LUKE BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT GOSPEL: LUKE’S ACCOUNT OF JESUS
The Gospel of Luke is traditionally ascribed to Luke, a physician closely associated with the apostle Paul (who is credited with writing a significant portion of the New Testament letters). Luke meticulously compiled an orderly narrative of Jesus' life by gathering firsthand accounts from eyewitnesses.
The book of Acts, also authored by Luke, is a continuation of Luke that contains the history of the early church. Luke was a detailed writer, and his gospel offers more historical context than the other three. Luke’s writing was addressed to Theophilus, which could refer to a literal recipient of Luke’s message or to the collective body of those who loved God (since Theophilus means “Lover of God”).
Luke wrote to a primarily Greek audience, and the book focuses on Christ’s humanity. There are multiple parables unique to this book, including the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, two stories of compassion and mercy. Although Luke tells of Jesus’ divinity, the book also emphasizes that Jesus was fully human - God dwelling among the people.
MAIN IDEAS: GOD‘S LOVE DISPLAYED THROUGH JESUS
The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for all people - the Savior has arrived! (Luke 2:10-11)
Jesus values the attention and admiration of His people more than their performance. (Luke 10:38–42)
As a Gentile, Luke emphasized how God invites all believers into His kingdom. (Luke 12:31-32)
God provides eternal life in paradise for those who have faith in Jesus as the Savior. (Luke 23:39-43)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: LEAVES THE NINTY-NINE
Luke 15 contains three consecutive parables that highlight God’s willingness to pursue humanity. Using the beautiful imagery of a shepherd leaving his ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has gone missing, Jesus told of God’s continual pursuit of humanity. Just like a shepherd seeking out his missing animal, God also desires closeness and relationship with His people.
Similarly, Jesus shared another short parable that provided the example of a lost coin. If a woman lost a silver coin, she would search diligently to find it. Once it was found, she would rejoice to her friends and neighbors. Just as the woman would celebrate the recovered money, so do the angels rejoice over a sinner who repents. God’s people are of far more value to Him than a silver coin, and He seeks out those who are lost.
Also in Luke 15, Jesus told the story of a wayward son who squandered his inheritance but was welcomed back by his forgiving father. This parable, known as the Prodigal Son, shows God’s constant love for His people and the rejoicing that occurs upon their return.
JESUS IN LUKE: THE SUFFERING SERVANT
The Gospel of Luke contains twenty-four parables, the largest number of parables found in any one book of the Bible. It also contains the most unique parables, some of which are only referenced in Luke. One example is the parable of the lost sheep, which emphasizes Jesus’ role as a leader, shepherd, and teacher. Although Jesus’ greatest accomplishment was His victory over sin and death, Luke also highlights the importance of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the incredible wisdom found in His teaching.
