The Book of Luke

Robert Carrillo MDivDr. John Oakes

May 3, 2014 San Diego State

University

Theme of Luke/Acts

God’s salvation, as predicted by the prophets has arrived in the coming of the Messiah—Jesus of Nazareth. He is the savior of the world and this salvation is now spreading throughout the world (including that of the Gentiles, of course).

Outline of Luke

I Prologue 1:1-4II Birth account of Jesus 1:5-2:52III Preparation for Jesus’ ministry 3:1-4:13IV The Galilean Ministry 4:14-9:50V Journey to Jerusalem 9:51-19:27VI Conflict and Controversy in Jerusalem 19:28-21:38VII Passion and Death of Jesus 22:1-23:56VIII The Resurrection and Ascension 24:1-53

Features Unique to Luke

Historical detailsUniversal appeal of the gospelJesus’ concern for outsiders, the poor, “sinners”, SamaritansReversal of fortuneEmphasis on role of women in Jesus’ ministryJesus described as Savior Use of Isaiah and the promise of a Savior for all peopleEmphasis on the journey to Jerusalem

Features of Luke (cont.)

Jesus as a man of prayer

Use of the word “today” in reference to salvation

Emphasis on the coming of a new age

Emphasis on the Holy Spirit and its role in bringing in the Kingdom of God

Explanation of Continuity with the Old Testament

Emphasis on the training of the apostles

Luke As An Historian

1. Only Luke mentions written sources for his gospel (Luke 1:1)2. Luke takes extraordinary care to give historical context to his account.3. Luke takes extraordinary care in his investigation of the facts, including interviews with multiple eye-witnesses (Luke 1:2-3) and a “more orderly” account.4. Luke gives a detailed genealogy, but he does so through Jesus’ father rather than through Jesus’ mother.

Historical Events Unique to Luke

1. Vision of Zechariah and birth of John.2. Visit of Mary to Elizabeth3. Angel’s visit to Mary4. Census of Augustus.5. Shepherd’s visit.6. Jesus’ presentation at the temple.7. Jesus at the temple at the age of twelve.8. Resurrection appearance at Emmaus.

I. Prologue Luke 1:1-4

Sets out the purpose of the gospel, which is to confirm the truth of the gospel, particularly its historical reliability. Very formal Hellenistic style intended to impress the Greek reader with its historical value.

II. Birth Narrative Luke 1:5-2:52

Theme of this section: The arrival of God’s promised Savior and the fulfillment of God’s prophets and promises.

The Messianic Expectation is being fulfilled!

Birth Narrative

Jesus fulfills the expectation of the pious Jewish messianic expectation.

Zechariah and Elizabeth (middle aged) have observed all the Lord’s commands. Luke 1:6

Mary and Joseph (young), humble servants of God, faithfully fulfill the command for purification and dedication.

Simeon (very old), extremely devout, waiting for the expected Messiah.

Anna, the female equivalent of Simeon, devoted to worship, fasting and prayer.

Zechariah, Elizabeth and John

Luke 1:6 They are upright and observant.

But… 1:7 Elizabeth was barren.1:18 She is “well along in years.”

A pattern—a connection to the OT:Sarah/AbrahamRachel/Joseph (Genesis 30:22-23)Hannah/SamuelElizabeth/John

Zechariah, Elizabeth and John

Luke 1:19, 13 Good news!

If we will be upright and observant,

The old will be productiveThe barren will be fruitfulOur disgrace will be taken away (Luke 1:25)

Q: How has/will God done these things in your life?

Luke and John the Baptist

Luke 1:13-17 John is the one preparing the way for the Messiah.

His birth and ministry fulfills the final prophecy in the OT (Malachi 4:5). JTB is a bridge between OT and NT.

1:15 He will be filled with the Holy Spirit.The period of silence has ended. The Kingdom of God is at hand!

1:17 …in the spirit and power of Elijah.John the Baptist is the antitype to Elijah(which explains Mat 11:14 and Mat 17:12)

Luke and John the Baptist

Luke 1:76-79 A prophet and the one to fulfill Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3-5

Malachi 3:1 See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple: the message of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.

Isaiah 40:3-5 A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord.”

Mary: The Favored of the Lord

Facts about Mary:

1. She was very young.2. She was female.3. She was poor.4. She was defenseless

and vulnerable

Mary: The Favored of the LordWhat does God say about Mary? Luke 1:26-28

1. You are highly favored.2. God is with you.

Why Mary? Luke 1:38 Luke 1:45 (a great memory verse)

Good News:The old will be productiveThe barren will be fruitfulOur disgrace will be removedWe will be greatly favored and God will be with us

If we will: Be righteous and observantBelieve that what the Lord has said will be accomplished

Luke and Salvation

Q: What does it mean to be saved?

Luke 1:67-79 Zechariah’s Songv. 71 rescue from those who hate us.v. 79 knowledge, light in darkness

Luke 2:8-12 A Savior is bornLuke 2:28-32 Simeon

revelation for the Gentilesglory for God’s people

Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptistone who will make what is crooked straight

Luke and Salvation

Luke 7:36-50A sinful woman is saved, but a Pharisee is lost

Luke 18:18-30A righteous rich ruler is lost, but those who give

up everything will be saved (even though they don’t have very much)Luke 19:5-9

The lowest of the low is saved.

Acts 4:8-12Salvation in the name of Jesus.

Luke and Salvation

Acts 2:38-40 Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.

We can save ourselves? We are saved from the corruption of this world.Joel Green:

Salvation embraces the totality of embodied life, including its social, economic and political concerns. For Luke, the God of Israel is the Great Benefactor whose redemptive purpose is manifest in the career of Jesus, whose message is that this benefaction enables and inspires new ways of living in the world.

The Birth of Jesus

Jesus’ birth turns everything upside down. He breaks all human expectations.

Luke 1:51-53 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;He has scattered those who are proud in their

inmost thoughtsHe has brought down the rulers from their

thrones but has lifted up the humbleHe has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

The Birth of Jesus

Announced to lowly shepherds (Luke 2:17)

A ministry of salvation (Luke 2:11, 30)

A light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32)

A sign spoken against (Luke 2:34)

Jesus at the Temple Luke 2:41-52

A transition from his birth to his ministry—part of Luke’s “orderly account.”

Isaiah 11:1-2 begins to be fulfilled

Jesus begins to sense his unique role

Jesus submits to his parents

Jesus’ submission to God begins to overtake his submission to his parents.

III. Preparation for Jesus’ Ministry

John’s role? Luke 3:4-6 To prepare the way. Isaiah 40:3-5 (note: “all mankind will see God’s salvation)

John’s message? Luke 3:7-14 Repent. Parallels with the Sermon on the Mount.

John’s sign? Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

Luke emphasizes the descent of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:22)

To Luke, the baptism (when he received the Holy Spirit) is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 3:23)

Luke’s genealogy (unlike Matthew’s):1. Begins with Adam, not Abraham (to emphasize the universal nature of his ministry)2. Goes through Joseph, not Mary

Temptation of Jesus

Final preparation for Jesus’ public ministry.

An essential part of his preparation (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 2:17-18)

Where the first Adam failed, the “second Adam” overcame temptation, thus qualifying himself to be the Savior of all.

IV. Jesus’ Galilean Ministry

Luke 4:14 Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.

Luke 4:16-30 Jesus’ first sermon (in Luke, anyway)

Q: What will the message of his first sermon be?

Jesus Brings Good NewsLuke 4:18-19 Isaiah 61:1-2

1. Good news for the poor

2. Freedom for prisoners

3. Healing for the sick.

4. Release the oppressed.

5. The favor of the Lord.

Jesus: “Today this Scripture isfulfilled in your hearing”

The People’s Response

Luke 4:22 Amazed… “What happened to the kid we knew growing up?”

Jesus (not impressed) The Gentiles will be saved before you!

Luke 4:28 Furious...

This incident is a foreshadow of his entire ministry and death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Luke 4:31-44 Jesus fulfills Isaiah 61:1-2

Jesus frees the prisoners (Luke 4:31-37)

Jesus heals the sick (Luke 4:38-44, 5:12-14, 5:17-26).

Jesus releases the oppressed (Luke 4:41)

Jesus proclaims the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:43)

All this is used to point to the breaking out of the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:43)

Prayer and Power

Luke 3:21-22 Jesus was praying and the Holy Spirit descended on him.Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy SpiritLuke 4:14 … in the power of the SpiritLuke 4:42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. (after healing a lot of people)Luke 5:15 Many healings, lots of prayer.Luke 5:17 And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.Luke 6:19 Power was coming from him and he was healing them all.

Luke 5:1-11, 27-31 Jesus Calls the Disciples

Luke records the miraculous catch of fish (unlike Mark and Matthew)

Jesus chooses ordinary men.

What does a disciple do?

They leave everything. (Luke 5:11)

They catch men. (Luke 5:10)

Luke 5:27-32 Jesus Calls Sinners to be His Disciples

Jesus calls Levi (Matthew)

Who is Jesus hanging out with? The Pharisees? NO!!

A crowd of tax-collectors

Luke 5:31 Good news for (those who admit that they are) sinners.

Opposition to the Son of God

Luke 4:28-30 (after telling them that God will show favor to Gentiles) Tried to kill him

Luke 5:21 (after healing a paralytic man and claiming to be able to forgive sins) Accused of blasphemy

Luke 5:30-32 (after a banquet at Levi’s house) A friend of “sinners.”

Luke 6:11 (after healing on the Sabbath). They were furious with rage and began to discuss what they might do to Jesus (ie. how to kill him).

Who Will Be in the Kingdom?The Poor, the Despised and the Outcast

An outsider—a Centurion—has more faith than anyone in Israel (Luke 7:1-10)A poor widow’s son is raised from the dead (7:11-17)A prostitute is praised (Luke 7:36-50) Luke 18:9-14 Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collectorLuke 15:11-32 the Prodigal SonLuke 19:1-10 ZacchaeusLuke 23:39-43 Repentant thief on the cross

“Those who have been forgiven much love much and those who think they need little forgiveness love little (Luke 7:47)

The Poor are Saved Before the Rich

The rich fool Luke 12:13-21

Invite the poor, the lame and the blind to your banquets. Luke 14:12-13

The Pharisees sin? They are lovers of money Luke 16:14

The Parable of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31

The Samaritans are Preferred to the Jews

James and John rebuked for calling fire down on a Samaritan village Luke 9:51-16

The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:29-37

The only leper who returns to thank Jesus is a Samaritan Luke 17:11-19

Women Come Into the Kingdom Before Men

Luke lists 13 women not mentioned in the other Gospels

Women with great faith:

ElizabethMaryAnaWidow of Nain Luke 7:12-15Woman who anoints Jesus’ feet Luke 7:36-50

Jesus and Women

Women supported Jesus financially Luke 8:1-3

Woman healed of bleeding Luke 8:43-48

Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42

Crippled woman healed on the Sabbath Luke 13:10-17

The poor widow Luke 21:1-4

Women were the chief witnesses and comforters of Jesus at the crucifixion Luke 23:49

Women were the first to witness the resurrection Luke 23:55-24:11

Jesus Announces the Coming of the Kingdom

Luke 5:33-39 New wineskin. Luke 5:39 And no one after drinking the old wine wants the new, for he says, “The old is better.”

Luke 6:1-10 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. The coming of the Kingdom is much more important than the Sabbath.

Luke 6:17-49The Sermon on the Level Place

Luke 6: 17-49 Radical Kingdom Ethics.

Theme: In the Kingdom of God there will be a radical kind of love and righteousness which will greatly exceed that required by the Law of Moses.

Who is blessed in the Kingdom of God?

The poor. The hungry. The sorrowful. The persecuted.

This matches Luke’s theme perfectly!What is valuable in the Kingdom

is despised in the world

The Upside-down Kingdom of God

6:24 the rich already have their comfort!6:25a the well fed will go spiritually hungry6:25b those who laugh will mourn6:26 those well thought of will be at the bottom

6:27-36 Jesus spells out the upside-down kingdom ethic.

Love your enemies 6:27-36Praise those who curse you Give to those who take from you

Luke 6:36 In doing these things you will simply be acting like God.

Luke 7 Jesus Practices What He Just Preached

Luke 7:1-9 Jesus praises an outsider—a centurion.

Luke 7:11-17 Jesus raises the son of a poor widow.

Luke 7:36-50 Jesus praises and forgives a sinful woman.

Luke 7 (and elsewhere) Who is Jesus?

Luke 4:21 He is the prophesied Messiah.

Luke 7:16-17 A great prophet (because of his miracles)

Luke 7:18-35 The prophesied Messiah

Luke 8:28 Who is it who commands even the winds and the water?

Luke 9:9 Herod Antipas: Who is this?

At the end of the Galilean ministry, we find out who Jesus is. Luke 9:18-27.This announcement is the culmination of his ministry and the thing which launches his journey to Jerusalem.

Oops! We got ahead of ourselvesLuke 8: Harbingers of the Kingdom

1. Parable of the Sower Luke 8:1-15

2. Jesus’ spiritual family Luke 8:19-21

3. Jesus calms the storm Jesus Lord of nature Luke 8:22-25

4. Healing of Legion Jesus Lord over spiritual relams Luke 8:26-39

5. Healing of the woman with bleeding Healing as compassion Luke 8:40-56

Luke 9:28-51Transition to the Journey to Jerusalem

Luke 9:30 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

Luke 9:44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

Luke 9:51 Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

The die is cast. The end is near. The Savior must due in Jerusalem.