Date Written: 60-62 AD

Author: Luke was a doctor, a Greek, and a Gentile Christian. He is the only known Gentile author in the NT. He was a close friend and companion of Paul and he also wrote Acts.

Setting: Luke wrote from Rome or possibly from Caesarea.

Key People: Jesus, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Mary, the disciples, Herod the Great, Pilate, and Mary Magdalene

Purpose: To show Jesus as the Savior of the world who has compassion for all human beings.

Key Verses: Then He said to them all; “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself take up his cross daily & follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it.” 9:23-24.

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek & to save what was lost.” 19:9-10.

Chapter Outline:

1-4 Birth & Preparation of Jesus, The Savior

5-21 Message & Ministry of Jesus, The Savior

22-24 Death & Resurrection of Jesus, The Savior

Importance of reading Luke:

What we read: From a baby who could do nothing on His own, Jesus grew into a man completely able to fulfill His mission, from God, on earth. He was fully human, developing and growing like we do, yet He remained fully God as well. However, He wasn’t kept from the pressures and temptations of life. He faced hard things and difficult situations. What we can learn: If Jesus wasn’t isolated from the pressures and temptations of life, we have to realize that we will also go through hard and difficult situations.

What we read: Luke was a medical doctor and historian. He put a lot of emphasis on dates, details, and connecting Jesus to events and people in history. What we can learn: Luke gives details so we can believe in the reliability of the history of Jesus’ life. We can believe with certainty that Jesus is the Son of the Living God.

What we read: Jesus taught large crowds of people, many times through parables, but not everyone understood His meaning. Not everyone believed. What can we learn: Pray that God’s Holy Spirit would help us to understand and believe the truths that we read in His Word and teach us how to apply those truths to our lives.

What we read: Jesus was deeply interested in people and relationships. He showed concern, compassion, and love for people. He loves people enough that He died for them. What can we learn: Like the song we learned as children says, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” no greater love will anyone ever have for you than Jesus.

What we read: The Holy Spirit was present at Jesus’ birth, baptism, ministry, and resurrection. Jesus lived in dependence on the Holy Spirit as a perfect example for us. What can we learn: The Holy Spirit is given to us and we need to depend on Him and ask Him to teach us God’s Word.  

What we read: In Luke 5 we see Jesus would go away to lonely places where He prayed. It was more than likely something He did on a regular basis. Jesus, the Son of God, took out time to be alone to pray. What can we learn: Setting aside time to be alone with our Father is important and necessary. If Jesus took out time to pray then we definitely should be doing the same.

What we read: When Jesus called His disciples, they left everything and followed Him. They left their jobs, homes, and families—everything they knew. What can we learn: It’s all about obedience. Whatever Jesus tells us to leave behind we must walk away from it.

Things to think about as you read Luke:

• Think about all that Moses and the prophets wrote about Jesus. Do you see Jesus as the Son of Man, the fulfillment of prophecy, the Christ, and the Son of God? Is He Lord of your life? Are you a true disciple?
• Jesus reached out to the hurting, sinners, and outcasts. He visited them in their homes. He was available and accessible. What about you? Do you have compassion on these same people?
• What did you learn from watching Jesus’ response to others that you can apply to your life?
• If Jesus needed to withdraw often to a lonely place to pray what about you? Is prayer a high priority in your life? If not, how can you address the issue? Are you willing to address it?
• Prayerfully read the parables and the Words of Jesus and ask God to teach you all that Jesus wants you to know and understand in His Word. He was teaching the people about salvation and how to live, so we need to have that same understanding as well.

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/r9IwGXAhJY8?si=39XKcw6mRmd_mDex

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry