LUKE

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The book of Luke is written to encourage and strengthen the faith of all believers – especially the Gentiles, even if Luke directly addressed the book to someone called Theophilus (1:3). Some think Theophilus (means God-lover) can be a group of people.


What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?
According to the tradition is it assumed that Luke wrote this book, but the book itself does not identify its author. Luke was a physican (Col.4:14). The first lines in the book show that Luke wrote as a historian and not as an eye-witness of the events he recorded (1:1-4).
The book was written between AD 59 and 63.


What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”. I think an important theme is Repentance. And the parable about the lost son (15:11-32) describe God’s love for the sinner that is coming home – and how He hates sin.

Another important theme is Jesus’ concern for social outcasts, women and the poor. (44:16-21 as the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2).

It is also important to make it very clear that the gospel is intended for all peoples, including the Gentiles (2:14,32).

I think a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea” is expressed through the scripture in 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost”.


What is the primary reason this book was written? Luke was a doctor and a disciple of Paul and he says in chapter 1 that he has found it necessary to write about the events that have been fulfilled among them. He tells that he has investigated everything carefully from the beginning so that Theophilus (and we) can be certain of the truth of everything they were taught (1:1-4).

The whole gospel is the Word of the Lord to men. It is clearly said that Jesus Christ er both true God and true Men, but without sin. This message must be told both to the Jews and to the Gentiles.

The book of Luke shows how the enemies was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – The Son of Man (9:44 and 22:22). But Jesus rose from the grave, the death could not hold on him. That is because he had “come to seek and save those who are lost” (19:10).


What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
We see Jesus as the incarnate of God:

- He is a messenger of good news for all the world and he is the savior of the whole world (2:11).

- He is powerfull. He had power to read people's minds and authority over demons (4:36).

- He has authority to forgive sins even before his death on the cross making him equal to God (5:23).

- He is full of compassion and he is kind to the unthankful and the wicked (6:36).

- In the parable about the vineyard we see how God gave the people many chanches even if He was rejected again and again. He gave even his only son to show his love and we see that He is overwhelming gracious and merciful to those who don't deserve it. (20:9-16)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The angel said to the shepherds on the fields outside Bethlehem:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11)

In the synagogue on the Sabbath Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1-2 as a prophecy about himself:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”(4:18-19)

Jesus Christ is God’s redemptive plan for mankind – our savior!

Personal Application:

When reading Luke 7:36-50 about the immoral woman with the beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume, and how she wiped off Jesus’ feet with her hair, kissing his feet and putting perfume on them - I was challenged.

For me I think this means that I have to ask God if He wants me to step out of my comfort zone and seeking  ways to facilitate reconciliation between races, genders and social classes.

The story of the woman with the alabaster jar has also inspired the worshipsleader here on campus Daniel Lehmann to write the wonderful song “I put my heart in the bottle Lord”. This song has sounded  on my mind so much the last days and I think that’s’what God really wants of me: My own heart! And as the woman gave Jesus the most expensive she owned, I want to give Him my heart as my only and most expensive gift.

 

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

Also here I will focus on the 6 Shan students on the first Shan DTS that started in Chiang Mai this fall.

As far as I know these student own almost nothing, but I know that God is njot occupied with what we have of resources, but He wants our heart!

When reading in Luke about the woman with the alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume (7:36-50), I will pray that these 6 students will experience that giving their heart to God as their only and most expensive gift, He will provide for them in all their need.

I will also pray that God shows them the truth in Daniel Lehmann’s song “I put my heart in the bottle Lord” and that God will reveal His Father Heart to these 6 students, and use them to reflect His glory to the Shan in South East Asia.