Luke
⚡ Quick Facts
Book Overview
Author: Luke, physician and companion of Paul Date of Writing: Approximately 60-62 AD Historical Context: Careful historical investigation for Gentile audience Original Audience: Theophilus and broader Gentile readership Purpose: To provide orderly, accurate account of Jesus' life proving He is the Savior for all people Genre: Gospel; historical narrative with theological purpose
One-Sentence Summary
The compassionate Savior brings good news of salvation to all people—Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor—through His Spirit-empowered ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection.
Book Structure
I. Prologue (1:1-4)
- Luke's historical methodology and dedication to Theophilus
II. The Births of John and Jesus (1:5-2:52)
- Announcements and birth narratives
- Songs of praise (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis)
III. Preparation for Ministry (3:1-4:13)
- John the Baptist's ministry
- Jesus' baptism, genealogy, and temptation
IV. The Galilean Ministry (4:14-9:50)
- Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth (4:14-30)
- Ministry of teaching, healing, and calling disciples
- Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49)
V. The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)
- Unique to Luke: extensive travel narrative
- Parables of the lost and found (15)
- Teaching on prayer, wealth, and the kingdom
VI. The Jerusalem Ministry (19:28-21:38)
- Triumphal entry and temple teaching
- Controversies and end-times teaching
VII. The Passion and Resurrection (22:1-24:53)
- Last Supper, trials, crucifixion
- Resurrection appearances and ascension
📖 Chapter-by-Chapter Outline
✨ Key Verses
Essential passages that capture the heart of this book
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth defines His entire ministry—bringing good news to the marginalized and oppressed, demonstrating God's compassion for all people.
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Central theme of Luke's Gospel—God's heart for the lost and His joy when sinners return to Him, explaining why Jesus welcomes tax collectors and sinners.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Summarizes Luke's central message of Jesus as Savior, actively pursuing those far from God with compassion—demonstrated throughout His ministry to outcasts.
He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'
Connects Jesus' death and resurrection to the worldwide mission, bridging Luke's Gospel with Acts and emphasizing the universal scope of salvation.
Memorization Tip: Choose one of these verses to memorize this week. Write it on a card and place it where you'll see it daily.
Key Verses
Luke 4:18-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
- Significance: Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth defines His entire ministry—bringing good news to the marginalized and oppressed.
Luke 19:10 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
- Significance: Summarizes Luke's central theme of Jesus as Savior, actively pursuing those far from God with compassion.
Luke 24:46-47 - "He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'"
- Significance: Connects Jesus' death and resurrection to the worldwide mission, bridging Luke's Gospel with Acts.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
-
Jesus as Savior of All People
- Universal scope: salvation for Jews and Gentiles
- Emphasis on outcasts, women, children, poor, Samaritans
- Good news to the marginalized and despised
- Jesus' mission extends beyond ethnic boundaries
-
The Holy Spirit
- Spirit prominent from beginning (conception, baptism, temptation)
- Jesus full of and led by the Spirit
- Promise of Spirit for disciples
- Prepares for Acts (volume 2 of Luke's work)
-
Prayer
- Jesus frequently withdraws to pray
- Prayers at crucial moments (baptism, choosing apostles, Gethsemane)
- Teaching on prayer (Lord's Prayer, persistent widow)
- Model of dependence on Father
-
Joy and Praise
- Angels announce "good news of great joy"
- Songs of praise (Mary's Magnificat, Zechariah's Benedictus)
- Rejoicing over sinners who repent
- Gospel brings joy to those who receive it
-
Concern for the Poor and Marginalized
- Jesus' mission statement: good news to the poor (4:18)
- Warnings to the rich about wealth's dangers
- Parables highlighting care for the needy
- God's heart for the oppressed and forgotten
Central Message
Luke presents Jesus as the compassionate Savior whose mission extends to all people, especially the marginalized and outcasts. Through careful historical research, Luke demonstrates that Jesus fulfills God's promises and brings salvation to Jew and Gentile alike. The Gospel emphasizes prayer, the Holy Spirit's power, and the joy that comes through encountering Jesus. God's kingdom reverses human values, exalting the humble and bringing good news to the poor.
🤔 Study & Discussion Questions
Reflect on these questions personally or discuss them with your study group
Understanding the Text
- How do the birth narratives and songs (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis) in chapters 1-2 establish Luke's themes of salvation for all people?
- What is the significance of Jesus' mission statement in Luke 4:18-19? How does His ministry fulfill this declaration throughout the Gospel?
- How do the three parables in Luke 15 (lost sheep, lost coin, prodigal son) reveal God's heart and respond to the Pharisees' criticism?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play throughout Luke's Gospel, from Jesus' conception to His ministry and beyond?
- How does Luke's emphasis on prayer differ from the other Gospels? At what key moments does Jesus pray?
Personal Application
- Jesus repeatedly shows compassion to society's outcasts (tax collectors, Samaritans, women, lepers). Who are the marginalized people in your community that you need to welcome?
- The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges prejudice and calls for practical mercy. Who is your 'neighbor' that you need to help this week?
- Luke warns against wealth's dangers more than any other Gospel. How can you 'hold wealth loosely' and practice generosity toward the poor?
- Jesus teaches persistent prayer (11:5-13, 18:1-8). What situation in your life requires you to keep asking, seeking, and knocking?
- The prodigal son's father runs to embrace his returning son. How does this image shape your understanding of God's response to your repentance?
Theological Reflection
- How does Luke present Jesus as the Savior for all people—Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, men, women, righteous, and sinners?
- What is the relationship between Jesus' suffering and glory in Luke's Gospel? How does the transfiguration connect to the crucifixion?
- How does Luke portray the kingdom of God as both present reality and future hope? What does Jesus mean by 'the kingdom is within you' (17:21)?
- What role does joy play in Luke's Gospel? How is joy connected to salvation, the lost being found, and the Spirit's work?
- How does Luke connect his Gospel to Acts (volume 2)? What themes bridge from Jesus' ministry to the early church?
Cultural Context
- Why would Luke, writing to a Greek audience, trace Jesus' genealogy all the way back to Adam (3:23-38) rather than just to Abraham like Matthew?
- What was the social status of tax collectors, Samaritans, and women in first-century Jewish culture? Why was Jesus' association with them so radical?
- What does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31) reveal about first-century views of wealth, poverty, and the afterlife?
- How would the original audience understand Jesus' warning about the 'times of the Gentiles' (21:24) and Jerusalem's destruction?
- What is the significance of the Emmaus road story (24:13-35) where Jesus explains Scripture from Moses to the prophets? How would this resonate with Luke's audience?
📚 How to Use These Questions
Personal Reflection
Journal your thoughts and answers. Be honest about areas where you struggle or questions you have.
Group Discussion
Share different perspectives and learn from others' insights. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions.
Prayerful Meditation
Ask God to reveal truth through His Word. Let the questions lead you into deeper conversation with Him.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Welcome the Marginalized: Intentionally include those society overlooks—invite the lonely to meals, befriend the outcast, show hospitality to the stranger
- Cultivate a Prayer Life: Follow Jesus' example by setting aside regular times to pray, especially before major decisions and during busy seasons
- Hold Wealth Loosely: Examine your relationship with money and possessions; practice generosity toward the poor and needy
- Rejoice in God's Goodness: Choose joy and gratitude daily, praising God for His salvation and faithfulness as Mary and Zechariah did
- Seek the Lost: Like the shepherd seeking one lost sheep, actively reach out to those far from God with compassion and persistence
For Spiritual Growth:
- Depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions, following Jesus' model of being led and empowered by the Spirit
- Study Jesus' parables about reversal (rich and poor, proud and humble) to examine where you need kingdom values to transform your heart
- Practice persistent prayer like the widow before the judge, trusting God hears and will answer according to His wisdom
- Let Jesus' compassion for outcasts challenge any prejudice or favoritism in your own heart, growing in Christ-like love for all people
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall The Gospel of Luke (NICNT) by Joel B. Green - Excellent balance of scholarship and readability with strong attention to Luke's theological themes.
For Beginners Luke (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Leon Morris - Clear, concise, and accessible guide to Luke's Gospel with practical insights.
For In-Depth Study Luke (NIV Application Commentary) by Darrell L. Bock - Bridges ancient text and modern application with rich exegesis of Luke's unique material.
Technical/Academic Luke (Baker Exegetical Commentary) by Darrell L. Bock (2 volumes) - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with extensive interaction with Greek text and sources.