Luke

“The Son of Man came to seek and save those, from all over the world, who are lost.”

The Original Reader:                                                      

It is in many ways the most comprehensive of the four gospels (Faith Action study Bible) was written to strengthen all believers. Our teacher mentioned the Hellenistic Believers as OR, those who had adopted much of the Greek culture. Luke addresses a person by maybe name – or the meaning “ Lover of God”  - Theophilius 1.3(this name is also addressed by Luke in Acts 1.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Author:

Luke was a physician, a non-Jew and in the first verses he reveals that he was not an eyewitness to Jesus – but selecting facts very neatly and detailed. 1.3-4.He is also the writer of Acts. He was a disciple of Paul. (Act.27.1 … we, Paul and he)

He is more of a writer, and gives a historical description in the book. His is in general chronological. 59% of the book is unique material  - and is not in the others.

Written in the years 58-63 ad, some say some is written after 70 AD because in 21.20 he speaks about the fall of Jerusalem.

Luke is also mentioned in Col4.14, 2.Tim 4.11, Philem24.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Main Themes and repeated ideas:

Son of Man,  - Jesus also used this term on himself. 19.10, 24.7

Salvation to all the world 2.32, 24.27

Prayer  - is more emphasized in this gospel. 11.1, 22.41

Repentance: in the parable of the lost son (15.11-32), tax collector and the Pharisee (18.9-14), the story of Zacchaeus (19.1-10) the need of repentance  - a reorientation back to God, which also leads to reconciliation of human relationships.

One sentence summary:

Luke 19.10 – “ for the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

The primary reason this book was written:

To show Jesus concern for all kinds of people – and he gives his genealogy (Mary’s decent) (NM.328) all the way back to Adam. Gives us the summary of the eyewitnesses. In verse 1.3-4 Luke explain it himself – “ I also have decided to write a careful account for you – so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

Theme Tracing:

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

The gospel/Jesus is intended for all peoples  “ He is the light to reveal God to the nations and he is the glory of your people Israel”

Compassion: Continuing showing the concern for the social outcast. Women, poor, children, and freedom from prison, the sick – I love this character of God – how He is so bold and have the heart of people in need. He shows us so much how much more the compassion means than rules and religious doings. 4.16-21.

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

In 21.27: I think Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem, hard times – and signs around in the world – but this is to make so that” everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. “

It is so touching how Jesus on Mount of Olives prays and talk with His Father about what is going to happen to Him. He shows that he knows what is happening and in a way is prepared, but still has this wrestling time, comforted by angels, deserved by his friends, and end up saying: Your will be done. 22.41-44.                                                                                                                                                                              

Application questions:                                                                                                                                                                                

Personal application: What has been talking much to me these last weeks  - and continued in NT: is God’ s compassion and focus on the poor. Over and over again He focuses for His followers to take care of them. It challenges me to look at my priorities and focus. Is giving money enough or how do we do this? – Practical at home? I have been reminded of a group of Romanian beggars just recently sitting in our streets. How can I help, without supporting the street begging or the back men? How can I help these gypsies who are choosing to degrade themselves to beg – to be an outreaching hand and showing Gods love.                                                                                                                                          

Point of passion:

Sharing the new or confirmed revelations in this season with the Parents of teenagers/ Youth Workers in Church

It has been working in me these weeks is God’s longing for relationship with all of us. In

Luke 12.21 “ A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God”. I want to encourage the parents and the youth workers in looking at the priorities and seeing how Jesus in His parables talks about repentance. Both in the way of being saved, but also in matters of priorities of money, time, prayer – the whole life. I had a message just before we left for Kona about not giving up or let go even if the teenager is a time of fighting and stretching boundaries.  A practical application I will do is to suggest we take some time set apart to pray in the middle of the parent’s duty every Friday.