A political reading of Luke 1:51-52 and 3:8-9 in the light of Ezekiel 17- Inspired by John Howard Yoder and a poststructural intertextuality

Introduced by Julia Kristeva in 1966, the concept of intertextuality can be a productive way to frame biblical interpretation. Unfortunately, the term is often misused in New Testament scholarship, usually featuring as a cliched truism or self-evident methodological axiom. A more rigorous exploration of poststructural intertextuality may engender a helpful linking- hermeneutic for interpreting Scripture, here demonstrated through an intertextual reading of Luke shaped by John Howard Yoder’s The Politics of Jesus, which draws Luke 1:51-52 and 3:8-9 into close proximity. This textual concatenation echoes with the Septuagintal allegory in Ezekiel 17 and adds colour to the Tukan reading_an ancient textual interplay enriching Yoder’s text. Those who adhere to Yoder’s theorhetorical agenda are given further warrant for their suspicion of political power. In particular we are enjoined to guard against alliances with contemporary versions of the astute King of Babylon and the mighty Pharaoh