Luke

Definition

Luke is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, attributed to Luke the Evangelist, and it focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is known for its emphasis on compassion, social justice, and the role of women, presenting Jesus as a savior for all people, particularly the marginalized and outcasts of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Luke's Gospel is considered the most literary of the four Gospels, with a unique style and detailed narratives.
2. It includes several parables not found in other Gospels, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, which illustrate Jesus' teachings on love and mercy.
3. Luke emphasizes prayer and the Holy Spirit more than the other Gospels, showing how integral they were to Jesus' ministry.
4. The Gospel of Luke highlights women significantly; it includes stories of prominent female figures like Mary, Elizabeth, and Martha, showcasing their importance in Jesus' life.
5. The narrative concludes with a detailed account of Jesus' resurrection appearances and his ascension into heaven, emphasizing his divine authority.

Review Questions

• How does Luke’s portrayal of Jesus differ from that in the other Gospels?
  • Luke portrays Jesus as a compassionate savior who cares for the marginalized and outcasts in society. This emphasis on social justice sets Luke apart from Matthew and Mark, which focus more on Jesus’ role as a teacher and Messiah. Luke also highlights unique parables that illustrate these themes of mercy and compassion, showing a more inclusive approach to Jesus’ message.
• In what ways do Luke's narratives about women contribute to our understanding of early Christianity?
  • Luke's narratives give significant attention to women, featuring key figures such as Mary and highlighting their roles in Jesus' life and ministry. By including stories like that of Mary Magdalene's presence at the resurrection, Luke emphasizes women's contributions to early Christianity. This portrayal suggests that women were not only followers but also pivotal to spreading Jesus' teachings.
• Evaluate how Luke's emphasis on prayer and the Holy Spirit reflects his theological perspective on Jesus’ ministry.
  • Luke’s emphasis on prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit reflects a theological perspective that highlights dependence on divine guidance throughout Jesus’ ministry. The frequent references to Jesus praying before significant events suggest that prayer was essential for seeking strength and direction. Additionally, by portraying the Holy Spirit as active in guiding both Jesus and his followers, Luke underscores a belief in ongoing divine involvement in the lives of believers and the early Church.

Related terms

Synoptic Gospels: The first three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—known as the Synoptic Gospels because they share similar content, structure, and viewpoint.

Acts of the Apostles: A book in the New Testament also attributed to Luke that continues the narrative after the resurrection of Jesus, detailing the early Christian church's history and the spread of the Gospel.

Parables: Short stories told by Jesus that convey moral or spiritual lessons, many of which are unique to Luke’s Gospel and highlight themes of mercy and forgiveness.