Luke is the only Gentile to whom a book in the New Testament has been attributed. He consulted many sources and eyewitnesses in creating his narrative (1:1-4). Of the four Gospels, Luke offers readers the most detail in his stories. Much of his text is not found in the other Gospels, including a glimpse into Jesus’ life at age twelve (2:41-52) and Jesus’ popular parable about the Good Samaritan (10:25-37), where we discover what it means to be a good neighbor.
His well-researched account of Christ’s life and ministry along with the mini-case histories of those Jesus healed is not surprising, since Luke was a highly educated man in his profession as a medical doctor (Col. 4:14).
This Gospel focuses on Christ’s human-side. Our incarnate God came among us as both Son of God in his divinity and Son of Man in his humanity. Luke connects people, places and events in history (2:1-2; 3:1-2; 23:6-7) to show that Jesus was a real historical person, not a mythical figure.
By partaking in humanity, Christ did not exempt himself from temptation, trials, suffering, and the excruciating execution of being hung on a cross. Additionally, as the perfect human, Christ’s limitless love and compassion was extended to sinners (15:11-24), criminals (23:40-43), outcasts (17:11-19), tax collectors (19:1-10), foreigners (7:1-10), the poor (14:12-14), those possessed by demonic spirits (4:33-36), the sick (8:42-48) and disabled (18:35-43), mourners grieving over a loved one’s death (7:11-16), people of high social status (8:41-42,49-56), and the resentful righteous (15:25-32).
Christ restored many to health (4:40-41; 7:21). He even cured people more than once on the Sabbath to the indignation of the religious leaders, whom Jesus rebuked for their hypocrisy and legalism (6:6-11; 13:10-17).
All of chapter 15 is dedicated to Jesus’ parables about the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and Lost Son. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (19:9-10), and when a sinner repented and turned to God and was saved, he rejoiced.
As you read the Gospel of Luke, notice the prominent role he gives to women, angels and the Holy Spirit. When you finish reading this Gospel, continue with Luke’s account of the early Christian church in the Acts of the Apostles.
Note: Luke, a Greek, assisted Paul in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24). Catholic tradition holds that he died peacefully in Greece in A.D. 84. St. Luke is a patron saint of doctors and his feast day is October 18.
Walking with Jesus Series, Refl. #126, Oct. 2025
Copyright © 2025 by Christopher Clark