Overview of Luke
Luke was a physician and probably a Greek, the companion of Paul in some of his journeys.
Dr Luke wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Both of which are records of journeys: Christ's journey to Jerusalem, and Paul's journey to Rome.
Luke wrote with the Greeks in mind, and presented Jesus Christ as the perfect Son of Man, the compassionate Saviour.
He mentions women, children and the poor often in his gospel.
'Joy' and 'rejoicing' are repeated many times.
There's also an emphasis on prayer, and on God's love for the whole world.
Luke addressed both books to Theophilus, his name literally means 'lover of God.'
Theophilus was a Roman believer, possibly an official who needed grounding in the faith.
Luke's approach is simple.
He records our Lord's birth and early life, His baptism and temptation, His ministry in Galilee, His ministry en route to Jerusalem, and His final week of ministry in Jerusalem.
As we read the gospel of Luke, we'll come to love the compassionate Son of Man, who cares for those in need and wants His message of salvation to be taken to the whole world.
Luke 1
We'll read about serving.
His disappointment at not having a son did not keep Zechariah from serving the Lord.
Be faithful.
You never know when God's angel may arrive.
Zechariah has the faith to keep on praying, but when the answer came, he did not have the faith to accept it.
He looked at his limitations rather than God's great power.
Unbelief produces silence.
Faith opens your mouth in praise to God.
We'll be learning about submitting.
What an honour to be chosen as the mother of the Messiah.
Mary humbly submitted to the Lord because she had faith that He would keep His promise.
Her decision would bring her sorrow and suffering.
But she willingly yielded.
She was blessed among women because of the great grace of God given to her.
All who trust Christ as their Saviour are highly graced by the Lord.
We'll read about singing.
A pregnant Jewish girl from Nazareth engaged to marry a poor carpenter.
What did Mary have to sing about?
Well, she sang about the Lord – what He did for her; for all who fear Him, and she sang for His people, Israel.
God gives power to the weak, thrones to the lowly, and food to the hungry.
But the strong, the rich and the mighty go away empty.
Our God is a good God.
Zechariah praised God for what He would do for His people, His people Israel.
It was the dawning of a new day, because the Messiah was about to be born.
God keeps His promises and is faithful to His covenants.
Luke 2
You cannot escape Jesus Christ.
His birth affected Caesar's politics, the ministry of angels and the activities of common man.
In that day, shepherds were looked upon with disdain.
But God singled them out to be the first human messengers of the Messiah's birth.
His coming touched worshipers and even scholars.
The angels sang about Him and He is still the theme of the greatest music.
Luke wrote about Him and He is still the subject of the greatest literature.
The shepherds hastened to behold Him.
And He is still at the center of the greatest art.
Teachers listened to Him and marveled.
And He is still the focal point for all truth and wisdom.
In His development, Jesus was perfectly balanced.
Intellectually, He had wisdom.
Physically, He had stature.
Spiritually, He had favour with God.
And socially, He had favour with man.
And He is still the greatest example for childhood and youth.
He alone is worthy of our worship.
So come let us adore Him.
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