Luke Series

October 16, 2021

And now…. Luke.

As with the other Gospels, Luke does not identify himself as the author of the book that bears his name. Biblical evidence, however, points us to Luke, the Physician, as the author {see Acts 1:1 and Colossians 4:14}.

Luke:

• Was written in Greek

• Was written to a specific believer – Theophilus – and the purpose of the book is spelled out at the very beginning:

Dear Theophilus…. I have been doing a lot of research into the life of Jesus, including getting eyewitness accounts. I am writing it out for you so that your faith will be strengthened and you will see the Truth in the things you have been taught.

• Was written around 60-ish AD

• Is the longest of the 4 Gospels {by words} and 60% of the book is unique:

o Events leading up to the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus {1-2}

o Jesus’ childhood {2:40-52}

o Luke’s Genealogy is different from Matthews:

? Matthew begins with Abraham and ends with Jesus {Matthew 1:2-16}.

? Luke begins with Jesus and ends with Adam – son of God {Luke 3:23-38}.

o Jesus Journey to Jerusalem {9:51-19:44}

o Different slant on the destruction of the Temple {21:5-38}

o Jesus’ post-resurrection activities {24:13-53}

• Paid special attention to the parables and miracles of Jesus, listing more than the other Gospels.

• Included women in prominent roles, which is unique within the 4 Gospels.

My Favorite Thing About LUKE is ---- The Role of Women

Luke records a surprising number of passages involving women, specifically naming 8 - Elizabeth, Mary mother of Jesus, Anna, Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary mother of James + at least 14 other references to women throughout the book.

I felt it important to highlight the role of women in Luke, because the Bible is often criticized for its treatment of women. May I remind us all that not only is the Bible a revelation of God’s work to restore humanity, it is also a book that does not shy away from the truth of what sin does and the absolute destruction and devastation that is left in its wake – including the relationship between men and women. Adam and Eve were equals and that changed ONLY as a result of sin. How women were treated in Scripture, as well as throughout history, is not a reflection of God’s perfect plan, but a reflection of the choice to rebel against God – it is a reflection of sin.

Unfortunately, many Christians have adopted and even embraced the post-sin model rather than choosing to champion the pre-sin model and by doing so, have misrepresented the heart of God towards women.

Okay, let’s go……….

In Matthew, most of the attention surrounding the birth of Jesus is focused on Joseph’s response, the Wisemen’s response and Herod’s response. Mary is only mentioned by name 3 times {1:18-2:21} and the birth of John, the Baptist, is not mentioned at all.

Mark and John do not address either birth.

Luke, however, devotes the majority of his first 2 chapters to the births of Jesus and John the Baptist and both Mary and Elizabeth play significant roles in each story.

Elizabeth is mentioned by name 8 times in the first chapter.

Mary is mentioned by name 11 times in the first 2 chapters.

After the purification period was over Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated. While there, Simeon AND Anna blessed Jesus. Luke tells us that Anna was an 84-year-old prophetess. She was the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married and after her husband died, she lived in the Temple, devoting herself to God.

• Luke 2:38 - And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke also mentions 4 women who were healed by Jesus: Peter’s mother-in-law with a fever, the woman with the 12-year hemorrhage, Jarius’ daughter, who was raised from the dead and the woman who had been sick for 18 years.

It was a woman, a sinful woman, who anointed Jesus’ feet, while He was at dinner with a Pharisee. Quietly she came into the house. As she wept, she opened her jar of expensive perfume and mingled with her tears, she began to pour it on to Jesus’ feet. This was definitely a bold move on her part because she opened herself up to a great deal of criticism by those gathered around the table – including the host.

• Luke 7:44-48 - And turning toward the woman, Jesus said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven."