Luke
By Mary Jane Chaignot
From his very opening comments, Luke tells us why he wrote this gospel. He wanted to write an orderly account, an historical account of the matters that had come to fulfillment among them. He knew that Theophilus had already received some measure of instruction regarding Jesus, and his goal was to persuade him (and others) of the trustworthiness of what they had already been told. He gives three reasons why he believes he is eminently qualified to do this: others have already written about Jesus, he has good sources including eyewitnesses, and he will research it carefully. Although it has been popular to see Theophilus (translated as "lover of God") as a representative of anyone who loved God, modern scholars think he was probably Luke's patron. He would have sponsored Luke's writings and made their publication possible.
The immediate question then arises as to the identity of this author. Just as in the previous gospels, scholars cannot identify him with certainty. However, the name Luke has been associated with this gospel since the end of the second century. It could very well be the same Luke mentioned in Col 4:14 and 2 Tim 4:11 (also Philemon 24), who is described as a companion of Paul's. In Col, this Luke is identified as a beloved physician. Because scholars concur that the author who wrote Luke also wrote Acts, they are particularly interested in the multiple "we" passages in Acts, which suggest that an eyewitness was retelling those parts of the story. That, of course, gives credence to the argument that Luke was Paul's companion. However, such conclusions raise as many questions as they answer
Scholars agree that Paul's letters were the earliest written documents of the New Testament and widely circulated. Even though Acts was written perhaps as long as a generation later, Luke does not mention any letters. Furthermore, there are marked discrepancies between Paul's account of events and those described in Acts. Even the portrait of Paul differs within his own writings and that of Acts (although some think this could be explained by the difference between how one sees him/herself and how others see him/her). And of course, even if Luke was Paul's companion, he need not have been present all the time. On the other hand, scholars do know that ancient writers oftentimes attributed their works to a famous individual, thereby ensuring immediate credibility.
Despite this uncertainty about the exact author, his credentials are clear. His command of the Greek language is second to none. He is as familiar with Greek rhetorical conventions as he is with Jewish Scripture. And his skill as a storyteller is unparalleled. His gospel is peppered with vibrant vignettes and pointed parables, many not found in Mark or Matthew. Moreover, his two-part series weaves the story of Jesus into the story of the Church's beginnings as a unified narrative. And this is, no doubt, his greatest contribution.
Luke writes to a young church, but from where or when remains uncertain. Since he uses the gospel of Mark as one of his sources, scholars agree that Luke was written after Mark (ca 65-75CE). But they disagree on whether that might have been a few years or a few decades. Most assign the writing of this gospel to roughly 80CE, but some scholars argue for the late sixties. And while this gospel might have held some interest for non-Christians, it is obvious from the opening verses that it was intended primarily for new converts. Yet, these converts would have been well versed in Jewish practice (hence Luke's attention to the observance of the Law) and could possibly have been the "God-fearers" mentioned frequently in Acts. (Luke's purpose in addressing them will become clearer when we explore Acts.)
Scholars have multiple ways of organizing this gospel. We will choose four divisions: The Birth Narratives – 1:1-2:52; The Galilean Ministry – 3:1-9:50; The Journey Toward Jerusalem – 9:51-19:44; Jesus' Passion and Resurrection – 19:45-24:53.
I – 1:1-2:52 – The Birth Narratives
- 1:1-4
- Introduction
- Purpose for writing and greeting to Theophilus
- 1:5-25
- Foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist
- Introduction to John's parents – both of the priestly line
- Zechariah was assigned to temple duty
- An angel appeared to him when he was inside to burn the incense
- Angel foretold the birth of a son
- Zechariah was struck dumb
- Elizabeth became pregnant
- 1:26-38
- Foretelling of the birth of Jesus
- Angel appeared to Mary to announce birth of Jesus
- Mary was a virgin, asked how this could happen
- Angel said the child would be of the Holy Spirit
- 1:39-45
- Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth
- Upon her arrival, babe in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy
- 1:46-56
- Mary sang "The Magnificat"
- (Possibly modeled after Hannah's song of praise –1 Sam 2:1-10) Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months
- 1:57-66
- Birth of John the Baptist
- When child was born, Zechariah affirmed his name would be John
- Immediately his tongue was loosed and he could speak
- 1:67-80
- Zechariah sang "The Benedictus"
- Praised God and celebrated the life John would have
- "And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit....."
- 2:1-7
- The birth of Jesus
- Joseph and a very pregnant Mary went to Bethlehem to register for the census
- Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for them at the inn
- 2:8-20
- Announcement to the shepherds
- Angel announced the birth of Jesus – "he is Christ the Lord."
- Shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the child
- 2:21-40
- Presentation of Jesus in the temple
- Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day
- At the end of 40 days, Mary and Joseph went to temple for purification rite
- Simeon (righteous and devout) was moved by the Spirit, took Jesus in his arms, and praised God for being allowed to see the Lord's Christ
- Anna (prophetess) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
- (Together, these two affirmed Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy) "
- And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit…"
- 2:41-52
- Jesus in the Temple
- Parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover
- Jesus stayed behind to talk with the teachers
- Parents returned to Jerusalem, anxiously searching for him
- Jesus said, "Did you not know I must be about my Father's business?"
- "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
II -- 3:1-9:50 – The Galilean Ministry
- 3:1-20
- John the Baptist
- John began preaching a baptism for the repentance of sins
- Many thought he might be the Messiah
- John said "one mightier than I will come…"
- John preached against Herod for marrying his brother's wife
- Herod arrested John and put him in prison
- 3:21-22
- Baptism of Jesus
- Unlike Matthew and Mark, Jesus' baptism was reported after the fact
- Heavens opened, Spirit descended, and voice spoke as Jesus was praying
- 3:23-38
- Genealogy of Jesus
- (Matthew begins his gospel with genealogy)
- Luke's genealogy came after John was in prison and Jesus was ready to begin
- Matthew's went back to Abraham; Luke's went back all the way to Adam
- Needless to say, the lists are not the same
- Nonetheless, lists point out God's plan
- 4:1-13
- Jesus in the wilderness
- Jesus was tempted for forty days
- Three temptations were similar to those in Matthew
- At the end of 40 days, "the tempter left him for a while"
- There was no comment about angels attending to him
- 4:14-6:16
- Beginning of Galilean ministry
- 4:14-30
- Return and rejection at Nazareth
- Jesus read from the scroll in the synagogue
- "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears."
- "No prophet is accepted in his hometown."
- People took him to the top of a cliff, intended to throw him down
- "Jesus passed right through the midst of them."
- 4:31-37
- Healing of an evil spirit in the synagogue
- Jesus ordered the demon to come out of the man
- People were amazed and wondered "what is this teaching?"
- 4:38-39
- Healing of Peter's mother-in-law
- He rebuked the fever; she got up and served them
- 4:40-44
- Summary of healings
- After the Sabbath, people brought many sick;
- Jesus healed them all Jesus went off to pray; people sought him out, wanted him to stay
- Jesus said he must preach to everyone. "That is why I've been sent."
- 5:1-11
- Calling of the disciples
- Preached from Peter's boat at Lake Gennesaret
- Told Peter to cast out net
- Peter said they'd been out all night, but was obedient to Jesus
- Had to call their friends for help with the great catch of fish
- Needless to say, Peter was repentant
- Jesus declared from then on they would be fishers of men
- 5:12-16
- Leper approached Jesus
- "Lord if you are willing"…. "I am"
- Jesus healed him; news about Jesus continued to spread
- 5:17-26
- Healing of the paralytic on a mat
- Jesus was teaching in a house
- Four men lowered their friend through the roof
- Jesus forgave his sins
- Scribes and Pharisees thought he had blasphemed
- Jesus healed the man (thereby indicating the man's sins had been forgiven since they believed illness was an indication of sin)
- 5:27-32
- The call of Levi
- Called a tax collector named Levi to follow him
- Levi held a banquet; many guests were there, including Jesus
- Pharisees and teachers of the law were outraged
- Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor."
- 5:33-39
- Questions regarding fasting
- Pharisees questioned why Jesus' disciples did not fast
- Jesus replied with parables of wedding, patches, and new wine
- 6:1-5
- Gleaning grain on the Sabbath
- Pharisees accused Jesus and his disciples of doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath
- Jesus reminded them of David's eating of consecrated bread
- 6:6-11
- Healing of a man's withered hand on the Sabbath
- "Which is lawful – to do good or to do evil?"
- Pharisees were furious with Jesus, began to plan what to do about him
- 6:12-16
- Choosing the Twelve apostles
- (List is not identical among the synoptic gospels)
- 6:17-49
- Luke's version of Sermon on the Mount (here called Sermon on the Plain)
- 6:17-23
- 6:24-26
- Woe to those who are now rich and well fed
- Will be a reversal of fortunes awaiting them
- 6:27-36
- On loving your enemies and the Golden Rule
- Anyone can love those who love you
- If you love your enemies, your reward will be great
- 6:37-42
- On not judging others and beams and motes
- First take the beam out of your eye, then you can take the mote (speck) from your brother's eye
- 6:46-49
- Building on sand versus rock
- Rock: the one who hears these words and does them
- Sand: the one who hears these words and does not do them
- 7:1-9:17
- Jesus goes to Capernaum
- 7:1-10
- The centurion's sick servant
- Centurion sent Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come heal his servant
- When Jesus was close to his house, he sent word saying he was not worthy that Jesus should enter his house
- Jesus, like himself, was a man under authority – Jesus could just say the word
- Jesus was amazed, healed the man
- 7:11-17
- Raising of the widow's son at Nain
- Jesus touched the bier; son sat up
- Jesus gave him back to his mother
- News of Jesus continued to spread
- 7:18-35
- Question from John the Baptist
- "Are you the one… or should we wait for another?"
- Jesus replied how the blind see, the lame walk, and the lepers are cured
- Jesus spoke highly of John the Baptist
- 7:36-50
- Anointed by a sinful woman at Simon's house
- Simon was irritated by the intrusion
- Jesus told parable of two debtors, both of whom had their debts forgiven
- "Who loved the moneylender more?"
- Jesus admonished Simon for not being more hospitable
- Jesus told the woman to go in peace; "Your faith has saved you."
- 8:1-3
- Introduction of women who were helping Jesus
- Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others
- 8:4-15
- Parable of Sower
- Farmer sowed seed in four kinds of soil
- "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
- Disciples asked for interpretation
- Soils represent different responses to the gospel
- 8:16-18
- Parable of the lamp – put it on a lamp stand
- There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed
- 8:19-21
- Jesus' family came to see him, but could not because of the crowd
- Jesus expanded the definition of family to include his followers
- 8:22-25
- Calming the storm
- Jesus and disciples got into a boat to go to the other side of the lake
- While crossing, he fell asleep while a big storm raged
- Disciples were frightened, and woke him up
- Jesus stilled the raging storm; disciples wondered, "Who is this?"
- 8:26-39
- Healing of a man at region of Gerasenes
- Demon-possessed man approached Jesus as they debarked
- Man fell at Jesus' feet; demons cried out
- Demons asked to go into a herd of pigs
- Jesus allowed it; pigs rushed down the banks and were drowned
- Man was healed; townspeople were terrified and begged him to leave
- 8:40-56
- Intercalated story of Jairus and woman with a hemorrhage
- 8:40-42
- Jairus asked Jesus to come heal his 12-year-old daughter
- 8:43-48
- While on the way to Jairus' house, a woman "touched" Jesus
- Jesus stopped, inquired who "touched" him
- Woman stepped forward, said she had been healed
- "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
- 8:49-56
- Word came that Jairus' daughter had died
- Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, but to believe (just like the woman)
- Jesus healed the daughter
- 9:1-6
- First missionary journey for The Twelve
- Jesus gave them power and authority
- 9:7-9
- Herod wondered who Jesus was, wanted to see him
- 9:10-17
- Feeding of the five thousand
- Disciples returned from mission, gave full report
- Jesus and disciples tried to get away to Bethsaida
- Crowds followed; Jesus taught them and healed the sick
- Late in the day, the disciples told him to send them away
- Jesus told disciples to feed them; they found five loaves and two fish
- Jesus gave thanks, broke the loaves, fed the people
- Afterwards, they filled twelve baskets with leftovers
- 9:18-21
- Peter confessed Jesus as Messiah (Christ)
- Jesus told them not to tell anyone
- 9:22-27
- First passion prediction
- If anyone would follow, (s)he must take up cross daily and follow
- "Whoever loses his life will save it."
- 9:28-36
- The Transfiguration
- Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up a mountain to pray
- While Jesus was praying, he was transfigured
- Moses and Elijah appeared
- They talked with Jesus about events to come
- Peter wanted to stay forever – build three shelters
- Voice came out of the cloud: "Listen to my son."
- Disciples kept all this to themselves
- 9:37-43
- Healing of the boy with an evil spirit
- Man had asked Jesus' disciples for healing for his son
- When Jesus and disciples came down, they found a great commotion
- Man asked why Jesus' disciples could not heal his son
- Jesus healed him and the crowd marveled
- 9:44-45
- Second Passion prediction
- Disciples were afraid to ask him about it
- 9:46-50
- Disciples began to argue about which of them was greatest
- Jesus took small child – he who is least is greatest
- John tried to stop a man from driving out demons in Jesus' name
- Jesus said, "Whoever is not against you is for you."
III – 9:51-19:44 -- The Journey Toward Jerusalem
- 9:51-10:24
- Preparing for the journey to Jerusalem
- 9:51-56
- People in Samaritan city rebuffed Jesus
- Disciples offered to "call down fire upon them"
- Jesus rebuked disciples
- 9:57-62
- Cost of discipleship
- Three different men wanted to follow Jesus
- Jesus had no "place to lay his head"
- The other man wanted to join after he buried his father
- The third wanted to say good-bye to his family
- Discipleship included sacrifice and commitment
- 10:1-24
- Sending out seventy-two disciples
- 1-12
- Jesus appointed seventy-two to go out in pairs
- Gave instructions regarding hospitality
- 13-16
- Woe passages against those who would reject God's messengers
- 17-24
- Return of disciples with full report
- "Satan fell like lightning from heaven"
- Jesus praised the Father and blessed the disciples
- 10:25-37
- Parable of the Good Samaritan and how to inherit eternal life
- Expert of the law wanted to test Jesus – "Who is my neighbor?"
- Jesus told parable of man who was beaten and left to die
- Levite and priest avoided him; Samaritan saw to his needs
- (First two were Jews; Samaritans were despised by Jews)
- The Samaritan was true neighbor
- "Go and do likewise"
- 10:38-42
- Visit with Mary and Martha
- Mary sat at Jesus' feet; Martha was distracted with serving
- Jesus said, "Mary has chosen the better thing"
- 11:1-13
- The Lord's Prayer
- Disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray
- Jesus replied with the Lord's Prayer
- Parable on importunate prayer
- Friend wakened a man at midnight asking for bread for guest
- Man wanted to sleep, but gave bread because friend insisted
- "Ask and it will be given to you…"
- Father delights in giving good gifts to his children
- 11:14-54
- Growing hostilities towards Jesus
- 11:14-28
- Jesus and Beelzebub, the prince of demons
- Jesus rove a demon out of a mute
- When he was healed, some said Jesus healed by Beelzebub
- Jesus said, "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand"
- Parable of strong man guarding his house
- Evil spirits go where there is room
- 11:29-32
- Request for a sign and story of Jonah
- Only sign will be the sign of Jonah
- Jonah was sign for Ninevites, so will Jesus be sign for this generation
- Ninevites repented because of Jonah
- One greater than Jonah is here
- 11:33-36
- Lamp of the body
- Eye is the lamp of the body
- Good eyes admit light; bad eyes do not admit light = darkness
- Body is completely lighted when lamp shines on it from outside
- 11:37-54
- Six woes to Pharisees and experts in the law
- Pharisees began to oppose him furiously
- 12:1-13:35
- Teachings on judgment and times of crisis
- 12:1-12
- Warning about the Pharisees and encouragement to followers
- Be on guard against the leaven of the Pharisees
- Do not fear those who can kill the body; fear the one who can throw that body into hell
- Yet God remembers every sparrow and you are worth so much more
- Those who follow Jesus will be remembered by him
- If they are persecuted, Holy Spirit will teach them what to say
- 12:13-21
- Parable of the rich man and new storehouses
- Man approached wanting Jesus to divide his inheritance for him
- Jesus told parable of rich man who built more and more storehouses
- That very night his soul was required of him
- It is far better to be rich towards God
- 12:22-34
- Lessons about anxiety from the birds and lilies
- Do not be anxious over what to eat or wear
- God feeds the birds; consider the splendor of the lilies
- Jesus said, "Do not fear little flock; it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom"
- 12:35-48
- Parable about the coming of the Son of Man
- Master can return at any moment
- It behooves servants to be prepared – or suffer the consequences
- 12:49-53
- Families will be divided over Jesus' teachings
- 13:1-9
- Parable of a fig tree that was spared even though it didn't bear fruit
- 13:10-17
- Healing (on the Sabbath) of woman crippled for 18 years
- Leaders of the synagogue were outraged that Jesus healed on Sabbath
- Jesus said that it was right to set the woman free
- 13:16-21
- What is the kingdom like? Parables of mustard seed and leaven
- Kingdom is like a mustard seed that grew into a large tree
- It is like a woman who mixed leaven into dough
- 13:2-30
- Not all will be able to enter the kingdom
- 13:31-35
- 14:1-18:30
- Additional teachings
- 14:1-14
- Dinner at a Pharisee's house
- Guests vied for places of honor
- Jesus told parable about taking place of honor at wedding feast
- It's better to be invited "up" than to be asked to give up your good seat for another
- True kindness is inviting those who cannot repay your kindness
- 14:15-24
- Parable of the great banquet
- All guests made excuses not to go to banquet
- Master invited sick and lame and poor
- 14:25-35
- Further costs of being a disciple
- Disciples need to weigh the cost of their commitment
- Examples of building a tower and fighting a war
- Must give up everything to be a disciple
- Salt can lose its saltiness
- 15:1-32
- Three parables on finding a lost sheep, coins, and a son
- 15:1-7
- Upon finding a lost sheep, shepherd will rejoice
- There will be much rejoicing in heaven over one who repents than over the ninety-nine who do not need repentance
- 15:8-10
- Woman will rejoice over finding a lost coin
- 15:11-32
- Parable of two sons (known as Prodigal Son Parable)
- Youngest son took inheritance and went off
- Lost everything, returned to father's house
- Father rejoiced over the return of his lost son
- Threw big celebration, gave signet ring, sandals
- Elder son became angry, would not join party
- Father told eldest son, "Everything I have is yours"
- 16:1-18
- Parable of the shrewd manager
- About to be fired, the manager called the master's debtors, reduced their debt
- Master commended his ingenuity
- Lessons on having only one master
- Statement on divorce
- 16:19-31
- Parable of the rich man and a poor man, Lazarus
- Rich man ignored plight of Lazarus on his doorstep
- Then both died
- In heaven, Lazarus was exalted, rich man was tormented
- Rich man asked that Lazarus help him now
- He was told that it doesn't work that way
- Rich man asked that Lazarus warn his family members
- Family already had access to teachings of Moses and the Prophets
- 17:1-10
- Variety of brief teachings
- 1-4
- Woe to the one who causes another to sin
- 5-6
- Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains
- 7-10
- Do your duty because it is right, not for the reward
- 17:11-18
- Healing ten of leprosy
- Only one (the Samaritan) returned to give thanks
- 17:20-37
- The coming of the kingdom
- Pharisees wanted to know when it would happen
- Jesus said it would be unheralded and unexpected
- "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it"
- 18:1-8
- Parable of importunate widow
- Woman kept hounding judge for justice against her adversary
- He finally granted it just to keep her from bothering him
- In like manner, so will God grant justice to those who ask
- 18:9-14
- Tax Collector and Pharisee go to pray
- Pharisee prayed arrogantly
- Tax collector prayed humbly
- Only his prayers were heard
- 18:15-17
- Disciples tried to stop people from bringing their children to Jesus
- Jesus rebuked them saying, "Kingdom of God belongs to these"
- 18:18-20
- Story of the rich young ruler and how to inherit eternal life
- Young man kept all the commandments
- Jesus told him to give all his possessions to the poor, then follow him
- Man could not do this
- Disciples reminded Jesus they had given up everything
- 18:31-34
- Third passion prediction
- Disciples did not understand what he was talking about
- 18:35-43
- Healing of a blind man at Jericho
- Man cried out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
- Jesus healed him; he followed Jesus praising God
- 19:1-10
- Jesus and Zacchaeus
- Zacchaeus climbed a tree in order to be able to see Jesus
- Jesus invited himself over for dinner
- Zacchaeus had a life-changing moment
- Jesus proclaimed, "Today, salvation has come to this house."
- 19:11-27
- Parable of the ten minas (or ten pounds)
- Ten servants were given ten minas when the Master went away
- When he came back, the Master asked about the money
- Three servants responded: one made ten more
- One made five more; one socked it away and made no money at all
- The last was required to give his to the one who already had ten
- "Everyone who has, more will be given…"
- 19:28-44
- Entry into Jerusalem
- Jesus sent disciples ahead to find a colt for him to ride into the city
- As he rode into the city, people sang: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord"
- Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke his disciples
- Jesus refused
- Jesus wept over Jerusalem and its destiny for refusing to recognize the Messiah
IV – 19:45-24:53 -- Jesus' Passion and Resurrection
- 19:45-21:38
- Teaching in the Temple
- 19:45-48
- Cleansed the temple
- Chief priests, scribes, leaders were trying to figure out how to kill him
- 20:1-8
- Questions regarding Jesus' authority
- Religious leaders asked who had authorized Jesus to do what he had done
- Jesus asked if John's baptism was from heaven or from men
- Jewish leaders would not answer
- Jesus then said he wouldn't answer their question either
- 20:9-19
- Parable of the tenants and the vineyard
- Master sent servants to tenants for some of the fruit of the land
- Tenants beat messenger
- Master sent another, and another
- Finally he sent his son
- Tenants believed if they killed the son, they could keep land
- Master will take land and give it to someone else
- Rulers knew the parable was about them; wanted to arrest Jesus
- 20:20-26
- Question about taxes
- Rulers sent spies to trap Jesus in his own words
- Spies asked whether they should pay taxes to Caesar
- Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's"
- 20:27-40
- Question about marriage and the resurrection
- Sadducees asked about woman who had married seven brothers under Levirate law
- Whose wife will she be at the resurrection
- (Sadducees did not believe in resurrection)
- Jesus answered the risen will no longer marry nor be given in marriage
- No one dared to ask him any more questions
- 20:41-47
- Jesus' question to the crowd
- How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?
- Quotes from Psalm 110 where David writes: "The Lord said to my Lord…"
- Another warning on the influence of the religious leaders
- 21:1-4
- The temple offering of the widow
- Jesus commended the woman for putting in all that she had
- 21:5-36
- Little apocalypse
- Warning about future events and encouragement to persist in times of difficulty
- 21:5-6
- Prediction of the destruction of the temple
- 21:7
- Disciples wanted to know when this would happen
- 21:8-11
- Signs of the end times
- Nation will rise against nation; kingdom against kingdom
- 21:12-19
- Trials and persecutions await followers
- They will be told what to say, should not be afraid
- Even families may betray them and some will be killed
- Yet, not a hair on their heads will perish
- 21:20-24
- Prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem
- 21:25-28
- Cosmic signs will accompany the coming of the Son of Man
- 21:29-31
- Parable of the budding fig tree
- Sign of summer, previous signs will indicate the time is near
- 21:32-33
- Jesus' words will never pass away
- 21:34-36
- Admonition to be always ready: watch and pray
- 21:37-38
- Each day Jesus preached in the temple, went to Mount of Olives at night
- 22:1-23:56
- Jesus' arrest and crucifixion
- 22:1-6
- Judas agreed to betray Jesus
- 22:7-38
- The Passover Meal (The Last Supper)
- 22:7-13
- Jesus sent disciples to make arrangements for Passover meal
- They found things just as he had told them
- 22:14-16
- Jesus told his disciples of his impending suffering
- 22:17-20
- Jesus took the cup and bread and gave thanks
- He initiated a new covenant in his blood
- 22:21-23
- Jesus prophesied about his betrayal
- Disciples questioned who among them it might be
- 22:24-30
- Lessons on greatness
- Dispute arose among the disciples over who was greatest
- The greatest should be like the youngest, the one who rules should be like the one who serves
- Jesus came to serve
- 22:31-34
- Jesus prophesied Peter's denial
- Jesus prayed for Peter
- Peter committed himself to following Jesus
- Jesus predicted he would deny him three times
- 22:35-38
- Recollection of the mission of the seventy
- They had not lacked for anything
- 22:39-46
- Jesus retired to the garden of Gethsemane
- Jesus told his disciples to pray they would not fall into temptation
- Unfortunately, they all fell asleep
- Jesus prayed to the Father that this "cup" would pass
- "Yet not my will, but thine be done"
- 22:47-53
- The arrest of Jesus
- Judas led the crowd to Jesus, approached to kiss him
- One of the disciples struck the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear
- Jesus immediately healed the man's ear
- Jesus asked why they had come with swords and clubs
- 22:54-62
- Peter denied Jesus three times
- Crowd took Jesus to home of high priest
- Peter followed at a distance
- Three different individuals accused him of being with Jesus
- He denied knowing him three times
- Then the cock crowed; Jesus looked at him and he remembered
- Peter wept bitterly
- 22:63-65
- Jesus was mocked by the soldiers
- 22:66-71
- Jesus' trial by the council of the elders
- They asked Jesus if he was the Son of God – "You are right in saying I am"
- 23:1-25
- Jesus' trial before Pilate and Herod
- 23:1-2
- Chief priests took him to Pilate and accused him of subversion
- 23:4
- Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews
- Jesus said he was; Pilate found no reason for their charges
- 23:5-12
- Pilate sent him to Herod because Jesus was a Galilean
- Herod had wanted to see him for a long time
- Herod hoped Jesus would do a few miracles for him
- Jesus remained silent; Herod sent him back to Pilate
- 23:13-16
- Pilate could find no valid charges against Jesus
- Pilate offered to punish him and let him go
- 23:17-21
- Crowd insisted Pilate release Barabbas
- Crowd chanted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" regarding Jesus
- 23:22
- Pilate again offered to punish Jesus and then release him
- 23:23-25
- Crowd insisted Jesus be crucified
- Pilate decided to grant their request
- 23:26-43
- The crucifixion
- Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus' cross
- Jesus warned those following him of the day of Jerusalem' destruction
- Two men were crucified alongside Jesus
- Jesus prayed for forgiveness for his executioners
- The crowd and soldiers continued to mock Jesus
- One of the criminals asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered his kingdom
- 23:44-49
- The death of Jesus
- From the sixth through the ninth hour, darkness fell upon the land
- Jesus said, "Father into your hands I commend my spirit," and expired
- Curtain of the temple was torn in two
- Centurion praised God
- Women watched from a distance
- 23:50-56
- Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus
- Joseph asked Pilate for permission to bury him
- Joseph buried Jesus in a new tomb
- Women watched from a distance, went home to observe Sabbath
- 24:1-53
- Resurrection and appearances
- 24:1-12
- Women returned to anoint body
- Found tomb empty, two men told them he was raised
- (No message to meet Jesus in Galilee)
- Women told message to disciples, who didn't believe them
- Disciples ran to tomb to see for themselves
- 24:13-35
- Appearance on the road to Emmaus
- Jesus met with two disciples who were going to a village called Emmaus
- They told Jesus about all that had happened in Jerusalem
- Upon stopping for the evening, Jesus broke bread with them
- The disciples' eyes were opened and they recognized him
- They hurried back to tell the Eleven
- 24:36-49
- While the disciples were still talking about it, Jesus appeared in their midst – "Peace, be to you."
- Jesus invited them to touch him
- Jesus ate fish with them
- Jesus explained how all that had been written had been fulfilled
- Along with his explanation came understanding for the disciples
- Jesus instructed them to remain in the city
- 24:50-53
- Jesus' ascension
- Jesus took them to Bethany, blessed them, and was lifted up from them
- Disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy
- Stayed at the temple, continually praising God
The Gospel of Luke ends where Acts begins. By examining Acts it's easier to see the connection between the two and better appreciate Luke's efforts in writing a narrative connecting the work of Jesus to the birth and growth of the early church.
Bibliography
Barclay, William. "Luke." Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1975.
Bock, Darrell. "Luke." The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
Danker, Frederick. Jesus and the New Age. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1988.
Gaebelein, Frank. "Luke." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1985.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. "The Gospel of Luke." Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1991.
Tannehill, Robert. "Luke." Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996. |
Books
|