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Pastor Chris White says to all of you: HELLO MY FRIENDS. May the Lord bless you today.
HOLA MIS AMIGOS. Que el Señor los bendiga.
Author: The Gospel of Luke does not identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3, it is
clear that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts, addressing both to “most
excellent Theophilus,” possibly a Roman dignitary. The tradition from the
earliest days of the church has been that Luke, a physician and a close
companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11). This
would make Luke the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture.
Date of Writing: The Gospel of Luke was likely written between A.D. 58
and 65.
Purpose of Writing: As with the other two synoptic gospels—Matthew and
Mark—this book’s purpose is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ and all He “began
to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven” (Acts 1:1-2). The
Gospel of Luke is unique in that is a meticulous history—an “orderly account” (Luke 1:3)
consistent with the Luke’s medical mind—often giving details the other accounts
omit. Luke’s history of the life of the Great Physician emphasizes His ministry
to—and compassion for—Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors,
sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in Israel.
Key Verses:
Luke 2:4-7: “So
Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem
the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went
there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was
expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be
born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 3:16,
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one more powerful
than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.'”
Luke 4:18-19, 21: “‘The
Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to
the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of
sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the
Lord’s favor.’ Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Luke 18:31-32:
“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and
everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be
fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult
him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise
again.’”
Luke 23:33-34:
“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him,
along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said,
‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Luke 24:1-3:
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took
the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled
away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the
Lord Jesus.”
Brief Summary: Called the most beautiful book ever written, the Gospel
of Luke begins by telling us about Jesus’ parents; the birth of His cousin,
John the Baptist; Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born
in a manger; and the genealogy of Christ through Mary. Jesus’ public ministry
reveals His perfect compassion and forgiveness through the stories of the
prodigal son, the rich man and Lazarus, and the Good Samaritan. While many
believe in this unprejudiced love that surpasses all human limits, many
others—especially the religious leaders—challenge and oppose the claims of
Jesus. Christ’s followers are encouraged to count the cost of discipleship,
while His enemies seek His death on the cross. Finally, Jesus is betrayed,
tried, sentenced and crucified. But the grave cannot hold Him! His Resurrection
assures the continuation of His ministry of seeking and saving the lost.
Connections: Since Luke was a Gentile, his references to the Old
Testament are relatively few compared to those in Matthew’s gospel, and most of
the OT references are in the words spoken by Jesus rather than in Luke’s
narration. Jesus used the Old Testament to defend against Satan’s attacks, answering
him with “It is written” (Luke 4:1-13); to
identify Himself as the promised Messiah (Luke 4:17-21); to
remind the Pharisees of their inability to keep the Law and their need of a
Savior (Luke 10:25-28, 18:18-27); and
to confound their learning when they tried to trap and trick Him (Luke 20).
Practical Application: The Gospel of Luke gives us a beautiful portrait
of our compassionate Savior. Jesus was not “turned off” by the poor and the
needy; in fact, they were a primary focus of His ministry. Israel at the time
of Jesus was a very class-conscious society. The weak and downtrodden were
literally powerless to improve their lot in life and were especially open to
the message that “the kingdom of God is near you” (Luke 10:9). This
is a message we must carry to those around us who desperately need to hear it.
Even in comparatively wealthy countries—perhaps especially so—the spiritual
need is dire. Christians must follow the example of Jesus and bring the good
news of salvation to the spiritually poor and needy. The kingdom of God is near
and the time grows shorter every day.
Thank you to Got Questions Ministries
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