Lecture Notes: The Gospel According to Luke

Introduction

• Author: Luke, identified as a traveling companion of Paul the Apostle, also known as a doctor.
• Structure: Part of a two-volume work, Luke-Acts.
• Purpose: To create an orderly account based on eyewitness traditions showing the fulfillment of God’s covenant.

Overview of Luke’s Gospel

• Design:
  • Introduction: Stories of John the Baptist and Jesus.
  • Chapters 3-9: Jesus’ mission in Galilee.
  • Midsection: Journey to Jerusalem.
  • Climax: Final week in Jerusalem, leading to death and resurrection.

Extended Introduction

• Parallel Birth Stories:
  • John the Baptist: Promised to Zechariah and Elizabeth.
  • Jesus: Promised to Mary and Joseph.
  • Both promises fulfilled, leading to celebratory poems filled with Old Testament echoes.

Poems and Roles

• John: Prophetic messenger preparing Israel.
• Jesus: Messianic king, bringing God’s reign to Israel and blessings to the nations.

Jesus' Early Life

• Temple Dedication: Recognized by prophets Anna and Simeon.
• Simeon’s Song: Emphasizes Jesus as salvation and light to nations.

Jesus' Mission

• Stage Setting: John’s renewal movement at the Jordan River.
• Genealogy: Traces Jesus from David to Adam, highlighting Jesus’ universal mission.

Public Mission in Nazareth

• Reading from Isaiah: Good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, sight to blind.
• Year of Jubilee: Symbolizes God’s justice and mercy.
• Implications: Social impact of Jesus’ mission.

Good News for the Poor

• Stories of Healing and Inclusion:
  • Healing of sick, paralyzed.
  • Inclusion of social outsiders (e.g., tax collectors, prostitutes).
  • Expansion of God’s kingdom to marginalized.

Formation of New Israel

• Twelve Disciples: Leaders of a new community.
• Sermon on the Plain: Upside-down kingdom values.

Resistance and Controversy

• Opposition from Religious Leaders:
  • Accusations of blasphemy and social mixing.
• Revelation of Jesus’ Mission:
  • Messianic king through suffering, referenced in Isaiah 53.

Transfiguration

• Mountaintop Experience:
  • Transformation with Moses and Elijah.
  • Discusses Jesus’ upcoming exodus in Jerusalem.
  • Depicts Jesus as a new Moses.

Conclusion

• First Half Focus: Sets the stage for Jesus’ mission, emphasizing fulfillment of prophecies and social implications.

• Next Steps: Leads to second half of the book, focusing on the journey to Jerusalem.