SBTS LUKE

Guided Reading for Luke

1. Read Luke, chapters 1-2

a. According to his prologue (1.1-4), for what purpose is Luke writing? What key points does he stress?

To provide an orderly account in order to increase the faith of those who have been taught. He clearly states that he was not an eyewitness.

b. What is the primary portrait of Jesus in these first two chapters (make a brief list of things said in the prophecies about him, then state the primary emphasis)

Luke seems to bring the glory of God out in the first two chapters. He makes 53 references to the Psalms, 52 connections to Acts, 40 references to Matthew, and 38 reference to Isaiah.

2. Read Luke, chapters 3-4

a. The synagogue service described in Luke 4:14-30 is often viewed as thematic for the whole of Luke’s Gospel. What key themes are brought out in this passage?

One huge reference is from Isaiah 40. The key themes are linked with God preparing for the salvation of the Lord.

3. Read Luke 5-9

a. Many of the incidents presented in this period of Jesus’ Galilean ministry are paralleled in Mark. Do you see any special emphases which Luke brings out?

There is definitely an emphasis upon the coming “Kingdom” within these chapters.

b. Compare Luke 6.17-26, the beginning of Jesus’ sermon, with the Beatitudes of Matthew 5.1-12. How is Luke’s emphasis different than Matthew’s?

Luke’s emphasis begins with the display of Jesus’ divine power, while Matthew begins with more emphasis upon teaching. Luke seems to also bring a balance of “Blessings” and “Woes.” Matthew includes strictly what we know as the Beatitudes of “Blessings.”

c. How might the account of the faith of the centurion (7.1-10) and Jesus’ anointing by a sinful woman (7.36-50) bring out themes already introduced in Luke’s Gospel?

Luke’s emphasis is a consistent mixture of teaching and demonstration. This taps into the unique perspective Luke is aiming for.

d. Luke 9.20-21 marks a key transition in the nature of Jesus’ ministry. How does Jesus’ teaching in verses 21ff. help to clarify Peter’s confession?

The charge to be silent about Peter’s response confirms the truth of his confession, and that it should remain quiet until a later time.

e. Luke 9.51 marks the beginning of what is called Luke’s “Travel Narrative,” where Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem is reported. Look for a changed emphasis in Jesus’ ministry from this point forward. Also look for key teachings and parables of Jesus which illustrate key themes in Luke’s Gospel (you will be asked about many of these)

Jesus embarks in traveling toward Jerusalem in Luke 9:51-19:27. Throughout His journey he was not received and highly rejected by man and the blindness of man to the reality of Jesus Christ’s divinity. The Jews who are the ones who ought to recognize Jesus are the ones who are most blind, and the ones who identity Jesus are the ones who are outcasts. Discipleship and following Jesus are highly emphasized in the parables as well. (The finding of the lost - Luke 15:1-13, Dishonest Steward - Luke 16:1-5, Law and Prophets - Luke 16:16-31, Demand and duty of forgiving faith - Luke 17:1-10, Ten Lepers - Luke 17:19, Coming Kingdom - Luke 17:20-37, Expectant & Repentant prayer - Luke 18:1-14, Kingdom values vs status quo - Luke 18:15-19:10)

4. Read Luke 10-14

a. How does the Parable of the Good Samaritan (10.25-37) illustrate one of the key themes of Luke’s Gospel?

The cost of discipleship is a duty to love other people, even the unlikely ones. This bridges the cultural barrier between the Jews and Samaritans, which also has great connection to the recent hostile reception of Jesus and His disciples by a Samaritan village (Luke 9:51-56).

b. How does the Parable of the Rich Fool (12.13-21) illustrate a key theme in Luke’s Gospel?

The cost of discipleship is a duty that refocuses all attention from immediate concerns and places that focus upon what ultimately matters.

c. What does the Parable of the Great Banquet (14.15-23) illustrate in the context of Jesus’ ministry?

The kingdom of God demands our full commitment. The cost of discipleship is not found in being a half-hearted disciple.

5. Read Luke 15-19

a.. How do the parables of things lost (Sheep, Coin, Son) in chapter 15 illustrate a key theme in Luke’s Gospel?

The Son of Man goes to great extremes to seek and save what was lost. This brings about the theme of restoring those who are lost.

b. How does the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (16.19-31) illustrate a key theme in Luke’s Gospel?

This parable captures the contrast between having material wealth while having spiritual poverty. What is important is that we obtain spiritual wealth. This has huge implications for the afterlife consisting of happiness or suffering.

c. What is the main point of the ten lepers who were healed (17.11-19)? How is this significant in Luke’s Gospel?

God’s people are not always the best at thanking him for his blessings.

d. How does the Parable of the Rich Fool (18.18-30) illustrate a key theme in Luke’s Gospel?

In the kingdom of God human values, status, and importance are completely flipped upside down, especially having wealth and earthly possessions.

e. The account of Zacchaeus is the climax of Luke’s “Gospel for the Outcast” and 19.10 is often viewed as the key summarizing verse of his whole Gospel. What key theme does this passage bring out?

This passage references to Ezekiel 34:16, and where God is observed as being the chief shepherd of his people. This proclaims God’s rescuing nature, and restoration of his people.

6. Read Luke 20-24

a. Luke, like Matthew and Mark, presents a series of controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem, beginning with the Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple. How is the widow of 21.1-4 set in contrast to those described in 20.46-47?

The contrast rests between the religiousness of the scribes, wealthy worshippers, and the grand temple buildings with the simple devotion of the poor widow. This ties into the theme of wealth being the greatest danger to salvation.

b. There is special emphasis in Luke’s Gospel on the innocence of Jesus. Count the number of times Pilate declares Jesus to be innocent (chapter 23; add to this 23.42, 47)

Luke 23:4, Luke 23:14, Luke 23:15-16, Luke 23:21.

c. Only Luke describes the conversation of the criminals on the cross (23.39-43). What key Lukan theme is illustrated in Jesus’ words here?

The mention of paradise, or as often referenced in Luke’s gospel, Kingdom.

d. Only Luke recounts the resurrection appearance on the road to Emmaus. What key themes are brought out in this episode? Compare Jesus’ words in 24.45-49 with his words in 24.24-27. What is Luke’s emphasis here?

English Standard Version Chapter 24

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

English Standard Version Chapter 24

Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

The Jesus must suffer as the prophets has spoken, and through His glorification after His suffering will God’s people receive forgiveness of their sins.