Who Is Luke?
Luke was a physician, a companion of the apostle Paul, and the traditional author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
He is one of the most significant writers in the New Testament because his two-volume work tells the story of Jesus and then continues the story through the birth and growth of the early Church.
Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour of the world, the compassionate Son of God who came to seek and save the lost.
His Gospel highlights Jesus’ compassion for the poor, the sick, women, children, sinners, outsiders, and people who were often overlooked or rejected by society.
Luke also places great emphasis on prayer, the Holy Spirit, joy, forgiveness, salvation, and God’s desire to reach people from every nation.
Luke’s Gospel invites us to see Jesus not only as the promised Messiah of Israel but as the Saviour who came for all people.
Who Was Luke?
Luke was a physician.
The New Testament identifies him as a close companion and fellow worker of Paul.
Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke does not appear to have been one of the twelve apostles.
Instead, he became involved in the expanding mission of the early Church.
Luke travelled with Paul and witnessed some of the events surrounding the growth of Christianity.
His careful approach to recording events has led many Christians to appreciate his Gospel as an orderly and detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus.
Luke’s background as a physician may also help explain his particular interest in people who were sick, suffering, vulnerable, and in need of healing.
Luke the Historian and Writer
Luke begins his Gospel by explaining that he has carefully investigated the events surrounding Jesus.
He writes so that his reader can have confidence in what has been taught about Christ.
His Gospel contains many details not found in the other three Gospels.
Luke records events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, including the angelic announcements, Mary’s response, the birth of Jesus, the shepherds, and the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
He also records many of Jesus’ teachings and parables that are unique to his Gospel.
Luke’s careful presentation reminds Christians that the Christian faith is rooted in real events and the historical life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Gospel According to Luke
Luke’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus from His birth through His ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
It presents Jesus as the promised Saviour whose mission extends beyond one particular group of people.
Luke repeatedly demonstrates that God’s salvation is offered to people who might otherwise be excluded.
His Gospel contains a strong emphasis on God’s mercy.
People who are considered outsiders are welcomed.
Sinners are offered forgiveness.
The poor are noticed.
The broken are restored.
The lost are sought.
Those who are spiritually hungry are invited to come to God.
Jesus the Saviour
A central theme of Luke is salvation.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Luke presents salvation as God’s gracious work reaching into human lives.
Jesus does not simply teach people how to become better.
He comes to rescue, restore, forgive, and reconcile people to God.
Throughout Luke’s Gospel, people encounter Jesus and experience transformation.
The message of salvation is not restricted to one social group, nationality, class, or background.
God’s invitation extends to all.
Jesus and the Poor
Luke pays particular attention to the poor and disadvantaged.
His Gospel repeatedly highlights God’s concern for people who are vulnerable or overlooked.
Jesus teaches His followers not to measure people by wealth, status, influence, or social position.
The Christian life involves compassion and practical care for others.
Luke challenges believers to consider how they treat people who cannot repay them.
Christian discipleship therefore includes generosity, hospitality, mercy, justice, and concern for those in need.
Jesus and Outsiders
Luke frequently records Jesus interacting with people who were regarded as outsiders.
These include:
• Tax collectors
• Samaritans
• Sinners
• Women
• The poor
• Lepers
• The socially rejected
• People considered spiritually unworthy
Jesus demonstrates that God’s grace reaches beyond human boundaries.
Luke’s Gospel challenges prejudice and reminds Christians that every person has dignity and value before God.
Jesus and Women
Luke gives considerable attention to women who encountered Jesus and participated in His ministry.
Women appear throughout the Gospel as followers, witnesses, recipients of Jesus’ compassion, and important participants in God’s unfolding plan.
Luke records Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Martha, Mary, and many others.
This emphasis demonstrates the importance of women within the story of Jesus and the early Christian movement.
Luke’s Gospel reminds readers that Jesus welcomed and valued people whom society could easily overlook.
The Birth of Jesus
Luke provides one of the most detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth.
The story includes the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, Mary’s response, the birth of John the Baptist, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the shepherds, and the angels announcing the good news.
The birth narrative reveals that Jesus’ coming is good news for all people.
The Saviour has entered the world.
Read: Luke 1–2
Mary and Her Faith
Luke provides significant insight into Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary receives the extraordinary announcement that she will give birth to the Son of God.
Her response demonstrates humility and faith.
Luke also records Mary’s song of praise, often known as the Magnificat.
Mary recognises God’s greatness and His mercy.
Her story reminds Christians that responding to God sometimes requires courage, trust, and willingness to step into circumstances we do not fully understand.
Jesus’ Baptism and Ministry
Luke records the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry.
Jesus is empowered by the Holy Spirit and begins proclaiming God’s kingdom.
He teaches in synagogues, heals the sick, confronts evil, forgives sins, and calls disciples.
Luke shows that Jesus’ ministry is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit’s presence is an important theme throughout Luke’s Gospel and continues into the Book of Acts.
Jesus and Prayer
Prayer is a major theme in Luke.
Luke repeatedly shows Jesus praying.
Jesus prays:
• At His baptism
• Before choosing His disciples
• Before Peter’s confession
• At the Transfiguration
• In Gethsemane
• During His suffering on the cross
Jesus also teaches His disciples how to pray.
Luke records the Lord’s Prayer and several important teachings about persistence and faith in prayer.
Jesus’ example challenges Christians to make prayer a central part of their lives.
The Good Samaritan
One of Luke’s most famous parables is the story commonly known as The Good Samaritan.
Jesus uses the story to challenge His listeners’ understanding of who their neighbour is.
The Samaritan demonstrates compassion towards an injured man when others have failed to help.
The story teaches that love is not simply an emotion.
It involves practical action.
Christians are called to show mercy, compassion, and kindness to others, including people who may be different from them.
Read: Luke 10:25–37
The Prodigal Son
Another of Luke’s best-known parables is the story commonly called The Prodigal Son.
The story describes a father welcoming home a son who has wandered away.
The father’s response demonstrates forgiveness, compassion, celebration, and restoration.
The parable reveals something important about God’s heart towards those who return to Him.
God is not simply interested in punishment.
He desires restoration.
The story also challenges people who struggle to celebrate God’s grace towards others.
Read: Luke 15:11–32
The Lost Sheep
Luke records Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep.
A shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost.
The story demonstrates God’s concern for those who have wandered away.
It reveals the value God places on every individual.
Jesus’ mission is to seek the lost.
This remains central to Christian mission today.
The Church is called to reach people who are searching, struggling, isolated, or far from God.
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Luke records the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus was a wealthy chief tax collector and was disliked by many people.
Yet Jesus deliberately sought him out.
Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, and the encounter resulted in a dramatic change in Zacchaeus’ life.
His response demonstrated repentance and a desire to make things right.
This story illustrates the transforming power of encountering Jesus.
Grace does not simply forgive the past.
It produces a changed life.
Read: Luke 19:1–10
Jesus and the Outcast
Luke repeatedly shows Jesus reaching people whom society had rejected.
• Jesus touches the untouchable.
• He welcomes sinners.
• He speaks with outsiders.
• He eats with people others avoid.
• He notices those who are ignored.
• He forgives those who recognise their need.
This challenges Christians to consider how they treat people who are different from themselves.
The Church should reflect the welcome and compassion of Christ.
Jesus and the Cross
Luke’s Gospel eventually leads Jesus towards Jerusalem.
Jesus knows that suffering and death await Him.
Yet He continues towards the cross.
He does not abandon His mission.
The crucifixion demonstrates the seriousness of sin and the depth of Christ’s love.
Even while suffering, Jesus demonstrates compassion and forgiveness.
His death becomes central to God’s plan of salvation.
The Resurrection
Luke records the resurrection of Jesus.
The women discover the empty tomb and are told that Jesus has risen.
Jesus later appears to His followers and demonstrates that He is truly alive.
The resurrection transforms the disciples’ understanding of everything that has happened.
Death has not won.
Jesus is alive.
The resurrection becomes the foundation of Christian hope and the beginning of the mission that will continue through the Book of Acts.
Read: Luke 24:1–53
The Ascension
Luke’s Gospel ends with Jesus blessing His disciples and being taken up into heaven.
But the story does not really end there.
Luke continues the account in the Book of Acts.
The risen Jesus commissions His followers to become witnesses.
The Holy Spirit will empower them to take the message of Christ beyond Jerusalem and into the wider world.
Luke therefore connects the life of Jesus with the mission of the Church.
Luke and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is an important theme throughout Luke’s writings.
The Spirit is present in the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, baptism, ministry, death, resurrection, and the mission of His followers.
Luke prepares the reader for the events of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the early Church.
This teaches Christians that God’s mission is not accomplished through human strength alone.
Believers need the guidance, power, wisdom, and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Luke and Joy
Joy is another important theme in Luke.
Joy appears in connection with:
• Jesus’ birth
• Salvation
• Repentance
• Finding what was lost
• The resurrection
• Worship
• The mission of the disciples
Luke presents Christianity as good news.
The Gospel is not simply a list of rules.
It is the announcement that God has acted through Jesus Christ to bring salvation.
What Can We Learn from Luke?
Luke teaches Christians to see people as Jesus sees them.
We are challenged to:
• Show compassion.
• Welcome outsiders.
• Care for the poor.
• Forgive others.
• Seek those who are lost.
• Pray faithfully.
• Trust God’s promises.
• Share the Gospel.
• Stand for justice.
• Serve others.
• Remain humble.
• Depend upon the Holy Spirit.
• Celebrate God’s grace.
• Follow Jesus faithfully.
Luke’s Gospel reminds us that Christianity is not simply about knowing God intellectually.
It involves allowing God’s love and grace to transform the way we treat other people.
Luke’s Message for Christians Today
Luke presents a Jesus who sees people others overlook.
• He notices the suffering.
• He welcomes the rejected.
• He forgives sinners.
• He restores the broken.
• He challenges the proud.
• He feeds the hungry.
• He heals the sick.
• He seeks the lost.
• He calls people to repentance.
• He offers salvation.
And ultimately, He gives His life and rises again.
Luke’s Gospel therefore provides a powerful message for a world where many people experience loneliness, rejection, poverty, injustice, fear, and uncertainty.
The message of Jesus remains one of hope.
• God sees you.
• God knows you.
• God loves you.
And through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness, salvation, restoration, and new life.
Luke’s Gospel and Christian Mission
Luke’s Gospel ends with the disciples preparing to continue the mission of Jesus.
The message of Christ is not intended to remain inside one community.
It is to be proclaimed to the nations.
This mission continues today.
Christians are called to share the good news through their words and demonstrate it through their lives.
Evangelism and compassion belong together.
The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel while caring for people practically.
Luke provides a strong foundation for understanding this mission.
14-Day Bible Reading Plan: Luke
Day 1: The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Reading: Luke 1:1–56
Consider God’s promises and Mary’s response to God’s call.
Day 2: The Birth of Jesus
Reading: Luke 1:57–2:20
Consider the significance of Jesus’ birth and the announcement of good news.
Day 3: Jesus in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2:21–52
Consider Jesus’ identity and His growing awareness of His Father’s purposes.
Day 4: Jesus Begins His Ministry
Reading: Luke 3:1–4:13
Consider Jesus’ baptism, the work of the Holy Spirit, and His temptation.
Day 5: Jesus’ Mission
Reading: Luke 4:14–44
Consider Jesus’ announcement of His mission and His concern for people.
Day 6: Jesus Calls His Disciples
Reading: Luke 5:1–32
Consider the calling of the disciples and Jesus’ compassion towards sinners.
Day 7: Loving Your Enemies
Reading: Luke 6:27–49
Consider Jesus’ teaching about love, forgiveness, mercy, and obedience.
Day 8: The Good Samaritan
Reading: Luke 10:25–37
Consider what it means to love your neighbour.
Day 9: Prayer
Reading: Luke 11:1–13
Consider Jesus’ teaching about prayer and trusting God.
Day 10: The Lost
Reading: Luke 15:1–32
Consider the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son and what they reveal about God’s grace.
Day 11: Zacchaeus
Reading: Luke 19:1–10
Consider how encountering Jesus transformed Zacchaeus.
Day 12: The Last Supper and Gethsemane
Reading: Luke 22:7–46
Consider Jesus’ preparation for the cross and His obedience to the Father.
Day 13: The Crucifixion
Reading: Luke 23:26–56
Consider Jesus’ suffering, death, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
Day 14: The Resurrection and Ascension
Reading: Luke 24:1–53
Consider the resurrection, Jesus’ appearances, His teaching, and His ascension.
Reflection
As you work through Luke’s Gospel, consider these questions:
• What does Luke teach me about Jesus?
• How does Jesus treat people who are rejected by society?
• What does God’s compassion look like?
• How can I become more compassionate?
• Am I willing to welcome people who are different from me?
• What does Jesus teach about prayer?
• How can I depend more fully upon the Holy Spirit?
• What does repentance look like in my life?
• What can I learn from the story of Zacchaeus?
• Am I willing to seek those who are lost?
• How can I care for people who are vulnerable?
• What does the resurrection mean for my faith?
• How can I share the good news of Jesus with others?
Luke’s Gospel gives us a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ.
He is the Saviour who came for all people.
He is the One who welcomes the outsider, seeks the lost, forgives the sinner, comforts the broken, challenges the proud, and brings hope to those who feel forgotten.
Luke’s own life also reminds us that God uses people with different backgrounds, abilities, professions, and experiences.
His careful account of Jesus has helped generations of Christians understand the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ.
The story that Luke began continues through the Book of Acts and into the life of the Church today.
The invitation remains the same:
• Come to Jesus.
• Receive His grace.
• Follow His way.
• Share His good news.
• And live as His faithful witness in the world.
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