Luke

1.     First Impressions

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The gospel of Luke is written to a majorly Gentile audience and the book is addressed to Theophilus which means lover of God. It can be said that Luke was then written to all who loved God or simply a gentile by that name, possibly a government official (“Most honorable”). The book however is not written from a very Jewish perspective and clearly shows that God loves Jew’s and gentiles alike and all have salvation through Jesus. The idea that because of Jesus, Gentiles and Jews alike can have salvation will be very new to the Gentiles and definitely good news!

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of this gospel is unknown but generally agreed to be Luke. Luke might have been a Hellenistic Jew but most probably was a Gentile. Luke is a gospel which emphasizes the fact that the Christian message is universal and this makes sense if indeed written by a gentile. Luke was not an eye witness of the events (1:2) but composes this book in a detailed and historic way. The topical style of writing and information included shows the author to be gentle, concerned with grace and salvation.

·       What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Luke is about portraying the humanity of Jesus and showing that He came for all humanity. Of all the synoptic gospels Luke has the most parables and Luke has more reference to prayer than the other gospels. This emphasis on Jesus as a man and Jesus’ prayer life, His need to have relationship with the Father is a main theme throughout the book. We see that there is also more of a focus on women in the book of Luke. The key verse in Luke is found in 19:10, it says,” For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” In one sentence I would describe the main idea of Luke as: The story of Jesus’ humanity and how his death and resurrection brings salvation to all humanity.

·       What is the primary reason this book was written?

One of the purposes of Luke is to show that Jesus is not a threat to the Roman Empire but that His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus is clearly shown not to have broken any of the Roman law (23:41). Jesus’ humanity is shown and this is to have people be able to relate and also realize that He came for the salvation of every person, no matter your ethnicity or culture.

2.     Theme Tracing

·       What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In Luke 1:48-55 we see much of God’s character in Mary’s response she says he is mighty and holy. He takes notice of people, this reminded me of Hagar and the way she said that God is the one who sees me. He is merciful and keeps His word. God is able to rise up and tear down. Luke 1:78-79 shows us God’s character, it says: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” We also see that Jesus is lord over all (4:5), compassionate (6:36) and wise (11:49). I was amazed at the selflessness and compassion He had in healing his enemy before they take him to suffer and die (22:51). ‘God loves everybody’, that is such an overused and undervalued saying. God’s love is limitless and Luke shows us this in many ways, it is amazing!

·       What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Jesus came to bring life. This death and resurrection we see in all the gospels cannot be repeated enough. It is the new covenant and redemption which the Old Testament looks to and it is our hope for the future. Furthermore, in Luke we see highlighted the fact that all people can have salvation and relationship with God because of what Jesus did. In Luke 7:29-30 it speaks of how all the people, even the worst of sinners were baptized by John believing God’s way was right but that the religious leaders “rejected God’s plan for them”. God had a very specific plan in bringing John then Jesus and He was calling all people back to himself but we see how His plan was rejected and yet his plan for redemption fulfilled.

3.     Application questions

·       Personal application:

In Luke we read much more about Mary. She was given a promise which would change her life and she saw things happen which amazed her. I am in a very different place but I associate with her. God has spoken to me about big things which will happen in my future and the impact it will have on me and people around me. In Luke 2:19 it says, “But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often” and Luke 2:51 again says, “…And his mother stored all these things in her heart.” I feel that although a time will come where I am called to action for now God is asking me to be like Mary. To prepare and keep his words in my heart often thinking of them, to continue to be amazed by what He does and build my faith, strengthening the relationship.

I love Jesus’ response to His parents in Luke 2:49. I have been challenges to always have ‘my Father’s House’ first. It is not the first place I go to when I have some time or whatever the situation, but I want it to be and I am going to change that. Together with this is the emphasis on prayer. Jesus often went away by himself just to go pray and I think that I need to do that more often (5:16/18:1). In Luke 9:23 Jesus says that we need to take up our cross DAILY and follow Him. It is a lifelong commitment to be lived out in every second. I think at times I sin through compromise because I fail to see the importance of every second. Every day, every second is a chance to choose God or reject him and living with this realization can only radically change your life.

·       Point of Passion:

 Luke 6:39b-40 says the following, “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” In teaching it is important to build other teachers and not just convey information. Teachers therefore have to lead and thus have to be able to lead. One can’t simply appoint one person to teach another but must rather have someone with knowledge and character lead. In Luke I also saw again the importance of equality. If Jesus came for everyone then it is vital that we also keep this value of everybody being important to God in the education system.