Luke

Luke, a physician and Paul's companion, writes an orderly account of Jesus' life for Theophilus, emphasizing Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and His role as Savior of all humanity. Luke's thorough investigation includes unique material not found in other gospels. The narrative opens with parallel birth announcements—John the Baptist to elderly, barren Elizabeth and Zechariah, and Jesus to virgin Mary. Mary's Magnificat praises God who lifts the humble and fills the hungry.

Jesus' birth in Bethlehem brings angels announcing good news of great joy for all people. Simeon and Anna recognize the infant as Israel's consolation and redemption. At twelve, Jesus displays wisdom in the temple. Jesus' genealogy traces back to Adam, emphasizing universal significance.

After baptism and temptation, Jesus begins ministry in Nazareth, reading Isaiah's prophecy about preaching good news to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed, declaring it fulfilled. When rejected, Jesus moves throughout Galilee, calling disciples, teaching with authority, healing diseases and casting out demons. Luke emphasizes Jesus' ministry to outcasts—He touches lepers, eats with tax collectors and sinners, shows compassion to widows and Gentiles. The Sermon on the Plain presents kingdom ethics including loving enemies and not judging.

Jesus raises a widow's only son, accepts a sinful woman's worship, and has women disciples who support His ministry. Parables teach about the kingdom, good soil receiving the word, and a lamp giving light to all. Jesus calms storms, casts out demons, heals the woman with bleeding, and raises Jairus's daughter. He feeds five thousand and is transfigured before Peter, James, and John.

Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of Him. The parable of the Good Samaritan defines loving one's neighbor. Mary sits at Jesus' feet while Martha serves, and Jesus affirms Mary's choice. Jesus teaches about prayer, the Holy Spirit, warnings against greed, faithful stewardship, and coming division.

The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son reveal God's joy over sinners who repent. Jesus warns about wealth, teaches about faith and service, heals ten lepers though only one returns thankful. Jesus predicts His death, enters Jerusalem, cleanses the temple, and teaches about last things. After the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested, tried before the Sanhedrin and Pilate and Herod, crucified between two criminals, yet promises paradise to the repentant thief.

Jesus is buried but rises, appears to disciples, explains Scriptures, and ascends after commissioning them to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations.