Choose a passage from the book of Numbers (164-216 OT) that is parallel to a passage in Exodus (70-124 OT).  Write a short paper (3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages) in which you argue a clear, focused thesis about what the passage in Numbers adds to the parallel passage in Exodus.

To help you formulate your thesis and argument, you may want to think about the following questions (but keep in mind that your paper should argue a single, focused thesis -- not methodically answer the questions below):

1. What are the similarities and differences between the two passages?
2. What do those similarities and differences reveal about the Hebrew people?
3. What do those similarities and differences reveal about God?
4. From which strand (E, J, D, or P) does each passage come?
5. Does each passage reflect the characteristics and concerns typical of its strand?

NOTE:  In the paper, I prefer that you not use outside sources.  I prefer to hear your thoughts, your conclusions, and your ideas rather than those of a professional scholar.  I want you to come to your own understanding of the two passages and to persuade me of the validity of your understanding with concrete textual evidence that you have found on your own.

Read the Gospel of Luke (77-123 NT).  Choose a passage from Luke that has a parallel in one or more of the other three Gospels.  From the passage you have chosen, what can you conclude about the unique characteristics and concerns of the Gospel of Luke?  Write a short paper (5-7 double-spaced, typewritten pages) in which you argue a clear, focused thesis about the uniqueness of Luke's perspective in relation to one or more of the other Gospels (based concretely on the passage you have chosen from Luke).

This assignment requires you to do a number of things.  Your grade for the paper will depend upon how well you fulfill all the implied tasks of the assignment:

1. you must read all of Luke and come to some conclusions about what the unique characteristics and concerns of Luke's Gospel are (in contrast to the other Gospels);
2. you must choose a passage from Luke with an interesting or revealing parallel in at least one of the other Gospels in order to illustrate your conclusions about Luke's unique perspective effectively;
3. you must analyze the passage you have chosen from Luke closely in relation to the parallel(s) in the other Gospel(s), noting even the smallest similarities and differences between the parallel passages;
4. you must explore and focus on the significance of those similarities and differences insofar as they reveal Luke's unique perspective; and
5. you must organize your thoughts into a concise, logical argument with a clear, focused thesis supported by lots of concrete textual evidence.

NOTE:  In the paper, I prefer that you not use outside sources.  I prefer to hear your thoughts, your conclusions, and your ideas rather than those of a professional scholar.