Luke
LUKE OVERVIEW
The introduction of Luke’s gospel gives us great insight into his writing. The first 4 verses are masterfully crafted to let us know how he we received his gospel information and why he was qualified to write it.
Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ life, though he tells us in verse 2 that he used the accounts of those that saw these events firsthand. We trust his record because of his closeness with the apostles, especially the apostle Paul.
Luke claims “perfect understanding” (v3), meaning that he could not be more confident or clear in the events he records. Since Luke was a physician (Col 4:14), we see a great deal of detail in his writing, comparative to John or Mark. He writes “in order” (v3), meaning his record is chronological. This is incredibly important as it helps us get a clear timeline of events in the life of Jesus.
Luke’s Bio:
If you looked at the list of disciples, you might notice Luke’s name is absent. He did not walk with Jesus during His time on earth and (that we know of) did not perform any miracles or preach any sermons – yet he left behind the most meticulous account of the life of Christ.
We know nothing of Luke’s family, conversion or life and death. He comes on the scene in the book of Acts when Paul visits Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). From there he followed Paul and documented his journeys. We last see Luke in Rome during Paul’s final days.
We can confidently say that Luke was beloved by the apostles, loyal to his friends, and detailed in his writings. He is likely the only Gentile to author a New Testament book of the bible.
Luke teaches us that God can use us greatly, even if we are not in ‘full time’ ministry or called as a pastor or missionary. Luke’s diligence in his ministry contributed to 2 incredible documents in the scriptures that make up more than 25% of the New Testament.
LUKE 1
Luke begins with the wonderful commentary of 2 supernatural pregnancies: John the Baptist (v5-25) and Jesus (v26-56) – both to women who have never born children. John is born of the man Zacharias (v5, 24) and Jesus is born of David and of God (v27, 31-32, 35). Zacharias is faithless (v18-20) and Mary has faith (v38). Although this chapter is brilliant and encouraging, there is a stark reminder here of the consequences of a lack of faith. While Zacharias was not ‘struck dead’ at doubting the angel, there was definitely a consequence of being mute (v20), which comes with a warning that God’s words are “fulfilled in their season”. Let us meditate on the words of God and look to see them fulfilled in due time.
LUKE 2
Chapter 2 includes the birth of Jesus (v1-20), His presentation in the temple (v21-38), and the account of Him being ‘left behind’ (v39-52). Much of this chapter is unique to Luke’s gospel. What a treasure it is to us in the faith! Here we get a glimpse into the Jesus as a child and also into the politics of His day (the taxing of Augustus). As chapter 2 draws to a close, we see Jesus’ first recorded words, correcting His ‘mother’ on who His ’father’ is (v48-49). We conclude with this beautiful phrase, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (v52). What a prayer that should be for us! That we would walk in grace and truth to grow in our walk with God and our favor with men.
LUKE 3
Chapter 3 begins with John’s revelation from God in the wilderness (v2) and describes John’s preaching and baptism ministry, up to where John baptizes Jesus (v21-22) and is then imprisoned (v19-20) [although those two events are seemingly out of order]. The chapter concludes with an exhaustive genealogy of Jesus through Mary’s lineage, which takes Jesus all the way back to Adam, the “son of God” (v38). Jesus is the “last Adam”, “the Lord from heaven” (1 Cor 15:45-47). Mary’s genealogy is intriguing as it varies from Josephs in Matthew 1.
An interesting note: John preached with “exhortation” (v18). To exhort is to come along side and persuade with the truth. Although John’s words may have been sharp, his heart was for this Jewish brethren to prepare their hearts to meet the Messiah.
LUKE 4
Chapter 4 begins with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (v1-13), and continues into His teaching ministry in Galilee (v14-44). After the temptation, Jesus “returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee” (v14) and “taught in their synagogues” (v15), to which all “wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth” (v22). Being rejected in the Synagogue for preaching Isaiah 61 (v18-19), and explaining that the Messiah’s ministry would be to the Gentiles (v24-27), Jesus was then violently expelled from the city and nearly killed (v28-30). Jesus then goes to Capernaum and teaches in the synagogue “with power” (v31-32). He seems to be much more accepted there and heals (v38-40) and casts out demons (v35).
LUKE 5
In this chapter Jesus continues His teaching (v3) and healing (v12-14, 17-26) ministry in Galilee. Although Jesus already knew Peter and healed his mother (4:38-39), Jesus calls him to further ministry service (v10). In this chapter we get the first “follow me” calling of a disciple, Matthew (v27).
In verses 36-39 Jesus uses several illustrations to describe how God was doing something ‘new’ that could not be taken back. Israel struggled to understand His teaching and role as Messiah and wanted to keep His ministry under the law (see fasting, v33). Jesus essentially says that once the Messiah has come, we can no longer ‘go back’ to the way things were before. He must be crucified, salvation by grace must come, and the kingdom will be opened to the Gentiles.
LUKE 6
Jesus reveals that He is “Lord also of the sabbath” (v5) by allowing His disciples to pluck corn and eat on the Sabbath (v1) and also healing a man (v6-10). In this chapter Jesus also formally chooses the 12 disciples, here called “apostles” (v13). He then begins the greatest sermon in Luke’s gospel so far (v20-49)! It is filled with rich teaching, often quoted. Even a few verses is enough to meditate on. Though some of the content is similar to the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, this is not the same event, which indicates to us that Jesus repeated some of the same content at different times. Perhaps that is why it was so memorable!
LUKE 7
Luke 7 includes the healing of the centurion’s servant (v1-10), the resurrection of the “bier” (v11-17), John the Baptist’s doubt (v18-35), and Christ’s fellowship with sinners in a Pharisee’s house (v36-50). I really associate with the woman that anointed Jesus’ feet with oil, whom Jesus said, “loved much” (v47). I have done many terrible things in my lost man days, which I totally regret and would change if I could, but upon forgiveness of those things, I am even much more burdened to serve the Lord for what He has done for me! Thank you Jesus! I am forever grateful for His forgiveness.
LUKE 8
Luke chapter 8 highly resembles Mark chapter 5, which includes similar items such as healing the demoniac (v26-39), healing of Jairus’ daughter (v40-56), and healing the woman with the issue of blood (v43-48). Not included in Mark 5 is the parable of the soils (v4-15) and calming the storms (v22-25). My favorite phrase in this chapter is the description of the post healing demonic – he was “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind” (v35). I could preach a whole sermon on that verse! Praise God what Jesus gives us: fellowship in His presence (Prov 16:15), covering for our sin (Rom 4:7), and a renewed mind (Rom 12:2).
LUKE 9
What really sticks out in Luke 9 is the response after the empowerment and sending of the disciples. They went out to cast out demons, heal, and preach (v1-2). Then they returned again unto Jesus and gave a report of what they had done (v10). As we minister, we ought to ‘report back to’ Jesus with what we’ve done. Many times we pray on the front end, and forget to spend time with the Lord in prayer, processing, thanksgiving, and recovery. We need to take a page out of Jesus’ book and get “alone praying” (v18) after big ministering events – as Jesus exemplified with the returning disciples (v10) and His own ministry in multiplying bread (v18).
LUKE 10
Luke 10 records a similar ‘sending’ of Jesus disciples, but this time “seventy also” are sent (v1). After their success in ministry, they report back to Jesus (v17). They were obedient, operated in faith, and God used them greatly, yet Jesus said they should “rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (v20). More than anything we can DO for the Lord, our focus ought to be on the Lord Himself. Ministry often shifts our focus to the details and results, but Jesus’ words wisely correlate with Jeremiah’s “But let him that glorieth glory in this, That he understandeth and knoweth me” (Jer 9:24). Knowing the Lord and spending time with Him is more important than what we can do for Him.
LUKE 11
Prayer is a big part of Luke Chapter 11. There is a condensed version of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in verses 1 through 4, then further explanation in the proceeding verses. The mention of “importunity” in verse 8 should make us think about the urgency and fervency of our prayers – that God will answer if we are persistent. We are called to “ask” (v9)! According to Jesus, neglect in prayer is a lack of an understanding that God is a ‘good Father’ (v13), that is He willing and able to give “good things” (as Matthew says) and “the Holy Spirit” as Luke says. No doubt a mixture of both applications in salvation and practical need. We see the outcome of a lack of faith and prayer and focus on skepticism and pragmatism in verse 46, that should cause us to fear independence from God which ends in legalism (things that we can control).
LUKE 12
These verses serve as very practical reminders. I am writing this on an airplane in turbulence, with great personal trepidation, and am reminded of God’s care for me. I am comforted by Jesus’ words, “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (v7), and, “how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (v24). They are encouraging reminders that we actually do have value in God’s eyes and that we do not need to fear our circumstances – He is with us and is watching over us. This, combined with the reminder in verse 5 that there are WORSE things than being dead is encouraging. What could be worse death for a Christian? Standing before the Lord to give an account of a poor life lived after salvation - a poor steward in His kingdom (v47). God help us to be faithful and prepared for that glorious day when we see you face to face.
LUKE 13
Jesus is still on His final journey to Jerusalem in this chapter (v22). First, Jesus is confronted with some ‘terrible sinners’ [certain Galileans] (v1-2), to which Jesus replies that everyone will perish “except ye repent” (v3). He levels the playing field so that all sinners are on equal footing. Not all bad things that happen are a result of sin (see Job).
This chapter serves as a reminder that when we go out to evangelize, “many… will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (v24). We will do our best to share the gospel and long for people to respond, but also recognizing that people have their own will and the sad reality is that most will perish. Their response is NOT our responsibility.
Finally, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees to consider Herod’s advances to kill him, to which he writes… “ tell that fox” (v32). I love that phrase! Jesus isn’t afraid of the powers that be and doesn’t let them sway His kingdom agenda (v33-35). He continues to the cross and says that His death must be satisfied in Jerusalem.
LUKE 14
Jesus continues to heal and teach on His way to Jerusalem. In this chapter we have the parable of the wedding feast (v7-14), the parable of the supper (v16-24), and the teaching of self denial in following Christ (v26-35).
Jesus gives a tall order to be His disciples, saying that they must love Him more than their family (v26), bear their cross and follow Him (v27), and forsake all that they have (v33). He uses the phrases, “cannot be my disciple” here 3x. This is the only time in the bible that this phrase appears, and it qualifies for us WHO can be a disciple. By Jesus’ own words, most Christians are disqualified, which means to be SAVED and to be a DISCIPLE are two different things.
If we want to have any purpose in God’s kingdom and His mission, we must be savory (v34), which means we must be salty and set apart for His use (2 Tim 2:21).
LUKE 15
This whole chapter is about man’s reconciliation with God. Verse 2 starts with the religious being upset that Jesus is hanging with “sinners”, which gives context for the 3 parables taught in this chapter. They are a rebuke to the righteous to care about the things of God, which includes souls and salvations.
The bible is very clear here that upon salvation there is rejoicing: “rejoice with me” (v6, 9), “musick and dancing” (v23), and “make merry, and be glad” (v32). The father says in the parable of the prodigal son, “It was meet that we should make merry (v32), meaning that it is right and necessary to be excited about every salvation!
We would do well to have our hearts fixed on salvations, for if heaven parties, so should we!
LUKE 16
Here we have the parable of ‘the unjust steward’ (v1-13) and the parable of ‘the rich man and Lazarus’ (v19-31), along with a few important verses in between (v14-18). The “kingdom of God” is preached in this passage (v16), yet it is not fully rolled out yet, as Jesus says, “every man presseth into it”. It is also important to note that the parable of Lazarus mentions “hell” and “Abraham’s bosom” (v22-23), which all happen and exist before the resurrection and the kingdom of God.
The two men contrasted in this parable represent the differing eternal locations of souls. The lost will be separated and live in eternal torment forever, while the saved will dwell in heaven with God for eternity. This difference is not in good works, miracles, or being ‘chosen’, it is in believing a message – for Jesus says, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (v31). There is then therefore a precedent that the written word of God is of greater value, priority, and saving efficacy than the miraculous. This is still true today. Anyone that denies the word of God cannot be saved, because it is the ‘incorruptible seed’ (1 Peter 1:23), which brings about new spiritual life (Rom 10:17).Luke 17
LUKE 17
Three things stick out in this chapter: verses 3-4, which refer to repentance and forgiveness in relationships, the story of the 10 lepers (v11-19), and Jesus’ brief words from verse 33. Of the lepers, only 1 out of 10 came back for thanks, yet all 10 were healed. Through the picture of healing and salvation it would seem that all 10 were saved, yet not all will continue in thanksgiving (v16), worship, and discipleship.
Jesus’ famous words in verse 33 remind us of the other familiar sayings He has had on the cost of following Him (14:25-35). We cannot be pursuing the things of our lives and the things of the kingdom of God at the same time. We have to choose one or the other!
Jesus gives a discourse on the ‘end times’ in 26-37. These words and phrases are reminiscent of His words Matthew chapter 24. Note that those “taken” (v34-36) are not taken in the rapture of the church. This is much later in the end of time when they are taken to judgement in the battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:17-19).
LUKE 18
Verse 18 says, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faith”. It is a challenging reminder on just how weak and frail our prayer-life becomes. Another interesting note is Jesus’ specific use of the “Pharisee” (v10) in the comparison of the self-righteous religious man and the humble publican (v9-14). How bold of Jesus! He straight up called them out in His parable.
Verses 29-30 are a wonderful reminder of God’s blessing whenever we choose to focus on His kingdom. He says that He will provide “more in this present time, and also in the world to come”, meaning that God blesses our sacrifice both NOW and in eternity. My family has experienced this blessing, which makes each move and sacrifice for Him even better than the last. However, don’t forget the phrase from Mark’s gospel: that we receive those things, “with persecutions” (10:31).
LUKE 19
Luke 19 starts out with Zacchaeus. He, “sought to see Jesus” (v3) and climbed a tree “to see him” (v4). This man is “Chief among the publicans (v2), so he is a gross lost man according to the culture – people were upset Jesus would be his guest (v7). These passages, along with my recent personal reading of Ahab humbling himself, remind me that it is possible for very ‘high up’ people to accept Christ and that we ought to be bold with the gospel to all. God can provide us an open doors through politicians and those that are sensitive to the gospel. Jesus is very clear about his agenda – He is not there for politics, for His first words in Zacchaeus’ house are the need for salvation (v9).
In the parable of the pounds is a good reminder of our stewardship. God wants us to use the things that we have for His honor and glory and that we will receive a rewards for doing so. Nevertheless, God expects His people to be faithful with what they have even if it is only “very little” (v17).
LUKE 20
Jesus is confronted by the religious big-wigs of His day. No doubt they were jealous and insinuating that He did not have the ‘authority’ to do what He was doing. After the end of their inquiry, Jesus had NO NEED to explain Himself to them (v8), as they had not foundational truth to land upon together [rejecting John the Baptist (v7).
Verse 20 talks about men that would ‘appear’ to be “just”, but had an alternative motive of entrapping Jesus and ultimately turning Him in to the authorities (v20). This is also a good reminder that we need the discernment, like Jesus as He, “perceived their craftiness” (v23), to condemn the wicked and their skepticism (v23). Lord don’t let us be fooled by the foolish!
LUKE 21
This chapter is complimentary to Matthew 24, containing similar content on the end times. We see a very Jewish context, mentioning a “sign” (v3), Jerusalem (v20), and the fig tree (v29). It is, like Matthew 24, referring to the time of tribulation after “the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (v24). We see Jerusalem surrounded (v20). “the powers of heaven… shaken” (v26) [consistent with Revelation 12], and the second advent of Christ [not the rapture] (v27-28). Although these passages are not directly applicable, I am reminded of my great need to ‘watch and pray’ (v36) in dependency upon the Lord.
LUKE 22
This is Christ’s last supper with His disciples (v7-23), prayer in the garden (v39-46) and His betrayal and beating (v47-71). I find it interesting that previously Jesus sent out the 12 and the 70 without provisions, but now He is telling them to prepare, and even grab a sword (v35-37). This shows that there is a season to everything under the sun (Ecc 3). There is a time to buy and possess and there is a time to abandon all things for the kingdom of God’s sake. We must trust the Lord and hear from Him to know the proper timing of each season.
LUKE 23
Here we see Jesus set on trial before Pilot and also brought before Herod (v6-8). Herod had been looking forward to seeing Jesus because He was a miracle worker, and Herod hoped to be entertained (v8). Many times we act the same way as Herod, hoping that the Lord will ‘show us something new’ or ‘do something great for me’, but we ought rather to recognize Him as Lord and bow at His feet and sit in His presence. There is a sad unity brought about in verse 12, as Herod and Pilate were “made friends together” over the condemnation of Jesus. How sad it is that the world rejoices and fellowships together in darkness against the King of Glory! But that’s what you get when you reject Jesus – fellowship with jokers like Herod.
LUKE 24
What a beautiful chapter containing the resurrection of Jesus and His final interactions with His disciples! Many messages could come out of these passages! I’ll choose to focus today on Jesus’ use of the “scriptures” (v32) to teach about His resurrection. He didn’t just paraphrase, He opened the books/scrolls or had them memorized (v27). Jesus then goes on to explain what IS scripture: law, prophets, psalms (v44). We don’t need the apocrypha! We only need the Hebrew OT, and it points to Jesus. If Jesus, being the word of God had to use the scriptures, we also ought to use it in reasoning and defending the faith – especially for the resurrection.