This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Luke? This Gospel was written by Luke, a physician and coworker of the apostle Paul. It is a detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus. Luke places special emphasis on Jesus’s concern for including social outsiders and seeking the lost. Luke is the longest book in the New Testament and contains many stories and teachings found only in this Gospel.
How Luke Fits Into the Story: Luke’s Gospel has a unique focus on Jesus as a friend of sinners and Savior of the world. In focusing on Jesus as the Son of Man who came to seek and save the lost, this Gospel pays close attention to how Jesus engaged with the marginalized. It also highlights His conversations with the religious leaders of the day, as well as His teachings on the nature of the kingdom of God. Luke shows how the salvation, predicted by Old Testament prophets, has arrived in Jesus and is available to the whole world.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Luke 19:1–10 clarify your understanding of Jesus’s mission on earth?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
@Kathy–Well stated!
Praying for safe travels. And boy… Do I know how much we love our animals. Praying for your son.
1. Jesus came to save EVERYONE! Everyone who is willing to accept the gift of His salvation! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done as long as you repent and accept this free gift of salvation Our Jesus extends his arms out to us. Not sure if you heard the podcast a week or two back about a gruesome criminal who accepted Jesus into his heart just before his death. Even he will be with all of us in heaven someday.
@ DOROTHY – I read your comment from yesterday and must say, one of my FAVOURITE reads through the Bible was with a “Chronological” Bible; it was SO enlightening because the books are interspersed in such a meaningful way (e.g. Psalm David wrote at a certain time in his life is right there alongside the event itself).
God bless
Jesus came for the last, the least, and the lost. He also came for the self-righteous, the prideful, the stubborn, and the arrogant. He has come for those who need Him the most and for those who think they need Him the least.
The Ezekiel reading and the Ephesians reading were pure poetry and beautifully depict God’s emphasis on saving, strengthening and redeeming the lost rather than punishing evil. In the redemption story it’s evident his goal is to save and unite. The destruction of evil is a sad but necessary consequence that must be done to achieve His kingdom.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus continually looks at the heart. He’s not distracted by outward appearances, status, or job title. He looks inward. When he healed people, he wasn’t looking at who sinned, but the heart of the person or the family & friends who brought the person. He saw their heart & belief.
I appreciated the commentary from SRT that Luke focuses on the social outcast. What a great reminder to look outward for the least of these & not focus on who society says should be shown favor.
Praying for the requests shared hear this morning.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. There is no pit too deep that Jesus’ touch can’t pull you out of. God seeks us out. Not only does He make His gracious offer of redemption, but He seeks out the lost so that they can come home.