Luke

Luke

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Luke 1:3-4 states, “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”  According to the introduction to the book of Luke in the Sourceview Bible, “Luke wrote to Theophilus, probably a Gentile who either a new believer or someone seeking to learn about Jesus.  Theophilus means “lover of God,” leading some to think the book was written to people who loved God. Luke hoped Theophilus and other readers would learn that God’s love reaches out to enfold people from all nations – Jews and Gentiles alike.”  It appears that the original reader of the book of Luke was Theophilus.  Furthermore, it appears that the original readers of the book were Gentiles.  It should be noted that the author included a genealogical record beginning with “Jesus was known as the son of Joseph” and ending with “Adam was the son of God” (see Luke 3:23-38).  

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

The author of the book is anonymous; however, most Biblical scholars agree that Luke is the author.  The writer of the book of Luke wrote a careful account to the “most honorable Theophilus” (see Luke 1:3-4).  The author knew the genealogical record of Jesus dating back to Adam, the son of God (see Luke 3:23-38).  The author carefully researched and recorded many of Jesus activities; however, he was not an actual eyewitness of Jesus.  For example, the author provided a record of Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ childhood, and Jesus’ baptism.  The author also recorded events of Jesus’ ministry while on earth, Jesus’ death of the Cross, and Jesus’ resurrection.  According to the introduction to the book of Luke in the Sourceview Bible, “Luke, a Gentile medical doctor and a companion of Paul the apostle, probably wrote the gospel between AD 59 and 63.  He also wrote the New Testament book of Acts.”  

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

The main idea of the book of Luke is that Jesus is the Savior for all people – both Jews and Gentiles alike.  Luke 19:10 states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”  Jesus is Savior and He came to seek and save those who are lost.  Luke records three of Jesus’ parables about saving the lost.  Luke 15:3-7 is a parable of a lost sheep.  Luke 15:8-10 is a parable of a lost coin.  Luke 15:11-32 is a parable of a lost son. A common message of Jesus was “Repent of your sins and turn to God” (see Luke 13:3).  Jesus heals the sick.  For example, Jesus healed a man with an advanced case of leprosy (see Luke 5:12-13).  Jesus casts out demons.  For example, Jesus cast out a legion of demons from a man (see Luke 8:26-37).  Jesus called His twelve disciples and gave them the “power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.  Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (see Luke 9:1-2).  Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught about the Kingdom of God and encouraged His disciples to do the same.  Jesus is the Savior of all people – both Jews and Gentiles alike!

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason the book of Luke was written was to show the Gentiles that Jesus is indeed the Savior of all people.  Jesus is the Savior of the Jews; however, Jesus is the Savior of the Gentiles as well.  The book of Luke clearly demonstrates that Jesus is the Savior of all!  Luke 19:10 states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

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

The book of Luke shows a lot about the character and nature of God.  Jesus is the Son of God and He perfectly demonstrated the character and nature of God, His Father.  Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost.  Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God.  Jesus cast out demons. Jesus healed the sick. Jesus called His disciples to follow Him.  God does not want anyone to remain lost.  God desires all people to be saved.  God desires all people to be with Him – forever!

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

Jesus introduced a new covenant to His twelve disciples. He told them, “You have stayed with me in my time of trial.  And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom.  And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (see Luke 22:28-30).  During communion with His disciples, Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people – an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you” (see Luke 22:20).  Jesus encouraged people to repent of their sins and turn to God.  Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  Jesus had made a new covenant with man – both Jews and Gentiles alike.  Jesus provided a way for each and every man and woman to be saved so that each and every man and woman may be with Him – forever!

Personal Application

Luke 12:29-31 states, “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”  Recently, I have been completely consumed with worry (regarding my health, my finances, my relationships, my future, etc).  However, God has clearly stated in His Word (e.g. Luke 12:29-31) that we are not to worry or be anxious.  Admittedly, I have been guilty of the sin of worrying and being anxious.  My personal application for the book of Luke is to do what God says to do.  God says we are not to worry; therefore, I am choosing to the best of my ability to not worry.  God also says that we are to seek first His Kingdom; therefore, I am choosing to seek first God’s Kingdom.  I am choosing to believe what God says about Himself in His Word.  I am choosing to obey God and trust God to meet all of my needs.

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  The book of Luke clearly demonstrates that Jesus is the Savior of all people – both the Jews as well as the Gentiles.  This book clearly shows that God desires all people to be saved.  God does not want even one person to remain lost.  I desire to teach this truth about God to others – especially those who are lost.  Further, I will encourage them to repent of their sins and turn to God so that they may be one with Him – forever!