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August 8, 2019Historian and investigative reporter
The largest Gospel, and only Gospel where the writer continues with a second volume that tells the story of Jesus and the Church after the Ascension, is the God-inspired Gospel according to Luke. He is not Jewish nor was he one of the original followers of Christ. But, to make up for this, he investigates and interviews the actual witnesses to the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Here is his introduction to the gospel:
“Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received” (Luke 1, 1-4).
Luke is unique. While Matthew was for the Jewish followers of Christ, and Mark was for the non-Jewish followers of the Lord, Luke brings the distinct message that the saving promises of God to his chosen people was fulfilled in Jesus and everyone can benefit from his sacrifice. The saving and redeeming Good News of Jesus Christ is for everybody!
Luke will share with us the words and deeds of Jesus, plus a whole lot more. He gives us unique details, some of which must have come from the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, of the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. He directs his God-inspired writings to Theophilus, which means “friend of God” and hopes that other readers will be able to experience the Christ he has found through the living witnesses of the community of faith.
Luke, in a very orderly and deliberate manner, strives to answer everyone’s question, “Who is this man, Jesus Christ?” After his prologue, which includes the infancy narratives, the first part of the Gospel is dedicated to Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The second part is dedicated to the Lord’s journey toward Jerusalem, while the third and final part of the Gospel centers on Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem. The Gospel ends with the Lord asking the apostles to stay in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Ascension. Everything else is continued in volume two, Acts of the Apostles.
A special title given to Jesus in this Gospel is that of prophet. Here are a few examples:
- “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, ‘A great prophet has arisen in our midst,’ and ‘God has visited his people’” (Luke 7, 16).
- “‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They said in reply, ‘John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen’” (Luke 9, 19).
- “Yet, I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem” (Luke 13, 33).
There is no greater prophet than Jesus Christ. He is the only prophet that is both God and man. Luke makes a point to show the unity between Christ and the Holy Spirit and how this is the foundation of him as prophet.
Luke also speaks of Jesus as savior. Here are a two examples:
- “For today, in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 2, 11).
- “Now, master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Luke 2, 29-32).
The third title for Jesus most used in Luke is that of Lord. Lord, used more than 100 times by Luke in each of his volumes, is the word used in lieu of God’s proper name in the Old Testament in addition to being a formal way to address another gentleman. Luke is using the term in the most profound way possible.
Jesus is everyone’s Messiah. Salvation is for all. Jesus is Lord. Christianity is to be lived out without worldly attachments, in loving service, and above all, through lives of prayer. This is discipleship.
Thank you, Lord, for the Gospel of Luke!
