James Tissot, Saint Luke (Saint Luc), Brooklyn Museum. |
Born 1st Century AD, Antioch, Syria, Roman Empire
Died 84 AD, near Boeotia, Greece
The book
of Luke is a Gospel that contains Narrative History, Genealogy,
Sermons, Parables, and some Prophetic Oracles. The emphasis of Luke is
Parables and contains more of them than any other Gospel (19 total). It
is the third of the synoptic gospels. Luke, a doctor and a Greek
Christian, wrote it circa 59-61 A.D. He accompanied Paul on mission
journeys, as described in the book of Acts, which Luke also wrote. The
key word in Luke is "Son of Man" which is used 80 times.
The
key personalities of the book include Jesus Christ, His parents Mary
and Joseph, the Twelve Disciples, John the Baptist, Herod the Great,
Jewish religious leaders, and Pilate.
This book was written to record an accurate account “so that you may know the exact truth”
(1:4), of the life of Jesus Christ as the perfect Savior of the world.
He wrote to the Greeks to present Jesus in His perfect manhood as the
“Son of Man,” the Savior of all men.
•
In chapters 1-4, Luke writes a very detailed account of the birth of
Jesus, a common Christmas story, yet always fascinating. He then
explains John the Baptist’s preparation of the coming Messiah, then
Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, which transitions into Jesus’
beginning ministry in Galilee.
•
Chapters 5-21 consist of the ministry of Jesus. As Jesus travels, He
teaches, preaches, heals the sick, and brings hope to the desperate and
discouraged. He was also seeking those who were obedient and faithful,
such as the Roman Centurion who sincerely pleads with Jesus to heal his
servant from a far distance, “just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (7:7). Jesus met many religious leaders who relentlessly opposed Him and constantly tried to trick and kill Him.
•
In chapters 22-24, one of His own (Judas) betrays Jesus. He was
unlawfully convicted by a dishonest and hateful court, and sentenced to
an excruciating death. However, death could not hold Him and after three
days He resurrected and arose from the grave, just as He had
miraculously raised others during His ministry.