This gospel, as titled, is attributed to Lucan authorship “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14) and companion of Paul (2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24). Its composition is typically placed in the later part of the first century, depending on the source and approach to placing Luke in its historical context though an actual date is not clear. Luke is widely accepted as the third of the four canonical Gospels. This Gospel, like the others, is a biographical narrative of Jesus’ life. Similar to Matthew, Luke starts with the birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus. Based on Synoptic Gospel scholarship, because Mark is viewed as the earliest Gospel and shares much content with Matthew and Luke, it is probable that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source for their Gospel manuscripts along with another source that is still merely a hypothesis since it has not bee discovered, called “Q.” “Q” would contain a record of the stories that Matthew and Luke share. Based on the literary characteristics of elegance, complexity, and an abundance of scriptural references, Luke i08presumed to be written to an educated Gentile audience that would have unfamiliar with Jewish customs and practices. The major themes of Luke include a ministry that attracts hostility, and a robust Christology that emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus (Lord, Son of God, long awaited Messiah, Teacher, divinely Authoritative).
Luke and the Ministry of Jesus: Outline
The theme of this Bible Study is to focus on Luke’s perspective of the life and ministry of Jesus. The purpose for our study is to show that the nuances we often overlook or become desensitized to within the Gospels have a significant impact on our understanding of who Jesus is and the implications that has for our faith and out lives.
Jesus and Demons
a. Spiritual Authority
Jesus is uniquely positioned to address the suffering and demonic torment of people that no one else can handle and is recognized by demonic spirits.
Read: Luke 4:31-37, 8:26-33, 9:37-43.
Think about a time(s) when you have avoided someone because they behaved in a way that was out of control even if was not this sort of blatant demon possession.
Consider the kind of authority Jesus must have to be able to bring restoration to this demoniac and exorcise demons.
b. Community Response
Process that at times encountering the power, authority and move of God evokes fear or skepticism instead of faith.
Read: Luke 8:34-39, 11:14-23.
Consider times when we have chosen fear or skepticism over faith. I encourage you to be more aware of these moments and to choose faith above all.