The Gospel of Luke

Our sermon series through the Gospel of Luke is all about listening to Jesus. The first four chapters of Luke have been filled with important preliminary information to inform our reading of Luke's Gospel.

The Christmas narrative, Jesus' baptism, His temptation, and His first recorded sermon tell us who this Jesus is. He is the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the one who will be the stand-in for sinners, and the one who will bring restoration to the world. He is for us. Entering into the world so that he might draw sinners close to himself!

As you read through Luke, below is an outline of the Gospel including some of the major themes to watch for in each section!

The Gospel of Luke: Outline

1. Introduction (Luke 1:1-4:13)

   God’s ancient promises are being fulfilled as Jesus takes up His rightful place as king over Israel and all of Creation. Jesus will sit upon David's throne and rule in Justice and Righteousness. (Themes include: Jesus as the Son of God; worship in the temple, ministry to the Gentiles, and the work of the Holy Spirit).

   
   

2. Galilean Ministry (Luke 4:14-9:50)

   Jesus’ ministry in Galilee is introduced by his sermon in the synagogue in Nazareth and his fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2. Jesus’ ministry in Galilee is characterized by healing, casting out demons, preaching the Good News, forgiving sins, appointing his apostles, & teaching about discipleship. (Themes include: God's "upside-down" Kingdom, the fulfillment of Scripture; ministry to the Gentiles; Jesus' authority, and the necessity of His suffering as the"Son of Man" from Daniel 7).

3. Journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:27)

   As Jesus journeys towards Jerusalem, His ministry makes a discernible shift. While Jesus does not cease to heal or cast out demons, this section of the Gospel contains more teaching - especially in the form of parables - than Parts I, II, and IV. (Themes in Jesus' teaching include: prayer, faith, God’s grace, the glory and suffering of the Son of Man, and preparation for His Jerusalem ministry).

4. Jerusalem Ministry (Luke 19:28-24:53)

   Jesus' time in Jerusalem is fraught with conflict. Jesus condemns the temple, spars with the leaders of the religious establishment, and institutes the Lord's Supper. The climax to Luke's narrative comes as Jesus is arrested, tried, crucified, and raised again on Easter. The final verses anticipate Jesus' continued ministry narrated in Luke's sequel, The Book of Acts. (Themes include: Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture, worship in the temple, ministry to all nations, and the anticipation of the gift of the Holy Spirit).

I pray this helps guide your reading! For a downloadable copy of the outline click HERE

In Christ,

Pastor Nick