Luke BIBLE READING JOURNAL www.magnifyhimtogether.com (2018)
Contents Introduction to Luke... Page 1 Study Tips... Page 3 Key Words and Themes to Look for... Page 4 Chapter 1... Page 6 Chapter 2... Page 8 Chapter 3... Page 10 Chapter 4... Page 12 Chapter 5... Page 14 Chapter 6... Page 16 Chapter 7... Page 18 Chapter 8... Page 20 Chapter 9... Page 22 Chapter 10... Page 24 Chapter 11... Page 26 Chapter 12... Page 28 Chapter 13... Page 30 Chapter 14... Page 32 Chapter 15... Page 34 Chapter 16... Page 36 Chapter 17... Page 38 Chapter 18... Page 40 Chapter 19... Page 42 Chapter 20... Page 44 Chapter 21... Page 46 Chapter 22... Page 48 Chapter 23... Page 50 Chapter 24... Page 52 Page i
Introduction to the Gospel according to Luke There are four parallel gospels that describe the life of our Lord. Why the repetitiveness? Each gospel covers Christ s ministry from a unique angle. For this study we are going to follow themes that are unique to the gospel of Luke. The gospel is written by Luke who is the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book (writing both Luke and Acts of the Apostles). As such, the gospel of Luke is written with a particular emphasis not only on the Gentiles, but also on all of the lower social classes of the time the poor (and the contrasting rich and materialism), the broken, the women, the sick, the sinners and the Gentiles the underdogs, so to speak. Luke traces how Christ and the gospel message turn the world upside down - He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. Along similar lines, Luke also places particular emphasis on replacing the customs of the law with the salvation and grace of the new covenant. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19v10 When the four gospels are paralleled with the four faces of the cherubim, Luke s gospel is aligned with the man the priest. Therefore, one of the main titles ascribed to Christ in the gospel of Luke is Son of Man. It is a title of a relatable priest, a suffering servant, and ultimately a coming judge For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Because of this there is a greater emphasis on emotion here than any other gospel: joy, rejoicing, weeping, amazement, fear etc. Christ s, the high priest s, compassion and sympathy are also themes woven through Luke, and he is often portrayed dining with various individuals and people (12 times to be exact) showing his fellowship and connection with them as individuals. He is an intercessory priest, and as such prayer also is a theme that runs more heavily in the gospel of Luke than the other gospels. He is a high priest on a journey to Jerusalem. He is on a mission to officiate in Salem. This was to be the place where his priestly work would be fulfilled at the cross, and this will be the place where he will officiate for all of the world at the temple in the future age. But furthermore, this is a healing priest. The priests under the law could only declare a man to be clean or unclean, but Christ is a priest with the power to heal. Luke was a physician, and as such would have been well aware of the terrible effects of sin. In the gospel of Luke, there is a special focus given to the healing power of Christ for the universal illnesses of mankind of sin and its effects. Theme words include salvation, save, and savior. Page 1
Luke writes that he has taken in hand to set in order a narrative. Thus Luke s gospel is a chronological one. He has gathered his information from key eyewitnesses and put them in an orderly account. Luke s gospel is written to Theophilus, whose name means beloved of God. Whether Theophilus was a specific individual or not, we can trust that this Gospel written by Luke has been inspired and preserved for all who are loved of the Father. Dearly beloved of God, may God be with you in your studies and we pray that you are encouraged and strengthened as you follow the themes through the gospel of Luke. Sources and Resources: The Companion Bible by Bullinger. Parables of Luke Manitoulin Youth Conference workbook (on www.youthconference.com). Luke the Man, part of the Four Faces of Christ in the Gospel series by Roger Lewis on www.christadelphianbibletalks.com. Son of Man in the Gospel of Luke by Mark OGrady also on www.christadelphianbibletalks.com. Page 2
Purpose of Reading the Word of God Study Tips Pray Read it is the sword of the spirit to withstand evil (Ephesians 6:17) it can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12) it is a seed that is sown (Luke 8:11) it gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130) it accomplishes God s purpose (Isaiah 55:11) it is like a fire and a hammer that breaks rock (Jeremiah 23:29) it is spiritual food (living bread) (Luke 4:4) it works in those who believe (1 Thess 2:13) we are born again by the word (1 Peter 1:23) with it God smites the earth (Isaiah 11:4) with it God rules the nations (Revelation 19:15) it produces faith (Romans 10:17) it can overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:14) it makes us holy (Numbers 15:40) by it we understand righteousness, judgement, and equity (Proverbs 2:9) it delivers from evil (Proverbs 2:12) it brings peace (Isaiah 48:18) it is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105) it is the joy and rejoicing of the heart (Jer 15:16) it is truth (John 17:17) These are all suggestions to boost your study. You may find that you will focus on only one or two things from the sections notice or make connections. The important thing is to conclude with a lesson and meditation (and action and prayer) that you want to take away from your reading! Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Color and list theme words and concepts. Divide the chapter into sections. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg. www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Look up any words you do not understand, or would like to know more deeply. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Expand What does this passage (the section you have focused on, or theme word, or cross reference you have looked at) teach about God? What does this passage teach about ourselves? What correct or incorrect actions or thoughts are presented that we can learn from? What is being said that needs to be obeyed, followed, avoided, or rejoiced over, believed in? Use Meditational verse from the chapter (write it down!) Action. Prayer. Page 3
Key Words and Themes to Look for Choose colors to mark the various key words and themes. See the page following if you would like to make a list of theme words, word groups, or ideas. Feel free to make more than one copy of that page. Color Theme Word/s Outcasts: poor, sick, broken, sinners, widows, women, Gentiles custom (s), the law, the current priesthood, temple rich, materialism, mighty, proud salvation, save, savior, healing priesthood, son of man, journey to Jerusalem prayer, praise Feeling/emotion: joy, rejoicing, weeping, fear, compassion, sympathy, mercy, amazement, marvel etc dining Page 4
Theme word(s): Page 5
Luke 1-2 Introduction ~ Christ s Early Life Luke Chapter 1: The Lord has remembered his oath Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. The entire of chapter one is unique to Luke s gospel. (Note: Matthew chapter 1 recounts the angels appearance to Joseph, but not Mary.) Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-4) Section 2 (verses 5-25) Section 3 (verses 26-38) Section 4 (verses 39-45) Section 5 (verses 46-56) Section 6 (verses 57-66) Section 7 (verses 67-80) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Some ideas to get you started are: Cross reference incense to find its symbolism. Find the allusions to the book of Isaiah (Perhaps you would like to make a chart of all the Luke quotes and allusions to Isaiah). Compare Mary and Hannah s songs. Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. The meanings of the names in this chapter are particularly significant, and worth looking up! Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. In this chapter there are two parallel stories occurring (it continues through chapter 2). Find similarities and differences between them. Notes: Page 6
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 7
Luke Chapter 2: They were amazed Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. The entire of chapter two is unique to Luke s gospel. (Note: Matthew chapter 2 recounts the visit of the wise men, but not Christ s birth or the shepherd s visit.) Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Also notice the David theme in the two sections describing Christ s birth. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-7) Section 2 (verses 8-20) Section 3 (verses 21-24) Section 4 (verses 25-35) Section 5 (verses 36-38) Section 6 (verses 39-40) Section 7 (verses 41-50) Section 8 (verses 51-52) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Some ideas to get you started are: Compare with Galatians 4. There are two songs of praise in this chapter. What connections do you notice between these two praises and the two from the previous chapter? Look up cross references to the specific laws that they are fulfilling. (Note the days of purification. How many days were they? Where else in Christ s life do you see a parallel to this and what immediately precedes and concludes each of these times? Another interesting note is the sacrifice brought by Mary and Joseph. Why is it significant?) Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. This chapter introduces Christ s first two journeys to Jerusalem. Why do you think they are significant? Notice the three women in the record so far. What are their similarities and differences? (Perhaps you would like to make a list on a separate page as you go through Luke of the various women encountered, and perhaps do a character study on one or more of them.) Notes: Page 8
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 9
Luke 3-9:50 ~ Christ and His Mission Luke Chapter 3: My beloved son Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 1-2a, 5-6, 10-14, 23-36 Note that Matthew s genealogy in Matt 1 is believed to be through Joseph, while the genealogy here in Luke is believed to be through Mary. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-6) Section 2 (verses 7-18) Section 3 (verses 21-22) Section 4 (verses 23-38) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Compare the genealogy of Christ here with the genealogy in Matthew 1. What are the differences and why is it significant? Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestions: crooked in verse 5, and baptism in verse 21. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. The sections that are exclusive to Luke in this chapter directly correspond to the themes of Luke. In the sections of this chapter that are also in other gospel records, notice any significant details or small additions in the Luke record. Notes: Page 10
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 11
Luke Chapter 4: With authority and power Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 16-30. Also note that verse 14 actually occurred at the beginning of the second year of Christ s ministry. Nearly all of the first year of Christ s ministry has been omitted between verses 13-14. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-13) Section 2 (verses 14-15) Section 3 (verses 16-30) Section 4 (verses 31-37) Section 5 (verses 38-39) Section 6 (verses 40-41) Section 7 (verses 42-44) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Compare the three temptations of Christ here with the temptation of Adam and Eve in Eden. Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestion: fame in verse 37. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Continue to note differences in overlapping sections. Beginning in the previous chapter in verse 21 (Christ s baptism) through to the end of chapter 4, a Son of God theme appears in the text. Note these instances. What do you think the importance is? Notes: Page 12
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 13
Luke Chapter 5: Thy sins are forgiven Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 1-11, 15b, 17, 26b, 39. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-11) Section 2 (verses 12-16) Section 3 (verses 17-26) Section 4 (verses 27-32) Section 5 (verses 33-39) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Compare the three calls of Peter (here and John 1:40-42, and Matt 4:18-22/ Mark. 1:16-20). Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestions: master in verse 5, parable in verse 36. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Verse 22 is the first time Christ mentions his sufferings in Luke, but note how they continue to come up after this pivotal point. Continue to pay attention to the unique details recorded here in Luke why did he include them? Notes: Page 14
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 15
Luke Chapter 6: Lord of the Sabbath Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 12, 17-19, 24-26, 45. Also note that the appointing of the disciples occurred about four months into the second year of Christ s ministry (about four months has passed since chapter 4:14). Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-5) Section 2 (verses 6-11) Section 3 (verses 12-16) Section 4 (verses 17-19) Section 5 (verses 20-23) Section 6 (verses 24-26) Section 7 (verses 27-36) Section 8 (verses 37-42) Section 9 (verses 43-45) Section 10 (verses 46-49) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Notice in your margin (or tsk) the many cross references to James and Proverbs. Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestions: virtue in verse 19, blessed in verse 20. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Continue to notice significance of passages exclusive to Luke. Compare Matthew s Sermon on the Mount with Luke s Sermon on the Plain. What similarities, what differences do you see? Notes: Page 16
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 17
Luke Chapter 7: I send my messenger Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 11-17, 20-21, 29-30. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-10) Section 2 (verses 11-17) Section 3 (verses 18-35) Section 4 (verses 36-50) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Cross reference Christ s quote in verse 27 to Malachi 3:1. Who else is a messenger? Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestion: offended verse 23. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Compare the differences with the healing of the centurion s servant here to Matthew 8:5-13. Continue to notice passages exclusive to Luke aligning with themes peculiar to Luke. If you have made a chart of women listed in Luke, add the stories from this chapter. Notes: Page 18
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 19
Luke Chapter 8: Given to know the mysteries Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 1-4, 46, 47b. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-3) Section 2 (verses 4-8) Section 3 (verses 9-10) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Use cross references to find more information on the symbols used in the parable of the sower. Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Compare the two daughters in verses 40-56. Notes: Section 4 (verses 11-15) Section 5 (verses 16-18) Section 6 (verses 19-21) Section 7 (verses 22-25) Section 8 (verses 26-39) Section 9 (verses 40-56) Page 20
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 21
Luke 9:51-19:28 ~ The Journey to Jerusalem Luke Chapter 9: Steadfastly set his face Notice Highlight the inside of your margin with the sections of the chapter exclusive to Luke. For sections that overlap with other gospels compare with the parallel account to find any notable differences. Verses unique to Luke are verses 2,6, 31-33, 34b, 51-55, 59a, 61-62. This chapter marks a significant turning point in Christ s ministry. The feeding of the five thousand occurs around the time of the third Passover of Christ s ministry (a year before his death). Notice the change in tone following this Passover. In verse 51 begins a pivotal point where Christ is steadfastly committed to going to Jerusalem. Verse 51 occurs around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles about six months prior to his crucifixion. Therefore the remaining chapters of Luke occur in this final six month window of time. Color and list theme words and concepts. Refer to the table on page 4. Title the sections of the chapter. (Luke has long chapters, so sometimes it might be worth choosing a section to zoom in on.) Section 1 (verses 1-6) Section 2 (verses 7-9) Section 3 (verses 10-17) Section 4 (verses 18-20) Section 5 (verses 21-22) Section 6 (verses 23-27) Section 7 (verses 28-36) Section 8 (verses 37-42) Section 9 (verses 43-45) Section 10 (verses 46-48) Section 11 (verses 49-50) Section 12 (verses 51-56) Section 13 (verses 57-62) Make Connections Look up cross references related to Luke themes in this chapter using either your margin or an online study tool (eg www.tsk-online.com has many cross references for each verse). Compare the transfiguration account with the account in Matthew and Luke. What details and differences do you notice? Look up any words you do not understand or would like to know more deeply. Word look up suggestions: apostles in verse 10, decease in verse 31, reasoning in verse 46. Observe what the main themes or unique details are and think about why they might be included here. Notes: Page 22
Expand What is the main lesson for you from this passage (the section, theme word, or cross reference you have spent time on)? Use Meditational verse Action Prayer Page 23