The Gospel of Luke: Jesus the Son of Adam

The language of communication

Several years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book that talked about the five love languages. He focused on how we give and receive love and how that is communicated to those we love - especially among spouses. He suggests that we communicate or receive love primarily in one of these five ways:

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

Words of Affirmation

Gifts

Quality Time

He suggests that often, husbands and wives encounter challenges in marriage because they are communicating their love in a way that they receive love, not in the way that their mate receives love.

For example, my primary love language is words of affirmation. Danielle’s primary love language is quality time - she loves when we can just be together - near each other - when she knows that she takes a priority in my use of time. If I constantly tell her how much I appreciate something or that she did a good job with some task she was trying to accomplish, but never spend time with her - she won’t receive my words as loving - but as placating. Conversely, we can sit together in a restaurant or watch the Great British Baking Show together and her love take is filled up. Sure, she appreciates the compliments and affirmation - but not as much as she values the time.

It seems like communication is a bit like love. We all have different ways and means that we like to express information and ways that we might prefer to receive information. Some people receive information audibly, others visually, others need to be doing things, others need a mix of all of that, and still others need to discuss things. This is part of the reason why we have visuals and notes in the bulletin and why in the past we’ve had small groups that would go over the sermon material - in order to help us all understand and apply what is being communicated. We get to hear it, see it, touch it and discuss it - in order to try to address various communication and learning styles.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen this in how Matthew and Mark tailored the message of Jesus to their specific audiences. Matthew focused on Jewish elements of Jesus - referencing a lot of prophecies and discussing the Kingdom of God. Mark used short snapshots and rapid movement in his gospel to convey a condensed message to Romans.

As we dive into the book of Luke, we’ll get to see that his style of communication reflects some on himself, but also on the person to whom he is writing.

Introducing Luke

As with the other gospels, we don’t get a clear identification of the author of the book. However, since the author of this book also wrote the book of Acts, as they reference each other and have similar introductions, tradition has affirmed and scholars have deduced that it must have been Luke, the physician who travelled with the Apostle Paul on many of his missionary journeys.

The Author

Luke was likely a Gentile and the only Gentile to author a book of the Bible. Being a physician, we can assume that he had a fair amount of education and training behind him - which is seen in the organization of the books of Luke and Acts. Language scholars have suggested that Luke’s education seen in the way that he writes and the refinement of his language as well. It is interesting as well that Luke, even though he is not a Jew, does not take time to explain to His audience the Jewish customs and traditions the way that Mark does. He simply assumes that his audience will understand these things.

The Audience

From the outset of both Luke and Acts, we get an introduction into the recipient - a man by the name of “Theophilus” - which means “friend of God” (deSilva) or “lover of God.”

Luke 1:1–4 ESV

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

It seems that Theophilus has at least been exposed to the gospel of Jesus and is likely already a believer. Luke’s purpose here is to reinforce some things that Theophilus has already learned.

David deSilva remarks:

“Luke claims that he writes “an orderly account” that he hopes will enable Theophilus, and presumably his wider readership as well, to ‘know the truth [asphaleia] concerning the things about which you have been instructed [katēchēthēs]’”

Did you notice what the Greek word is for instructed? Katechethes - related to our word catechism. So Theophilus had already received some instruction and this book - along with Acts - is written to reinforce that instruction with well researched truth.

The Arrangement

It’s clear from the introductions of both Luke and Acts that the same author wrote to the same recipient. But, when we look at the two books as two volumes of one set, we begin to see things a bit differently. In fact, one commentator noted that so much of the book of Luke has an eye on Jesus going to Jerusalem and that Acts takes the ministry from Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth. Here is how he outlines the books together:

Luke—to Jerusalem

Introduction: Luke 1–2

Judean ministry outside Jerusalem: Luke 3:1–9:50

Journey to Jerusalem (which contains most of the special materials): Luke 9:51–19:27

Jerusalem: Luke 19:28–24:52

Acts—from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth

Jerusalem: Acts 1:1–8:1

Judea and Samaria and Galilee: 8:1–9:31 (9:32–43 is transitional)

“To the ends of the earth”: 10:1–28:31

(deSilva)

In the opening chapters of the Gospel, Luke notes several events that happened in Jerusalem -

his presentation (Lk. 2:22)

his encounter with Simeon and Anna (Lk. 2:25-38)

His time in the temple as a boy (Lk. 2:41-51)

His temptation (Luke 4:9)

But then after that, so much of what Luke talks about in Jesus ministry happens outside of Jerusalem. But in Luke 9, we begin to see Jerusalem as the destination for Jesus’ ministry. There is a hinting or a foreshadowing of something big to come.

Luke 9:30–31 ESV

And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

This was on the mount of transfiguration.

A few verses later, we almost get the impression that a sort of divine destiny guides Jesus’ path:

Luke 9:51 ESV

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

On several other occasions, Luke talks about Jesus heading to Jerusalem and even being grieved a bit by what Jerusalem had become.

Luke 13:33–35 ESV

Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

Ultimately, the region of Jerusalem is the where Jesus was betrayed, tried, crucified, buried and resurrected. Luke shows us that Jesus ascended to heaven near Jerusalem.

When Luke opens the book of Acts, he retells and reframes the ascension and the great commission. Jerusalem becomes the ending point of Jesus’ earthly journey and the starting point for His church and the expansion of His earthly Kingdom.

Acts 1:4–9 ESV

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Luke seems to have given a great deal of thought to how his anthology would be organized. But he has also given a great deal of thought to how he would present Jesus and what that means for Jesus’ followers.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is presented as the Son of Adam - the perfect man. This is not to diminish his deity, but rather looks at how Jesus modelled life for His followers. The story is basically the same in Luke as it was in Matthew and Mark, but Luke brings out a few other elements that we’ll consider for the remainder of our time.

One of the big themes that Luke addresses in both the Gospel and the book of Acts is...

The importance of prayer

This discipline of prayer is something that often challenges believers - I know it does me. We have been called by God to offer up prayers to him. We see examples of these prayers in both the old and the new testaments. We see Jesus teaching on prayer with what we have called “The Lord’s Prayer.” But does prayer matter? If God is Sovereign and already knows all things and is working - why pray?

Well from the very first chapter of his Gospel - Luke helps us see the importance and value of prayer and it seems to make a difference:

For Zechariah and Elizabeth

Luke 1:13 ESV

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

For Anna - the prophetess who met Jesus at the temple:

Luke 2:36–37 ESV

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

But mostly, prayer was important to Jesus. Luke helps us to see that this perfect man, the Son of Adam and Son of God would take time to pray - regularly. Robert Gromacki writes:

New Testament Survey Distinctive Features

Luke also emphasizes the prayer life of Jesus as a mark of His humanity

In response to a growing crowd because of the miracles he was performing and the pressure of public ministry, Luke writes:

Luke 5:15–16 ESV

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

He seemed to pray fervently before calling his disciples:

Luke 6:12–13 ESV

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:

He taught his disciples how to pray

Luke 11:2–4 ESV

And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

He taught them to pray for workers for the harvest (Luke 10:2).

He encouraged them to pray that they do not fall into temptation (Luke 22:40, 46)

He urged them to persist in prayer with the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8)

He helped them to see that humility is the proper attitude for prayer and for coming before the Lord. (Luke 18:9-14)

He confronted the Pharisees use of the temple - calling it a “house of prayer” rather than a “den of robbers” (Luke 19:46)

In light of what we see in the book of Luke and the importance of prayer, how is your prayer life? Are these the things that fill your prayer list, if and when you pray? Do you have a humble heart when you pray or a justified heart? Do you seek the Lord before major decisions and at significant times in your life?

I know that prayer is challenging. It’s difficult for me too. But it doesn’t have to be. Let me encourage you to join us on Zoom on Wednesday nights as we pray for each other, for our community, for our nation and for the world. You may not be good at praying out loud - you don’t have to. I have found that even listening to and joining in agreement with the prayers of others, I am encouraged and instructed in how to pray.

Not only does Luke demonstrate the importance of prayer in the gospel (and further in the book of Acts which we will see in January), but Luke helps us to understand...

The empowering work of the Spirit

When it comes to thinking about the work of the Holy Spirit - my mind is often led to consider Jesus’ teaching on the Spirit in John’s Gospel. I’m also often drawn to the work of the Spirit in the book of Acts at Pentecost and then as the gospel is expanded and to various places in the epistles where Paul and the others talk about the work and gifting of the Spirit.

But here in the book of Luke, we get to see the empowering work of the Spirit in profound and subtle ways. The work of the Holy Spirit is clear throughout the Gospel of Luke. David deSilva notes:

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation Special Emphases in Luke

Among the Evangelists, Luke is known as the theologian of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is indeed prominent in Luke-Acts, appearing on the stage or referred to by another character no fewer than seventy times in the drama. Significantly, the Holy Spirit is more than twice as prominent in Acts (after Jesus has ascended) as in Luke (while Jesus is present in bodily form with the disciples).

He continues...

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation Exegetical Skill: Textual Criticism

Luke’s special emphasis on the role of the Spirit of God in the ministry of Jesus, the life and movement of the early church, and the ongoing life of Luke’s readers serves also to help legitimate the path the church is on and the place of Gentiles in that body. The Spirit is the driving force and the continuity between each stage in God’s unfolding drama of salvation. This continuity is also confirmed as Luke contributes to the church’s Christocentric reading of the Jewish Scriptures, extending this reading into the life of the early church and its ongoing mission.

In the Gospel of Luke, we get to see the Holy Spirit’s work...

in the birth, life and ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 1:14-18, 41, 80)

in The Prophetic song of Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79)

in the Miraculous pregnancy of Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

in the life of Simeon as he looked forward to meeting the Messiah (Luke 2:22-35)

in the Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)

throughout Jesus ministry (Luke 4:14; 10:21)

But Jesus also teaches his disciples that the Holy Spirit will be available to His followers - to us:

Luke 11:13 ESV

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

In fact, in the very next chapter, Jesus alludes to the specific work of the Spirit in the lives of believers who are facing persecution.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke helps us to see that it is the Spirit of God that guides events, that leads people, that informs speech, and provides insight. The Spirit of God can give insight even into the future.

Luke has a special eye toward prayer and the Holy Spirit in his gospel, but he also helps us to see...

The value of all people

Of all of the Gospels, Luke seems to emphasize the human element. He is the one gospel writer who makes deep dives into the birth of John the Baptist and the plight of his parents. He is also the only gospel writer that tells the story of the Shepherds - as a part of the birth of Jesus. Luke highlights the encounters with Simeon, Anna, Zacchaeus, Cleopas and the other man on the road to Emmaus.

This is not simply Luke’s agenda, but it is something that is evident through Jesus ministry. You see Jesus...

Elevated the role Women

Gromacki comments that Luke...

New Testament Survey Distinctive Features

He referred to women forty-three times, whereas they are mentioned only forty-nine times in Matthew and Mark combined

In the other gospels, we get to see Jesus healing and interacting with women, but here in the gospel of Luke, there is a greater emphasis as Jesus

heals Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39),

brings the widow’s son back to life (Luke 7:11-18)

encounters the sinful woman who washed his feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50)

is supported by several different women (Luke 8:1-3)

heals the woman with the bleeding problem and raises Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:40-56)

ministers to Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

heals a disabled woman (Luke 13:10-17)

shares a parable starring a woman with a lost coin (Luke 15:8-10)

celebrates the widows offering (Luke 21:1-4)

expresses a lament over the “daughters of Jerusalem” (Luke 23:28-31)

(Gromacki, 114)

In addition to these, Luke notes the role of various women in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection accounts.

Now, in their culture, women typically did not have many, if any, rights. Their testimony was not worth anything in legal proceedings. But in the life and ministry of Jesus, women have value.

Not only did Jesus elevate women in his ministry, but he also had a heart for the...

Poor and helpless

So often when movements and ministries begin, the leaders focus on the financially well off and the strong - but Jesus is different. His ministry did not look down the the poor or the helpless (like children), but instead welcomed them.

Mary’s opening song alludes to his ministry among the people that others overlook:

Luke 1:51–53 ESV

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

As in the other gospels - Luke shows how Jesus welcomed children and encouraged them to come to him.

Luke 18:15–17 ESV

Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

There is something about Jesus’ ministry perspective here that is profound. You see, when someone has means (money, influence, power, connections) - they can easily think that they are part of the reason behind the success of the movement. A sense of pride or control sets in.

But with Jesus - he welcomes those who have nothing to offer and does significant things through them. He sees the poor and vulnerable for who they are, not for what they can offer.

There is one final group that I think we need to consider. Jesus valued women, the poor, the helpless and the...

Despised

One of the things we see throughout gospels and here in Luke is that Jesus had a heart for the people that others despised. Culturally, the Samaritans were rejected by other Jews and yet Jesus tells stories that have samaritans as heroes - demonstrating more righteousness than even the Jewish leaders (Luke 10:25ff).

Shepherds were also among the lowest in society, and yet as we read earlier in our lighting of the advent candle, they were among the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8-21).

Jesus called a tax collector to be a part of his inner circle of followers and then was even willing to be identified with him and his colleagues at a party.

Luke 5:27–32 ESV

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Later, Jesus is welcomed into the home of another tax collector and rejoices at the transformation in this man’s life (Luke 19:1-10).

Jesus’ people are not the clean and upright. His people are not those who have their lives all together. His people are broken people who have been healed by him. His people are people who have lives wrecked by sin, redeemed by his blood.

Jesus even said:

Luke 19:10 ESV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Charles Spurgeon shared this in one of his sermons:

“If Jesus Christ when he was here on earth welcomed all that came at all hours, then he will welcome you, my friend, if you come to him now; for the circumstances are just the same. You are the same sort of person as those whom Jesus used to welcome. They were good-for-nothing bodies; they were persons that were full of need, and could not possibly bring a price with which to purchase his favour. Are you not just like them? Are you a very special sinner? I am sure I could find another special sinner like you whom Jesus has received. I will not go into detail; but I will venture to ask you—Are you a thief?

The dying thief rejoiced to see

In Christ salvation full and free.

Have you been unchaste? David was an adulterer and was pardoned; and Jesus forgave a woman that was a sinner, who therefore loved him much. The untruthful, the unclean, the ungodly are the sort of people that Jesus came to seek and save.”

Spurgeon, C. H. “Welcome! Welcome!” The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons. Vol. 27. London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1881. 588. Print.

Friend, do you see yourself in that list? Are you plagued by sin and loneliness? Are you entangled by sins and habits that leave you ashamed? Come to Jesus. Turn from your sin. Jesus welcomes you with open arms. He did that on the cross - taking on himself your the payment for your sin and mine. Receive his forgiveness. Relish in the fellowship that we have with Him. If you want to understand that more or discuss what it means to be a follower of Christ or how to walk in freedom from sin, then feel free to reach out - talk to me after the service, put a note in the facebook or youtube feed, send me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll be happy to open scripture with you and show you the depth of Jesus’ love for you.

Closing thoughts

Beloved, Luke goes to great lengths to help us see Jesus in a different way. He is still the Son of God - but he is also the Son of Adam - the perfect man. As a human, he valued prayer, was led by the Spirit, and valued people. As his people here in the 21st century, I think Luke is encouraging us to do the same.

To depend on God fully - expressing that in prayer.

We need to acknowledge and yield to the work of the Spirit in our lives - pay attention to how he is leading.

We should value all people, see all people, the way that Jesus did. I think we need to be willing to get out of our Christian bubbles and mingle with those who are far from God, to bring the light of the gospel and the grace of God into those places - just as Jesus did.

David deSilva comments on Luke and challenges us in this way:

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation Luke and Ministry Formation

Luke’s compilation of sayings and parables focused on the heart of God for the lost clearly indicates his desire to nurture the same heart among communities of disciples. The church that takes Luke’s word to heart will be a community of mercy and love, actively seeking the restoration of fallen people, reflecting the character of the God who called the community together.

Let’s pray

Memory Verse: Luke 1:1-4 (or at least v. 4)

Luke 1:1–4 ESV

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Benediction:

2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Sources:

Beale, G.K., Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, 2012.

deSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Dever, Mark, The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept, Crossway, Wheaton, 2005.

Gromacki, Robert G. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1974.

Liefeld, Walter L. “Luke.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein. Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

Spurgeon, C. H. “Welcome! Welcome!” In The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, 27:581–592. London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1881.