THE GOSPEL OF LUKE The purpose of Luke's Gospel is to present an accurate account of the life of Christ and to present Christ as the perfect human and Savior. Luke-- a doctor, a Greek, and Gentile Christian is the only known Gentile author in the New Testament. Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul. He also wrote Acts, and the two books go together. It was written to *Theophilus("one who loves God:), Gentiles, and people everywhere. It was written about A. D. 60. Luke wrote from Rome or possibly from Caesarea. (*Theophilus Luke 1:3 ~ It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Acts 1:1 ~ The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.) The key people in this book are Jesus, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Mary, the disciples, Herod the Great, Pilate, Mary Magdalene and took place in Bethelehem, Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem. This is the most comprehensive Gospel. The general vocabulary and diction show that the author was educated. He makes frequent references to illnesses and diagnoses. Luke stresses Jesus' relationships with people; emphasizes prayer, miracles, and angels; record inspired hymns of praise; and gives a prominent place to women. Most of chapter 9:51 - 18:35 is not found in any other gospel. The key verses are: 19:9,10 ~ And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.. EVERY birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. But nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the miracle of miracles. A baby was born, but he was the Son of God. The gospels tell of this birth, but Dr. Luke, as though he were the attending physician, provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion. With a divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history--- God in the flesh. Luke affirms Jesus' divinity, but the real emphasis of his book is on Jesus' humanity----Jesus, the Son of God, is also the Son of Man. As a doctor, Luke was a man of science, and as a Greek, he was a man of detail. It is not surprising, then, that he begins by outlining his extensive research and explaining that he is reporting the facts (1:1-4). Luke also was a close friend and traveling companion with Paul, so he could interview the other disciples, had acess to other historical accounts, and was an eyewitness to the birth and growth of the early church. His Gospel and book of Acts are reliable, historical documents. Luke's story begins with angels appearing to Zechariah and then to Mary, telling them of the upcoming births of their sons. From Zechariah and Elizabeth would come John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Christ. And Mary would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God. Soon after John's birth, Caesar Augustus delared a census, and so Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the town of David, their ancient ancestor. There the child was born. Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds, who rushed to the manger. When the shepherds left, they were praising God and spreading the news. Eight days later, Jesus was circumcised and then dedicated to God in the Temple, where Simeon and Anna confirmed Jesus' identity as the Savior, The Messiah. Luke gives us a glimpse of Jesus at age 12......discussing theology with the Jewish teachers of the law at the Temple (2:41-52). Eighteen years later Jesus went out in the wilderness to be baptized by John the Baptist before beginning his public ministry (3:1-23). at this point, Luke traces Jesus' genealogy on his stepfather Joseph's side, through David and Abraham back to Adam, underscoring Jesus' identity as the Son of Man (3:23-38). After the Temptation (4:1-13), Jesus returned to Galilee to preach, teach, and heal (4:14). During this time, he began gathering his group of 12 disciples (5:1-11, 27-29). Later Jesus commissioned the disciples and sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. When they returned, Jesus revealed to them His mission, His true identity, and what it means to be His disciple (9:18-62). His mission would take Him to Jerusalem (9:51-53), where he would be rejected, tried, and crucified. While Jesus carried his own cross to Golgatha, some women in Jerusalem wept for Him, but Jesus told them to weep for themselves and for their children(23:28). Luke's Gospel does not end in sadness , however. It concludes with the thrilling account of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, his appearances to the disciples, and his promise to send the Holy Spirit (24:1-53). Read Luke's beautifully written and accurate account of the life of Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God. Then praise God for sending the Savior---our risen and triumphant Lord---for all people. ********************************************************************* AMAZING LOVE Amazing love is mine Through the Lord divine In Him there is no turning Go ahead and past life spurning. The grace he gave at Calvary To hang and die for you and me. He never murmered or complained To give His life for our disdain. What amazing love is mine It reigns down from the sky Bringing joy and peace my way For each and every day. Give thanks and credit to The King who delivered you From sin and hell to shun A new life has begun What amazing love is mine A gift not wrapped twine But in the stripes He took that day To give this wonderful gift away. Amazing love is mine With grace so sublime Everlasting life He gave The day this gift was sent my way. Written by Shirley Barr February 04, 2005 Gospel of Luke, Compiled, September 21, 2005 References used: KJV Bible Life Application Bible |
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