There is a short introduction available for the book of Luke. You can read it here.
Key Themes (Luke)
The book of Luke is the third Gospel in the New Testament and provides a detailed and orderly account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized, the universality of the Gospel, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The key themes include:
- The Universality of the Gospel: A central theme in Luke is the universal nature of Jesus’ message and mission. Luke emphasizes that the Gospel is for all people, not just for the Jews. This is evident in the inclusion of Gentiles, women, the poor, and other marginalized groups in the narrative. Luke’s genealogy of Jesus traces His lineage back to Adam, underscoring the idea that Jesus is the Savior for all humanity.
- Jesus’ Compassion for the Marginalized: Luke’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ special concern for the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners. Stories such as the parable of the Good Samaritan, the healing of the ten lepers, and Jesus’ interactions with tax collectors like Zacchaeus illustrate His compassion for those on the margins of society. This theme emphasizes that Jesus’ ministry is characterized by mercy, inclusion, and a focus on the least and the lost.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in Luke’s Gospel, guiding and empowering key figures throughout the narrative. The Spirit is present at Jesus’ conception, baptism, and throughout His ministry. This theme highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing about God’s purposes, both in the life of Jesus and in the lives of His followers.
- Joy and Praise: Luke frequently emphasizes the themes of joy and praise in response to God’s redemptive work. The birth narratives, particularly the songs of Mary (the Magnificat), Zechariah, and the angels, are filled with expressions of joy and worship. This theme underscores the appropriate response to God’s intervention in history, especially the coming of Jesus as the Messiah.
- The Fulfillment of God’s Promises: Luke presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and God’s promises to Israel. The Gospel repeatedly emphasizes that the events of Jesus’ life were in accordance with what was foretold by the prophets. This theme underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
- The Importance of Prayer: Prayer is a significant theme in Luke, with Jesus frequently depicted as praying at key moments in His life and ministry. Luke also includes several parables that emphasize the importance of persistent prayer, such as the parable of the persistent widow. This theme highlights the centrality of prayer in the life of faith and the believer’s relationship with God.
- The Reversal of Fortunes: Luke’s Gospel contains a strong theme of reversal, where the humble are exalted, and the proud are brought low. This is evident in Mary’s Magnificat, the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Plain, and the parables like the Rich Man and Lazarus. This theme reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, where social and spiritual hierarchies are upended, and God’s justice is realized.
- Discipleship and the Cost of Following Jesus: Luke emphasizes the demands of discipleship, highlighting that following Jesus requires total commitment and a willingness to endure hardship. Jesus teaches about the cost of discipleship, calling His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and prioritize the Kingdom of God above all else. This theme underscores the serious and transformative nature of being a disciple of Christ.
- Salvation and Forgiveness: Luke emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Savior who brings forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe. The parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son highlight God’s joy over the repentance of sinners. This theme stresses that salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their past, and that God’s grace is abundant.
- The Journey to Jerusalem: A significant portion of Luke’s Gospel is devoted to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately face His crucifixion and resurrection. This journey is both literal and symbolic, representing the fulfillment of His mission and the culmination of God’s plan of salvation. This theme emphasizes the purposefulness of Jesus’ ministry and the inevitability of the cross as central to His redemptive work.
The book of Luke is a comprehensive and compassionate account of Jesus’ life and ministry, emphasizing His concern for all people, especially the marginalized, and His fulfillment of God’s promises. Through its themes of universality, compassion, prayer, and discipleship, Luke’s Gospel invites readers to embrace the inclusive and transformative message of Jesus Christ and to follow Him with joy and commitment.
What I Noticed Today (Luke 1; John 1)
Luke 1
In verses 1-4, Luke differentiates himself from the other gospels by specifying the purpose of his writing. He wanted to present an orderly account of the events of Jesus’ life to Theophilus.
Note: Some suggest that Luke was an eyewitness to these events, but that seems unlikely since he said he researched these events carefully.
Note: The identity of Theophilus (means “lover of God”) is not known. However, Luke’s addressing him as “honorable” (or some translations “most excellent”) suggests Theophilus was an official of some kind. Some scholars suggest the name Theophilus is a generic title, not a specific individual. From the context of the writing, this seems unlikely.
Luke 1:5-2:52
In this section, Luke compares John the Baptist’s birth and early life to Jesus’ birth and early life.
In verses 5-7, during the days of King Herod, a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth (a descendent of Aaron) lived a righteous life. However, Elizabeth could not get pregnant and was past the usual childbearing years.
In verses 8-17, while Zechariah was serving as a priest, an angel appeared to him and told him not to be afraid. The angel told him his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son.
Note: There were 24 divisions or groups of priests who each served in the temple twice per year for a week at a time (Chronicles 24:7-18). Zechariah was part of Abijah’s division.
The angel said the boy’s name would be John and detailed six aspects of his character:
- He will be a joy and delight to you.
- He will be great in the sight of the Lord.
- He is never to take wine or other fermented drinks.
- He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.
- He would bring many of the people of Israel back to God.
- He will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah.
In verses 18-20, Zechariah was skeptical, asking how can this be (because of their age)? The angel said his name was Gabriel. He stands in God’s presence, and God had sent him to give Zechariah this news. However, because of Zechariah’s doubt, he would be mute until the boy’s birth.
In verses 21-23, when Zechariah completed his duties inside the sanctuary and came out, he was unable to speak. When he came out making signs, the other priests realized he had seen a vision.
In verses 24-25, Elizabeth got pregnant and stayed in seclusion for five months, saying the Lord had done this for her to take away her disgrace.
Note: The inability to conceive was considered a sign of God’s judgment/reproach. Elizabeth, finally being able to conceive, took away the public perception of God’s judgment against her.
In verses 26-27, in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth to a woman named Mary, who was engaged to Joseph of the house of David.
Note: Engagement in Jewish culture specified the man and woman were considered husband and wife except they did not live together or have sexual relations until after the wedding.
In verses 28-31, Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her God highly favored her, and she would have a son. Gabriel told her five things about her son, whom she was to name Jesus:
- He will be great.
- He will be called the Son of the Most High.
- He will be given the throne of his father, David.
- He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
- His kingdom will have no end.
In verses 34-38, Mary asked how she could become pregnant since she was a virgin. Gabriel answered that the Holy Spirit would come over you and bear the Son of God.
Gabriel told Mary her relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant even though she was beyond childbearing years because nothing is too hard for God. Mary said she was the Lord’s servant; may it be done as you have said.
Note: Gabriel did not rebuke Mary for her question because she did not doubt what Gabriel had said, only how such a thing could be accomplished.
In verses 39-45, sometime after Gabriel left, Mary set out to visit Elizabeth. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Elizabeth perceived (because of the Holy Spirit) that Mary was the mother of the Lord.
In verses 46-55, Mary sang a song of praise to God for His blessing on her and His mercy to this and future generations.
Note: This passage (vv. 46-55) is known as “The Magnificat” (the Latin term for “proclaims the greatness.”
In verse 56, Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months until John was born and then returned to her home.
In verses 57-66, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. When it came time to circumcise the boy on the eighth day, relatives assumed he would be named Zechariah, but Elizabeth said he would be named John. So they asked Zechariah, and he wrote on a tablet (because he was still mute) that the boy’s name was John. Immediately Zechariah was able to speak, and he praised God.
Note: People recognized that God had supernaturally brought about the pregnancy and Zechariah’s inability to speak until he confirmed John’s name. Because of this, they knew John was someone special.
In verses 67-79, Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied:
- He praised God.
- Because God had brought redemption to the people of Israel.
- Salvation and deliverance would come through the house of David, just as promised in the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 22:16-18).
- His son, John, would go before the Lord and prepare the way for Him (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1).
In verse 80, John grew up and became spiritually strong and stayed in the wilderness until it was time for his public ministry to Israel.
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- Zechariah and Mary were both visited by the angel Gabriel.
- Their response to Gabriel’s message was to ask a question. Zechariah asked out of his doubt. Mary asked out of her faith.
- In the end, both had praised God for what He had done!
John
There is a short introduction available for the book of John. You can read it here.
Key Themes (John)
The book of John is the fourth Gospel in the New Testament and presents a unique and deeply theological account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and His relationship with God the Father. The Gospel of John is rich in symbolism, focuses on key theological concepts, and aims to inspire faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. The key themes include:
- The Divinity of Jesus: A central theme in John is the divinity of Jesus. From the opening verse—"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"—John emphasizes that Jesus is fully divine, preexistent, and one with God. This theme is reinforced through Jesus’ “I AM” statements, which connect Him with the divine name revealed in the Old Testament, and through His miracles, which demonstrate His divine power.
- Jesus as the Logos (Word): John introduces Jesus as the Logos, or the Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us. This theme highlights the incarnation, the belief that Jesus is the eternal Word of God made human. The concept of the Logos underscores Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, the one through whom all things were created, and the one who reveals God’s character and purpose.
- The Light and Life of the World: John frequently uses the imagery of light and life to describe Jesus and His mission. Jesus is presented as the "light of the world" who dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, and as the source of eternal life for all who believe in Him. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus, who brings spiritual illumination and eternal life to humanity.
- Belief and Faith: A key theme in John is the call to belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. John’s Gospel is written with the explicit purpose of inspiring faith—“that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). Throughout the Gospel, individuals are challenged to believe in Jesus, and the importance of faith is continually emphasized.
- The Signs and Miracles of Jesus: John’s Gospel is structured around a series of signs and miracles that reveal Jesus’ divine nature and authority. These signs, such as turning water into wine, healing the blind, and raising Lazarus from the dead, are meant to inspire belief in Jesus as the Son of God. This theme highlights the miraculous works of Jesus as evidence of His divine identity and mission.
- The New Birth and Eternal Life: John emphasizes the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God, as famously described in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being “born again.” This theme is closely tied to the promise of eternal life, which is granted to those who believe in Jesus. John presents eternal life not just as a future hope but as a present reality that begins with faith in Christ.
- The Relationship Between Jesus and the Father: John frequently explores the intimate relationship between Jesus and God the Father. Jesus speaks often of His unity with the Father, His obedience to the Father’s will, and His mission to reveal the Father to the world. This theme emphasizes the divine mission of Jesus and His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: John introduces the Holy Spirit as the Advocate or Comforter who will come after Jesus’ ascension to guide, teach, and empower the disciples. This theme highlights the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, continuing Jesus’ ministry and ensuring that His followers remain connected to Him.
- Love and Commandments: Love is a major theme in John, particularly in Jesus’ teachings to His disciples. Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them, establishing love as the defining characteristic of His community. This theme underscores the importance of love as the fulfillment of God’s commandments and as the mark of true discipleship.
- Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: John presents the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as the climax of His mission and the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for the world. The cross is portrayed not only as an act of sacrifice but also as the moment of Jesus’ glorification, where He accomplishes the salvation of humanity. This theme emphasizes the redemptive power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, offering eternal life to all who believe.
The book of John is a profound and theologically rich Gospel that presents Jesus as the divine Son of God, the incarnate Word, and the source of eternal life. Through its themes of divinity, belief, love, and the transformative power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, John’s Gospel invites readers into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and calls them to a life of faith and discipleship. It is a Gospel that seeks to reveal the true identity of Jesus and to inspire belief in Him as the Savior of the world.
John 1
In verses 1-18, John begins his gospel from a theological standpoint. He positions Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, God in human form.
In verses 1-5, John describes the Word as an eternal entity with God, and the Word was God.
Note: The word John uses for Word is “logos,” which means “speaking a message.” John is the only writer who speaks of the Word as a title for Christ.
The Word was with God in the beginning (eternity past; there was never a time when the Word did not exist). The Word created all things. Life was in Him, and He was the light of men.
Note: Light is a common scriptural metaphor for God, while darkness represents death, sin, and separation from God.
In verses 6-13, John describes John the Baptist as being sent by God to be a witness; to testify about the “light” (God) so that all might believe. Christ is the true light and brings light to all men. But the world did not recognize Him, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to be children of God, as is the will of God.
In verses 14-18, the Word became flesh (having a human nature), becoming the One and Only Son of God. We have received grace from Him. The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the Son has revealed Him.
Note: John’s reference to no one has seen God means no one has seen God’s essential nature. We know God through the Son, who revealed the Father’s nature.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
