Luke

Original Reader:

The original readers of Luke would have been gentile believers and non Jews. This book is written to “…most honorable Theophilus…”(Luke 1:3) Theophilus means “lover of God,” giving the impression that the book was written to people who love God. What points to the original readers being gentile lovers of God is the emphasis on Jesus being the Savior of the whole world, not just King of the Jews (Luke 2:32). Also, there is a special emphasis on the poor, outcasts and women. An example can be found in the detail and emphasis of Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:5-65). The story of the “…despised Samaritan…” is unique to Luke and is used to show Jesus’ love for all people; including those not liked (10:30-36).

Author:

It is suggested that Luke is the author; as he was an educated Christ following friend of Paul (Colossians 4:10-14). I believe Luke wrote this book, and tradition ascribes it to him. Being a doctor, he focused with caring detail on Jesus’ love for all people; especially the broken, and also reveals the man Jesus as real and relatable.  

Main Idea:

The main idea of Luke is that Jesus came to save all people, Jew and Gentile, and that He loves all nations, genders and types of people (Luke 24:27). Another theme is the prayer life of Jesus highlighted in Luke; revealing an intimacy we can have with God. Jesus choose his disciples after he prayed all night (6:12-16), and 6 other times Luke shows Jesus praying which aren’t included elsewhere (Nelson’s Pg. 325). Luke also contains many parables in the section called “travelogue”(9:51-19:27) marking Jesus’ final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Jesus came to teach us what is right; it is found in true intimacy with the father and in loving the hurting and broken of the world.

Reason Written:

Luke was written to expand the teachings and heart of Jesus to believers; especially gentiles. Teachings of Jesus focused on including lost people and going out and sharing the new hope of Jesus is focused upon in Luke. Jesus explains his heart plainly when he says “Healthy people don’t need a doctor- sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent” (Luke 5:31-32).  

Nature of God:

I want to focus on the compassion of Jesus; a quality of his nature that is brightly revealed throughout Luke. When Jesus is on a cross beside the criminals and one of them repented and Jesus had immediate compassion and told him he would be in Paradise with him (Luke 23:43). Jesus values the woman who poured out her rare perfume and defends her against others for “…she has shown me much love” (Luke 7:44-48) Jesus also has compassion on people and heals them.

Redemptive Plan:

“The Savior- yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David…This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him”(Luke 2:11;9:35). This is fulfillment of God redemptive plan to have Jesus be born and be a Savior to the world. Jesus also sheds light on his second coming when he says: “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).

 

Personal Application: Luke 2:19 "...but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often." I want to grow in holding revelation or words spoken by God hidden in my heart and so the truth can mature and I can really own it. There is so much wisdom in this idea of guarding the things spoken by God. I almost see it as treasure God gives to us; like a unrefined diamond. He knows what's within the rock, and we also, can know if we let it sit in our hearts and let God shine it and reveal to us the full weight of the truth or revelation He's given.

Point of Passion: Luke 24:32
God values women. This truth would speak powerfully to oppressed ladies who feel unworthy. God allowed women to be the first to discover he had risen. Jesus cared deeply for women and the book of Luke displays this powerfully.