Gospel According to Luke

Welcome to the study of the Gospel According to Luke.  We will take this slowly and allow God's word to speak to us in a beautiful way.   The notes that you have here are just to give you some information and spark deep reflection.  Let the words of Luke speak directly to you and hear what God is trying to say to you, not what we are saying.   We come to the bible seeking his voice not our own.   So here we go!

The Bible
Single most popular book in all of history.
God’s Book and God’s Voice
Purpose – Salvation and the plan to get there.
How to Read it
Pray – ask for God to open your heart to hear his message.   God will help you to understand.  Invite God to join you and allow you to hear what it is He wants you to  hear.   It is not about you, but rather about Him speaking to you. 
One line at a time – Just read one line and let it sink in.   If something hits you, it is meant for you. 
Don’t need to understand the Bible – but rather willing to commit to reading it, listening to God’s word.
Don’t be discouraged   - it is not easy but fruitful.

Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke
The Gospel according to Luke is the first part of a two volume work that continues the biblical history of God’s dealings with humanity found in the Old Testament, showing how God’s promises to Israel have been fulfilled in Jesus and how the salvation promised to Israel and accomplished by Jesus has been extended to the Gentiles.  The stated purpose of the volumes is to provide Theophilus and others like him with certainty – assurance – about earlier instruction they have received.  To accomplish this purpose, Luke shows that the preaching and teaching of the representatives of the earl church, are grounded in the preaching and teaching of Jesus who during his historical ministry, prepared his specially chosen followers and commissioned them to be witnesses to his resurrection and to all else that He did.   Throughout the Gospel, Luke calls upon the Christian disciple to identify with the master Jesus, who is caring and tender toward the poor and lowly, the outcast, the sinner and the afflicted toward all those who recognize their dependance on God but who Is sever toward the proud and self righteous and particularly toward those who place their material wealth before the service of God and his people.   No gospel writer is more concerned than Luke with the mercy and compassion of Jesus, the role of the Spirit in the life of Jesus and the Christian disciple or with Jesus’ concern for women.    – Ref. New American Bible

Facts of Gospel of Luke

• Author’s name never appears in the Gospel but evidence points to Luke being the writer.
• This Gospel is companion to Acts – the language and structure are the same
• It is addressed to the same individual – Theophilus
• Luke, probably a gentile, well educated in Greek culture, physician, companion to Paul and loyal friend who remained with him after others deserted him and potentially from Antioch of Syria and Phillippi.
• The Gospel is specifically directed to Theophilus.  
• The use of “most excellent” supports data that he is most likely a Roman official and wealthy of high position.
• The message was intended for his own instruction and those among who the book would be shared.
• It was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and answer attacks from unbelievers.
• Luke wanted to show the place of the gentile Christian in God’s kingdom is based on Jesus’ teaching.
• Suggested time period 59-63AD or 70’s and 80’s.
• Place of writing is probably Rome.
• The Gospel presents the works and teachings of Jesus that are especially important for understanding the way of Salvation.
• It goes from the birth of Christ to the Ascension and is arranged in an orderly fashion.
• It appeals to Jews and Gentiles.
• Characterized by literary excellence and historical detail with a warm and sensitive understanding of Jesus and those around him.

• Universality, recognition of Gentiles as well as Jews in Gods plan
• Emphasis on prayer
• Joy at announcement of the Gospel – “the good news”
• Special concern for role of women
• Special interest in the poor
• Concern for sinners
• Stress on family circle
• Repeated term “ Son of Man”
• Emphasis on the Holy Spirit
• Inclusion of most parables than any other Gospel
• Emphasis on praising God

Luke’s account of Jesus’ Ministry broken into 3 areas
1 – Events in Galilee
2 – Those in Judea and Perea
3 – Final Week in Jerusalem
Main theme – Nature of Jesus’ Messiahship and mission found in 19-10 – “For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost”

Reference:   Biblestudy.com/Luke

Notes from our meeting
We are looking at the parallels between the Angel coming to Zacharie and Mary.   SEE SLIDE BELOW)

Angel comes to Zacharia

• Zacharia and Elizabeth do everythign right - they are a holy couple yet they have their struggles. 
• In the naming of John the Baptist, it was customary to name a son after their father but Elizabeeth was honoring the angels announcement to Zacharia
• Zacharia was asked to be at the temple to perform the duties.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 
• Canticle of Zacharia - might have been a hymn but it is a response to the question "what then will this child be?"
• Do not be afraid is found 365 times in the bible - comes to shephards and the lowly. 
•  ​​​​​​Zacharia does not believe but rather questions the angel.  He is stuck speechless.   Can you think about how that might help him?   Aren't we often asked to be still. 
• Zacharia was a high priest and would be aware of barren women being presented with a baby in those days.  He should have believed in the miracles of God. 
• John the Baptist is presented as the most high wehre Jesus is described as the son of the most high.  John the Baptist is the one that comes before, the messenger as prophesied in Mal 3:1-2.   John - means "Yahweh has shown favor"  He is the one who will "go before him".  
•  

• Greeting to Mary - Hail - means rejoice, greeting. 
• Gabriel comes to mary and explains she will concieve thru the spirit - makes this a divine experience
• "favored one" - Angel calls Mary this - it means in Greek - action that is done in past is now perfected in present. 
• Greek can be interepreted as - Hail - having been filled with grace - or Hail you have been graced, you who are graced and you who will be graced.  This is why Mary is shocked to hear this 
• When we suffer, God stretches our heart so that He can fill it - more grace can fit. 
• Her sign will be that Elizabeth is pregnants - means nothing is impoosible to God. 
• Mary moves in haste to go she Elizabeth because she is excited - she knows and she is joyful.  
• When Elizabeth greets her she knows, she says "Blessed are you among women"  she beleives. 
• Mary is an example for our lives - announcement of something - she shows faith, visit with Elizabeth - shows friendship and relationships are important and gratitude by singing - shows thanksgiving. 
• Many believe the canticle she sang -  the magnificat - is a jewish hymn
• The circumcision of Jesus makes him one of the people of Israel. 
• Presentation of Jesus shows how his parents were devout Jews- faithful observers of the laws
• By law, women needed to wait 40 days before entering the church or anything sacred after birth.  Then they needed to present a lamb but if they couldn't afford, 2 turle doves.
• Jesus' birth is not only miraculous, but also a humble birth starting in a manger. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

LUKE – Chapter 1 and 2

Name at least 2 facts you know about Luke?
Why did Luke write the Book?
Where was Zachariah when he met the Angel?  How did he react? 
What happened to Zachariah due to his reaction?
What comfort or encouragement does this passage offer to you when you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless situation?
How did Mary react to Gabriel?  How was this different than how Zachariah reacted?
How did Mary and Elizabeth greet eachother?  
The Birth of Jesus -
Where was Jesus born and in what circumstances?  What does that say about the birth of a King?

Christ is Born—Read Luke 2:1-7 1.
Joseph and Mary were betrothed to be married (see v. 5) and were living in Nazareth (see v. 4). Mary was nearly ready to have her child (see v. 6), and it was foretold that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2). What circumstances caused Joseph to bring Mary, “great with child” (KJV), seventy miles to Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy (see vv. 1-3)?

2. Traveling seventy miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem was probably not something that Joseph and Mary wanted to do since she was “great with child.” Oftentimes, we have to submit to circumstances beyond our control. How do we know that God is in control of everything in our lives?

3. While she and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the days were complete for Mary to deliver her child, and she brought forth her firstborn Son. Where did Mary have her child? Where did she lay him? Why?

4) The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds—Read Luke 2:8-14 4. On the night Mary gave birth to Jesus, who was living in fields nearby? What were they doing? (See v. 8.) Luke 2 | Page 2

5) An angel of the Lord pronounced the birth of the Christ child (see v.11). How did this angel, a messenger from God, describe this announcement (see v. 10)?

6) The messenger of the Lord described the child as “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (see v. 11). What was Jesus' primary mission? (See John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 1:21; 9:13.) 8. The angel told the shepherds to look for a specific sign. What was this sign? How would it be unusual? (See vv. 7, 12.)

 7) According to Leviticus 12:2-4, a woman was unclean after having a child and was required to observe days of purification. Once Mary’s days of purification were complete, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. How old was Jesus when He was presented (see v. 22)? 19. Why did Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Lord (see v. 23)?

8)  Simeon’s Prophecy—Read Luke 2:25-35 22. Luke described a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. What three characteristics did he point out about him? Why were they important? What was Simeon waiting for?

9). How did Joseph and Mary respond to Simeon’s prophetic psalm (see v. 33)?

Luke Chapter 3

Luke 3
1-6
We are now reading of the  beginning of Christ’s ministry.   John the Baptist, the forerunner, is preaching.
We see in the first passage the wickedness of the times when Christ’s gospel was brought to the world.   Names are listed of rulers on it.   A long list.   We get a sense of the times from this.
Such were the state of things when Christ’s forerunner was commissioned to begin preaching.  Shows us that at the very moment things are darkest, God sends someone and hope.
We are told the world of God came to John. He received it from God as all things come from God.
We see the connection between repentance and forgiveness. John the Baptist came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Luke 7-14
What is the character of John’s ministry?
Jon the Baptist is bod in his preaching and unafraid calling them “brood of vipers”
He didn’t care if he offended anyone.
He speaks openly about hell which is not an easy thing to do.
He exposes the uselessness of a repentance which is not accompanied by “fruits” in life.  He said “bring forth fruit worthy of repentance.  Every tree when does not produce good fruit is struck down and cast into the fire.  We must be a people of action not just talk about things but rather doing.
Do not simply tell us what a man says in religion but rather tell us what he “does”.
He spoke of various classes how came to baptism.  Let the rich break from the rich mans sins, the poor from the sins of the poor, youth from sins of the youth, etc.   Are we real….are we sincere in our repentance.
Luke 15-20
The outcome of a faithful ministry is to set men thinking  People must not just follow but rather think about spiritual things deeply.
We learn fruitful minister will always exalt Christ.  John the Baptist refused the honor and always pointed people to Christ.
We learn the difference between John the Baptist and Christ.   He will baptize you with Holy Spirit whereby John the Baptist can only baptize with water.
We learn the change Christ will make in his visible church at his second coming.  He will separate men, not us.
We learn that the reward of Gods servants is often not in the world – Luke tells us of John the Baptist imprisonment by Herod.   We know of his death.   His reward will be in heaven.  Not of this world.
21-28
We see the high honor Jesus puts on Baptism.  For he himself was baptized.
We see the close connection between baptism and prayer.   Luke tells us when Jesus is being baptized he was praying.
We see the proof of the trinity – all three are spoken of – cooperating and acting at hone time.  God the son begins his earthly ministry by being baptized – Father accredits him by a voice from heaven and the holy spirit descends in shape of a dove.  All three working together.
God proclaims that Jesus is his son and he is pleased.  This is a divine proclamation that our Lord Jesus Christ is the promised redeemer and God is well pleased.
We see a long list of names – genealogy of the family in which the Lord was born thru David to Abraham to Adam.  We see the frailty of life as all of these people are dead and gone.  

• John pointed beyond himself to Jesus. How might I point to Jesus?
• The people ask John, “what should we do?” His answer is surprisingly ordinary: share with others; avoid extortion; be satisfied with your wages. How might I embrace the sacred in the ordinary, and the ordinary in the sacred?

• John the Baptist lived a life of passionate commitment. His passion for justice and honesty spoke to the hearts of the crowds, tax-collectors and soldiers. His own austerity had the ring of authenticity. It evoked a question from them: what should we do”? He responded with directness and clarity: Don’t cheat, share your surplus, don’t exploit people.

• John doesn’t ask tax collectors to stop collecting, or tell soldiers to desert. His message is simple: social justice. Share what you have, be honest, do not oppress people. He does not call for heroics. But sometimes heroics seem easier than living humdrum daily life well. How can I bring the divine into my ordinary actions and make my faith a living thing?
• What must I do to prepare to meet the Messiah?
• For all the austerity of his life, John spoke to people in words they could grasp. It was his austerity that drew people's respect and trust. Here was a man who cared nothing for comfort, money or fame, who could not be bought, and who could speak the truth without fear.
• Preparing the way for the Messiah is not simply a matter of belonging to the Jewish nation, John insists, but comes about through repentance, through changing the way one thinks and changing one's lifestyle. John gives some practical examples. People should share clothing and food with those who have none as basic expressions of faith. To tax collectors he says, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also ask him, "And we, what should we do?" John replies, "Do not extort money from anyone with threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages."
• What does my lifestyle say about my faith in Christ? Do I hoard or share what I have with others, especially those who are poor and on the margins of society?