All the gospel writers seem to suffer from a problem known most commonly in modern life to people who have bought flat pack furniture from IKEA.
Yes, we've all done it. We've put the bookcase or the coffee table or the chest of drawers together, and discover there's one bit left over at the end. It doesn't matter how carefully you try to decipher the instructions, how many times you count all the pieces in their plastic packets, there's always something left over. The good news is that it doesn't really matter, the furniture usually stays together perfectly well without the spare part (unless you really did miss out something vital!).
When Luke and his fellow gospel writers had finished assembling their gospels, they had a few bits left over. A few miscellaneous sayings, a couple of minor miracles, and a story or two that seems too good to leave out, but which doesn't obviously fit in anywhere in what you've written.
So what do they do? Do they ignore the leftovers, and hope that the gospel won't wobble without them? No. They usually slot them in somewhere, just in case somebody might find them useful.
That, I think, is what Luke has done with today's section. If you've got time, and are interested, have a read of the other gospels (Matthew and Mark in particular) and see where they chose to put these bits. You'll find them in quite different places, connected with other stories and events. You'll probably also find Matthew and Mark's boxes of bits left over!
Luke seems to have hung his spare parts on the pegs of forgiveness and faith. He tells his disciples to be gentle to each other, to forgive each other's failings, and not be a temptation for someone to sin, They have something to say about faith, he has something to say about knowing their place - we are servants who should be content with doing our jobs, and not expect constant thanks and praise.
Try this bits on for size. If anything fits, keep it!
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