Luke

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original Reader?

Luke specifically addresses his reader in the first chapter to a man named Theophilus. (1:3) Theophilus is believed to be a Gentile and someone who is either a new believer or someone seeking to learn about Jesus. During this period of time the Roman empire was the dominant world power. (2:1, 3:1)

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The Gospel of Luke is anonymous but it is believed by scholars that Luke, a Gentile and doctor and the companion of Paul in Acts is the author of Luke.

What are the main themes and repeated ideas in the book and a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

Jesus is portrayed as the "Son of Man" that came to seek and save the lost. (19:10)

Luke can be divided up into four parts, the Introduction to the Son of Man (1:1-4:13), the Ministry of the Son of Man (4:14-9:50), the Rejection of the Son of Man (9:51-19:27), and the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Son of Man (19:28-24:53). 

Luke has many similarities with the other Synoptic Gospels - Matthew and Mark but also he has a lot of his own material too. A strong emphasis is on Jesus being the Saviour of the whole world and not just the Jewish Messiah. (2:32, 24:27) With that said a certain attention of Jesus' ministry is focused on the poor/outcasts and to women. The reason I grouped the poor and outcast together is because specifically in these days the outcast were the ones who were deaf, blind, lame and had leprosy, etc and they were automatically poor and would have to to beg. 

Countless times we see Jesus' heart of compassion and powerful hand to heal. For example Jesus casts out demons (4:31-37), Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law (4:38-39), Jesus heals a man of leprosy (5:12-15) etc. We also see the value of women throughout the book of Luke. Mary the mother of Jesus is an example of faith, humility and service. (1:26-56) Joanna and Susanna both support Jesus in his ministry by providing material needs. (8:3) Mary who sits at Jesus feet and Martha who is busy preparing food for Jesus. (10:38-42)

Also Jesus does a lot of teaching through many parables. He teaches on a variety of topics that include, repentance, discipleship, stewardship, offences, etc. All those parables are found in chapters 14-17.

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Luke was written was to show that Jesus was the "Son of Man" who came to seek and save the lost. (19:10) Also that he is the Saviour of the whole world. (2:32)

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

I see God's abundant hand of provision displayed when Jesus tells the fishermen to go out where it is deep and let down their nets after all night of fishing and not catching anything and in result they obey and they caught so many fish the nets began to tear that they had to have another boat help them. Both boats were on the verge of sinking. (5:4-6) Also we see Jesus multiply the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and feed over 5000. (9:14-17) Also we see the wisdom of Jesus when the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking a question hoping he would answer in a way that would result in him being arrested. Jesus replies with simple wisdom that astounds everybody to the point of silence. (20:20-25)

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

Luke 2:32

"He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" 

This verse shows that there is redemption for all people.

Luke 19:10

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost"

This verse shows that it is in Jesus' heart to bring people back to him and second that he is the one who can bring salvation to all people. Now in order to bing salvation Jesus had to die and rise from the dead. Jesus foreshadows his death and resurrection twice. (9:22, 18:31-33) Now salvation is made complete upon the cross when Jesus says to one of the men who were being crucified with him "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (23:43)

Application

Luke 12:34

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

This verse challenges me to do a heart check and see what are the things in my heart that I am treasuring over Jesus.