The Son of Man: Why Study the Gospel of Luke? Part 02

The Gospel of Luke, the longest book of the New Testament, impeccably researched and written by Dr. Luke, demonstrates how Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, is the perfect person. He was specifically targeting Gentiles, who with their ancient humanism/hellenism focused on the ideal man. Jesus is more than ideal, he is the Biblical ‘Son of Man.’ Our purpose is to equip you to study of this great Gospel, either alone or in a small group.

In Part 01, we looked at the introduction to Luke, its authorship, its purpose, the portraits of Christ, theme, key verse, and timing.

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Gospel Itself

Longest book of the New Testament (1,151 verses);
Second longest, also written by Luke, is Acts (1007 verses) - these two books together comprise 27% of the New Testament;
Luke wrote 2158 verses of the New Testament and Paul wrote 2,033 verses.
Meticulously sourced and thoroughly researched, utilising the best Greek language skills to convey the message of the ‘Son of Man’ to the Gentiles;
Luke’s Gospel is suitable for Jew, Samaritan, Gentile, rich, poor, secular or religious.

Hymns from the Gospel of Luke

The Magnificat of Mary (1:46-55);
The Benedictus of Zacharias (1:67-79);
Gloria in Excelsis of the heavenly hosts (2:14);
the Benedictus of Zacharias (1:67-79), the Gloria in Excelsis of the heavenly host (2:14), and the Nunc Dimittis of Simeon (2:28-32).
Along with these hymns are several mentions of people giving God the glory (2:20; 5:25,26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43);
There is great joy in the Gospel of Luke.

Key People in Luke

Men: Zacharias, Simeon, Good Samaritan; prodigal son, penitent publican, Zacchaeus; Cleopas & friend; Simon Peter and the 12 apostles

Women: Elizabeth, Mary, Anna, Mary & Martha, Mary Magdalene

Major Subjects

Christ the Perfect Son of Man

The most thorough and detailed account of Jesus birth, childhood, social interaction, prayer life and transformational teaching (more prayers recorded than anywhere else); the birth narrative gives unique details and poetic beauty. Also, the passion story of Christ’s death and resurrection has unique details found no where else.

History

Gives references to historical figures, especially secular rulers, making this Gospel like a credible historical account.

Miracles

Jesus does 20 miracles in Luke, of which 6 are unique to this gospel. The miracles are meant to be pointers to His Messianic claims.

Parables

Jesus gives 35 parables in Luke of which 19 are unique to that Gospel.

SUMMARY OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Ministry of the Son of Man (4:14-19:48)

Jesus primarily ministers as Son of Man in the Gospel of Luke.

Here is the scope of ministry:

Ministry in the Galilee region (4:14-9:50)

Brief ministry in Nazareth (4:16-30);
Sermon in Capernaum (4:31-44);
Call of disciples, the inner-circle: Peter, James, and John (5:1-11);
Cleansing of the leper (5:12-16);
Healing of the paralytic (5:17-26);
Call of disciple: Matthew (5:27-39);
Christ is Lord over the sabbath (6:1-11);
The 12 Apostles chosen (6:12-16);
Teaching for disciples (6:17-49);
Miracles for centurion & widow’s son (7:1-17);
Teaching on Jesus and John the Baptist (7:18-35);
Jesus anointed by the forgiven woman (7:36-50);
Parable of the Sower (8:1-15);
Put your light on the stand (8:16-18);
Jesus real family (8:19-21);
Jesus calms the storm (8:22-25);
Healing of the demoniac (8:26-39);
Double female healing: deceased girl & ailing woman (8:40-56);
Jesus send out the 12 apostles to minister (9:1-10);
Feeding of the 5,000 (9:11-17);
Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ (9:18-27);
The Transfiguration (9:28-36);
Healing of the demoniac boy (9:37-45);
Question of Who is the Greatest (9:46-50);
Samaritan refuse to give passage (9:51-56);
The cost of discipleship (9:57-62);
Jesus sends out the 72 disciples (10:1-24);
Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25-37);
Visiting Mary and Martha (10:38-42);
Jesus teaches on prayer (11:1-13);
Jesus vs. Beelzebub (11:14-28);
Sign of the prophet Jonah (11:29-32);
The lamp of the body (11:33-36);
Jesus pronounces 6 woes (11:37-54);
Various exhortations (12:1-12);
Parable of the rich fool (12:13-21);
Don’t be anxious (12:22-34);
Be watchful & vigilant (12:35-48);
Division (12:49-53);
Signs of the times (12:54-59);
Repent or perish (13:1-9);
Crippled woman healed on the sabbath (13:10-17);
Parables of mustard seed and yeast (13:18-21);
Go through the narrow gate (13:22-30);
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (13:31-35);
Jesus & Hospitality (14:1-24);
Jesus teaches on self-denial (14:25-35);
Parable of the lost (15:1-11);
Parable of the prodigal son (15:12-32);
Parable of the unjust steward (16:1-15);
Teaching about Law and divorce (16:16-18);
Life after death: the rich man & Lazarus (16:19-31);
Sin, faith and duty (17:1-10);
Ten lepers healed, only 1 is grateful (17:11-19);
God’s Kingdom is coming (17:20-37);
Parable of the persistent widow (18:1-8);
Parable of Pharisee and publican in prayer (18:9-14);
Jesus & the children (18:15-17);
The rich ruler (18:18-30);
Jesus predicts His death, again (18:31-34);
Blind beggar healed (18:35-43);
Zacchaeus, son of Abraham (19:1-10);
Parable of the 10 pounds (19:11-27).


TO BE CONTINUED