The Gospel According to Luke

Introduction

• Luke's Portrayal: Focuses on John the Baptist and Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament and God's promises.
• Jesus' Mission: Starts with bringing the good news of God's Kingdom to the poor and marginalized.
• Upside-Down Kingdom: Jesus teaches a reversal of social values.

Jesus as the New Moses

• Culminates with Jesus as a new Moses bringing a new Exodus through His death in Jerusalem.

Journey to Jerusalem

• Main Focus: Jesus leading His newly formed Israel on a journey to Jerusalem.
• Teachings and Parables: Given along the road to His disciples and others.

Being a Disciple

• Mission Participation: Disciples are sent to announce God's Kingdom.
• Teachings on the Road: Includes prayer, trust in God's provision, and minimalist mentality towards possessions for radical generosity.

Mission to the Poor

• Encounters with sick, blind, Samaritans, and Zacchaeus reflect Jesus' mission to marginalized.
• Banquet Metaphor: Jesus' Kingdom is like a great banquet welcoming outsiders.

Parable of the Prodigal Son

• Narrative: A lost son is welcomed back by a forgiving father, causing tension with the elder brother.
• Kingdom Mission: Represents God's welcoming of all into His family, requiring only humility and repentance.

Resistance and Arrival in Jerusalem

• Conflict with Leaders: Resistance from Israel's leaders grows as Jesus reaches Jerusalem.
• Prophetic Actions: Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, enacts it symbolically in the temple.

Passover and New Exodus

• Passover Meal: Bread and wine symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, indicating a new liberation.
• Arrest and Trial: Jesus is arrested, trialed, declared innocent by Pilate but crucified.

Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death

• Embodies Love and Mercy: Offers forgiveness even while on the cross.
• Promise to Criminal: Offers hope by saying, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

Resurrection

• Empty Tomb: Disciples find the tomb empty with angels announcing His resurrection.
• Emmaus Story: Jesus walks with disciples unrecognized, revealing Himself through breaking bread.

Conclusion

• Final Meal: Jesus explains His mission and resurrection from Old Testament prophecies.
• Future Mission: Disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit to empower them, leading into the Book of Acts.

Key Themes

• Upside-Down Kingdom: Emphasizes humility, repentance, and radical generosity.
• God’s Plan: Jesus' mission aligns with Old Testament prophecies, expanding God's Kingdom beyond Israel.