The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). He was not one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, but nevertheless came upon the Christian scene quite early. He was also apparently not a Jew by ethnicity, but rather a gentile. In fact he is the only non-Jew to write a book of the New Testament. Furthermore, Luke is the only gospel writer to produce a sequence to his gospel, namely the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke wrote the gospel bearing his name taking a scientific approach. This was quite natural for him as a trained physician. Not being an eyewitness to the things whereof he wrote, he interviewed reliable people. He "investigated everything carefully" and produced "an orderly account" of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It was different with the book of Acts. Luke became a co-worker with the Apostle Paul during his second and third missionary journeys and thus an eyewitness to the expansion of the early church as evidenced by the "we sections" (beginning with Acts 16:10).
The book of Luke itself is divided in the following way by Leon Morris in his Tyndale NT Commentary:
Luke, along with Matthew and Mark are called synoptic gospels, meaning "same gospels." That means, many of the verses are exactly the same in all three books. This suggests a common source ("Q" for the German word Quella meaning "source"). Of course, there are many differences as well in what is or is not included. A clear feature of Luke is his emphasis on the Holy Spirit. One senses as one reads this gospel that there is a deep spirituality.
The opening chapters of Luke's gospel expose us to the voices of angels, humankind and God himself. In each case the God of heaven speaks of the significance of the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, into the world.
Before Jesus could enter into his earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit led him into a desert region to struggle with temptation. Three specific satanic temptations are enumerated. The significance of these temptations and how Jesus dealt with them are explained. There are important lessons for us as we face the temptations of the evil one.
Jesus called the first of his 12 disciples. They were fishermen, Simon Peter being among them. Jesus told Peter, "From now on you will catch men." God is still calling men and women, into full-time Christian ministry. Might he be calling you?
Christians suffer persecution from their enemies. Jesus asks us to love our enemies. Not later, but now! How is it possible to love the unlovely?
There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Jesus helps those who struggle with doubt, but he condemns those who have the facts but refuse to believe. John, The Baptist had his doubts. But he resolved them with the help of Jesus. We, too, may find resolution for our spiritual doubts.
The town prostitute crashed the dinner party where Jesus was the guest of honor. Something very unusual happened.
Jesus described the "noble and good heart" that receives the good news of God and becomes a child of God. Other negative types of heart are also described, hearts that are closed to the good news of God.
Are miracles possible today in our post-modern age? Does the scientific method preclude miracles? The real purpose of miracles in the ministry of Jesus is given.
God gives to every believer a ministry. Then he takes our small gifts and multiplies them. To our amazement we find that we are effective in ministering to others.
Following the intellectual confession of "Who Jesus is", we may have an emotional experience of the glorious presence of the living Christ. The disciples did. But then, we must always descend back into the valley of human need and give Christ to the hurting masses.
Many Christians in the Western World are far too casual about their Christian faith. Jesus calls us to authentic discipleship which involves, among other things, self-denial and cross bearing.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the best known stories Jesus ever told. Two "pious" Jews passed by an injured man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A hated Samaritan stopped and helped. Jesus said, "Go and do likewise!" What are we doing about human suffering all around us?
What we call "The Lord's Prayer" is really "The Disciples Prayer." It is not meant to be repeated daily or weekly, although many do. Rather it is a guide to the content of prayer. Jesus gives other surprising elements of effective prayer.
Is demon possession a reality in the 21st Century? What about the unpardonable sin? Discover how Jesus dealt with the issue in his ministry. He wants to do the same thing today.
Fear and worry are a common human problem. Jesus teaches us three things about the material side of life: do not hoard; do not worry; do not be afraid.
Jesus reveals to his followers three principles of spirituality: be ready; be faithful; be conscientious.
Sabbath Day rules were a big issue among the Jews of Jesus' time. Christians often have either too many rules or too few rules. Jesus gives us a balance that avoids both extremes.
Jesus was a guest at a dinner party put on by Pharisees. The tension was high. A dramatic incident takes place that exposes our rigidity and Jesus' flexibility.
What does it mean to be a Christian? It is clearly more than believing the right things. It is also a full-commitment of one's life to Jesus. He is to be Savior and Lord. As someone has said, “If Jesus isn't Lord of all, he isn't Lord at all.”
Three short parables are given: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. These parables are followed by the story of the disgruntled older son. Dr. Warren Wiersbe believes that these stories tell us of the joy of finding, the joy of returning and the joy of forgiving.
Jesus said a lot about money and the material side of life. Here we find two stories Jesus told and the four principles they illustrate. Jesus tells us how to use our resources wisely.
Five inner attitudes of the heart are given by Jesus: influence, forgiveness, faith, duty and gratitude. These are not disjointed teachings but rather practical instructions in meaningful living.
Whatever Christians and the Church wish to accomplish in the world, one thing must stand behind everything: prayer! Christian disciples should always pray and not give up. Important contrasts are given to challenge us to meaningful prayer.
The Pharisee, the tax collector, children and a blind man are all contrasts in coming to God. We all need four things as we approach the living God: humility, trust, commitment and persistence.
What is life's greatest treasure? In the home of Zacchaeus in Jericho Jesus told an amazing story - the parable of the nobleman, his subjects and his servants. It is an illustration of what our greatest treasure is and how we are to use it.
What authority did Jesus have to say what he said and to do what he did? Is his authority sufficient to warrant our full allegiance to him? Jesus explains himself to the religious authorities in Jerusalem and to the people in general. Is his authority sufficient for us?
Jesus only preached one prophetic sermon. It is recorded in the three synoptic (same) gospels: Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Luke gives us four things that will characterize the world just prior to Jesus' return. Jesus is coming again! Are we ready for his return?
Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples. The whole painful issue of Judas, the betrayer, came up. It was the last time Jesus would have with his closest followers before the crucifixion the next day.
The death of Jesus, the Christ, on the cross was the most significant event in all human history. Discover the reason for Jesus' death for us.
Jesus was really dead following the crucifixion. On the third day he really rose from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus was God's validation of all that Jesus said and did. The resurrection is the reason we can trust Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Two disciples had a personal encounter with the risen Christ on the very evening of the resurrection day. As they were returning home this encounter took place. Amazing things happened.