This Gospel was written to shore up the faith of a man who knew a bit about Jesus but wasn’t certain of what he had heard about him (Luke 1:1–4). If that sounds like you, please be willing to read the Gospel of Luke!
Luke’s Gospel is one of four biographies of Jesus. This one includes his birth and childhood, and his mission manifesto as he began his ministry. It includes many unique teachings and encounters found only in this gospel, and of course his death and resurrection. It finishes with his commissioning of his followers to their mission of testifying to repentance and forgiveness in his name to all nations.
The Gospel of Luke highlights Jesus’ warnings about wealth and power, his care for those in need, and his mission as God’s Saviour for all the world.
Luke’s record of Jesus’ teachings and connections uniquely highlights several things.
- Poverty and wealth – this Gospel includes lots of references to the value of those who are poor and marginalised in society, as well as warnings to the rich about how they use their wealth (Luke 1:46–55; 6:20; 6:24–25; 12:13–21; 15:1–32; 16:19–31; 19:1–10). Luke’s Gospel reminds would-be believers that God holds us accountable for how we use our money, and how we treat those with less than us.
- Piety – Luke highlights the personal religious devotion of Jesus and the importance of prayer for his followers (Luke 1:6; 2:25; 2:36–37; 6:12; 9:28; 11:1–13; 18:1-8; 21:1–4; 22:39–46; 24:53). Luke’s Gospel reminds readers that doing good things for others isn’t all that counts—Christ’s followers should please God by the way they practise their spirituality too.
- Patience – the promised “Day of the Lord” when God makes all things right and new is coming, but Jesus teaches his followers that they are going to have to be prepared to wait (Luke 2:25; 2:36–38; 12:35–48; 17:20–37; 19:11–27; 24:49). This urges Christians to have a diligent and steady faith—one that is faithful even when it isn’t easy or exciting.
Everybody is invited to commitment and belief in this Jesus. Everyone is welcome to come to him, because he said that he came “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). The “saving” that he offers isn’t something anyone does for themselves, but something he made by his death and resurrection. Faith and repentance are the threshold to be crossed as newcomers join with God’s people in Jesus Christ.
If you have heard only a few things about Jesus and would like to read about him for yourself, the Gospel of Luke is for you. The Gospel of Luke is part of the Bible but is often printed on its own as a booklet. If you would like to read a copy, I am willing to post you one for free. Alternatively, you can read it online via the BibleGateway website HERE.
If you know the Gospel of Luke well, why don’t you share in the comments below? Post what is your favourite parable or encounter, and why it is significant to you.
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