generation of disciples to bear witness to the radical gospel of peace. Professor Schertz courageously contextualizes Luke’s Gospel for this moment, confronting theologies of oppression like white supremacy, empire, patriarchy, Christian nationalism, and Christian anti-Judaism. I will use and learn from this commentary every time I teach and preach from Luke.”
  ~Drew Strait, assistant professor of New Testament and Christian origins at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary