The Book of Luke, is the only Gospel which goes into greater depth into understanding the person of Jesus, as the Savior of the world.
While Luke was not a disciple of Jesus, he was a trained physician and a friend of Paul the Apostle. Luke relied on eye witness accounts and research, into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel according to Luke, starts with the birth of Jesus and the prophesy of John the Baptist, which is covered in greater detail in this book.
Luke wrote The Book of Luke as well as the Acts of the Apostles, which is a continuation of this Gospel. So once you have finished reading this book, it is best to go over to the book of Acts to continue the flow.
*The Bible verses on this page are taken from the ESV translation, unless mentioned otherwise.
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1. The Prophesy of John the Baptist
Luke first talks about the prophesy of John the Baptist, who was born to priest Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth. They were both childless and were advanced in age, when Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, appeared to him. The angel said that they would have a child who is to be named John – who later came to be known as John the Baptist.
2. Story of the Birth of Christ Jesus
The story leading up to the birth of John the Baptist is seen in Luke 1:5-25 and Luke 1:57-65.
The story of Jesus’ birth is detailed in Luke 1:26-45.
Chapter 2 begins with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem wrapped in a swaddling cloth in a manger. The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the same region informing them that Christ is born in the city of David. The angels gave them instructions to find Jesus. The shepherds go and visit Mary, Joseph and the Baby in the manger.
Jesus continues to grow in the city of Nazareth in Galilee.
3. Jesus is Baptized
John the Baptist, declares the coming of the Messiah – Jesus. John tells his followers about the coming of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
John answered them all saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16
Jesus is baptized by John, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove and the voice of God is heard saying, You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased. Luke 3:22.
Lesson for deeper study:
- John the Baptist teaches repentance – forgiveness of sin, changing old ways and seeking God daily.
4. Deity of Jesus
After being Baptised by John in the river Jordan, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by satan.
For every question that satan asks Jesus, Jesus replies back with a scripture.
This is a good reminder of how powerful it is, to read, study and memorize Bible verses.
Jesus returns to Nazareth and visits a Synagogue on Sabbath.
He reads Isaiah 61:1-2 from the prophet Isaiah; which is the Year of the Lords favor. He stunned everyone with His words which were spoken with great power and authority.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Lesson 1 for deeper study on the Deity of Jesus:
Unclean spirits know that Jesus was the Son of God: A demon possessed man at the Synagogue cries out, I know who You are – the Holy One of God (Luke 4:34). Other unclean spirits that came out from men, also said that they knew that Jesus was the Christ (Luke 4:41). Another man cured of a unclean spirit, who also claimed Jesus’ deity in Luke 8:28. Another verse to study on this topic is found in Luke 10:17.
Lesson 2 for deeper study on the Deity of Jesus:
Jesus heals a paralytic and saying Man your sins are forgiven Luke 5:20. Pharisees discuss among themselves: Who can forgive sins but God alone? Luke 5:21
Jesus gathers His disciples and continue to heal many who were sick.
Teachings and the Sermon on the Mount are detailed in Chapter 6 of the Gospel of Luke.
5. Jesus is Compassionate
He shows His ultimate goal and compassion towards sinners in Luke 5:32. Here Jesus clearly states that He has come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance – changing old ways and habits and seeking God in humility.
The compassion of Jesus on the sick are further detailed in the miracles He performed.
On seeing the death of the only son of a mother who was a widow, Jesus brings him back to life.
Luke 7:13 – And when the Lord saw her he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Here are some other wonderful miracles of Jesus.
Miracles of Jesus | Chapters in Luke |
---|---|
Peter’s mother-in-law healed of a fever | 4:38-39 |
Huge catch of fish | 5:4-11 |
Leprosy healed | 5:12-13 |
Healing of paralytic | 5:18-21 |
Healing of the Centurion’s servant | 7:1-10 |
Demons cast out | 8:27-35, 9:38-43 and 11:14 |
Woman with the issue of blood | 8:43-48 |
Jairus’s daughter raised | 8:49-56 |
Crippled woman healed | 13:11-17 |
Man with dropsy healed | 14:1-6 |
Ten lepers healed | 17:11-19 |
Healed two blind men | 18-35-43 |
The Parable of the prodigal son which Jesus explains in Chapter 15, also illustrates the loving nature of God, who, even after we sin is ready to accept us with open arms if we run back to Him.
6. Parables of Jesus
Many teachings of Jesus were in parables, as capturing memories of stories were easier than teachings.
Listed below are some additional parables in the book of Luke, that do not appear in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark.
PARABLE | LESSON |
---|---|
Parable of the Moneylender (7:41-50) | Actions of the woman with faith and devotion |
The Good Samaritan (10:30-37) | A good neighbour |
Parable of the Rich Fool (12:16:21) | Treasures on earth or treasures in heaven? |
The Barren Fig Tree (13:6-9) | Repentance |
The Wedding Guests (14:7-14) | Being humble and compassionate |
Great Banquet (14:16-24) | All are invited into the Kingdom of God |
Lost Coin (15:8-10) | Joy over repentance |
Prodigal Son (15:11-32) | God is full of love and grace |
The Manager (16:1-10) | Being faithful |
Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31) | Rich man without God; poor man with God |
The Persistent Widow (18:2-8) | God answers prayers |
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18:10-14) | Humility versus Self-righteousness |
Parable of the Ten Minas (19:11-26) | Being wise with money |
7. The Story of Martha and Mary
Martha and Mary were sisters, whom Jesus visited at their home. While Martha was busy with serving responsibilities, Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus listening to His teachings. Upset by her sister not helping out, Martha tells Jesus that she is left alone to do all the work. Here is how the Lord replies,
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Lesson:
How do we prioritize praying and reading God’s Word in our daily life? Are distractions taking over?
8. The Clean and the Unclean; Right and Wrong
In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus explains and teaches in detail about traditions and rules.
The Pharisee was surprised when Jesus did not wash His hand before His meal, and knowing this Jesus replied,
And the Lord said to them, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” Luke 11:39
9. Acknowledging Jesus
Declare and Confess Jesus:
And I tell you, whoever acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God. Luke 12:8
Lesson:
- Do you believe and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
- The Holy Spirit will guide and teach you (Luke 12:12)
10. Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed
In Chapter 17, Jesus talks in detail about resisting temptations and repenting of sins.
Faith in God even as small as the size of a mustard seed can make the impossible happen (verse 6).
In Chapter 18, it goes on to say that at all times we are to pray and not give up or lose hope. This is an important teaching on persistent prayer which is explained in the parable of the persistent widow.
11. The Second Coming
The second coming of Jesus is spoken about in great detail in the Gospel of Luke.
In Luke 17:24, we read that Jesus’ second coming will be with obvious visible signs. Here are some other Bible verses in the Gospel of Luke that give detailed explanations of the glorious day of Jesus return.
- Luke 17:26-30
- Luke 17:34-37
- Luke 21:10-19
- Luke 21:25-28
Another verse where this is described as a parable is in Luke 12:35-39.
You must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you least expect. Luke 12:40
But Jesus also gives are warning to be aware of false claims:
And He said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name saying, ‘I am he’, and ‘the time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. Luke 21:8
12. Do not fall into temptation
Just as the Lord’s prayer teaches us not to fall into temptation, Jesus tells His disciples just before His betrayal, to pray so that they do not give in to temptation, in Luke 22:40 and verse 46.
Everything that Jesus foretold had happened in Luke 22:
- Judas betrays Jesus
- Peter denies Jesus
13. Merciful and Loving God
In Luke 23:33, we see that Jesus was crucified among criminals, one on either side of Him.
We see the depths of compassion Jesus has on sinners.
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide His garments. Luke 23:34
Of the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus, recognised Jesus as God, and himself as a sinner.
Criminal 1 | Criminal 2 |
---|---|
Luke 23:39 | Luke 23:40-41 |
One of the criminals who was hanged railed at Him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” | But the other rebuked him saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?” And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” |
The criminal who recognised the deity of Jesus tells Him,
And he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
Deeper Study:
What does Luke chapter 23 verses 42-43 tell you about Jesus? |
14. After His Crucifixion Jesus Appears
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, He appears to two people on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13
Luke 24:34 – Jesus appeared to Peter
Jesus explains that these happenings are from Old Testament prophesies. (Luke 24:25-27) and verse 44.
Finally after blessing His disciples, Jesus ascended into Heaven, leaving the disciples with great joy.
Free PDF of the Gospels Bible Study Pack for Beginners
Learn about the life of Jesus and His teachings throughout the Gospels, along with study notes and key verses to memorize: