This gospel, as titled, is attributed to Lucan authorship “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14)  and companion of Paul (2 Timothy 4:11Philemon 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.

Review of Themes We’ve Covered and Conclusion

1. Luke’s Gospel is focused on helping the reader to see that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesied long-awaited Messiah.

2. Jesus’s purpose is to:

  • Fulfill the will of God and be the source of salvation
  • Make disciples
  • Proclaim the Good News and sacrifice Himself

3. Through incarnational ministry, Jesus models for us living on purpose with a purpose, a life of servant leadership AND sacrificial service, and always with a focus on sharing the Good News.

4. We also have the hope that no matter what challenges we face in life, Jesus is the ultimate authority in our lives naturally and spiritually.

5. Concluding Thoughts.