Key word: “Son of Man”
This Gospel is the longest of the four. It is written by Luke, who was most likely a Gentile companion of Paul. He was a physician, a careful historian and researcher. He is writing his account to Theophilus, a high ranking official, and Luke addresses a second book, Acts to him as well.
Luke gives us more details about the humanity of Jesus than anyone else, beginning with an extended incarnation account (chapters 1-2). He seeks to give an accurate account of the life and ministry of Jesus and presents Him as the perfect God-man who would provide salvation for sinful humanity. We find in our key verse also our key phrase which was used 26 times.
Of note is how often Luke records Jesus praying. Of the 15 times the Gospels record Jesus praying, eleven of them is found in Luke (5:16).
Some unique and powerful features of Luke include Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha (10:38-42) in which He commends Mary for choosing the one thing necessary rather than being distracted by the mundane. Also, two of Jesus’ most loved parables are found only in Luke. The first is the Prodigal Son, which showcases the love of God for His people; even when they stray (15:11-32). The second is that of Lazarus and the rich man, life after death, torment in hell, no second chance after death, and the impossibility of the dead communicating with the living. There is also the beautiful story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road (24:13-33) (See vv. 32, 34)
Key verse: Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
