Luke

We’ve reached Luke in our study through the Bible. I enjoy reading Luke. I have for years. He begins as though writing to a good friend to tell of what he has learned of Jesus. It is possible Theophilus was a person, but it is also possible that it was written to every one of us who is loved by God.

We learn of Luke through several other books in the Bible. Acts begins as though it were a second letter to Theophilus. In Acts 16:10, the author changes from writing “they” to writing “we” as Paul heads for Macedonia. There are other places where it appears the writer is either with Paul or not. Philemon 24 speaks of Luke being with Paul Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. (Philemon 1:24 KJV). In II Timothy 4:11, Only Luke is with me. Paul describes him as Luke, the beloved physician. (Colossians 4:14a KJV)

While we are not told of Luke’s conversion, there is no doubt of his loyalty. He may have come to Jesus before the crucifixion, or his conversion may have been later. We know his books are God inspired, though we don’t know if he experienced the events he details in his gospel or if they were told to him. I believe, from the details in the first two chapters that he spent time with Mary.

Luke gives us the most detail look at the birth of Christ. Except for John 3:16, the second chapter of Luke is scripture most dear to me. I can remember my Mom repeating this story almost from memory, seldom looking at the Bible: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1 KJV)

Some of Jesus’ ministry is found only in Luke. We know the stories by name, The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Prodigal Son. Only Luke tells us of Zacchaeus. Only Luke tells of the promise to the thief on the cross.

Luke writes from the very beginning of the Holy Spirit, speaking of John. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (Luke 1:15 KJV)

When Luke tells of Jesus’ baptism, we not only read of the Holy Spirit descending as a dove (v. 22), but that Jesus was praying. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, (Luke 3:21 KJV)

Luke tells us of the meeting on the road to Emmaus. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. (Luke 24:13-16 KJV)

Do we talk together of all these things which had happened? Could someone overhear us and ask, as Christ did, … What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: (Luke 24:19 KJV)

Would we continue and say that … we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: (Luke 24:21a KJV)

Could Luke write of us in the same manner as he closed his gospel? And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24:53 KJV)