A careful account of Jesus, the Saviour who came to seek and save the lost.

Section
New Testament, Gospels
Book
42 of 66
Chapters
24
Written by
Luke, a doctor and a companion of Paul
When
Probably around AD 60 to 80
Written to
Theophilus, and readers from every background

The big picture

Luke says he investigated everything carefully so that his readers could be sure of what they had been taught. He tells of Jesus’ birth in more detail than any other Gospel.

Again and again Jesus welcomes people others left out: the poor, women, tax collectors, lepers and outsiders. Luke has parables found nowhere else, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Luke also wrote Acts, which continues the story.

Why it was written

To give a trustworthy account of Jesus, and to show that His salvation is for everyone.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Luke 2:10-11 – Good news of great joy for all the people
  • Luke 4:18-19 – Jesus announces good news for the poor
  • Luke 15 – The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son
  • Luke 19:10 – The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost

How it points to Jesus

Luke shows Jesus as the Saviour of the whole world. He traces Jesus’ family line back to Adam, and ends with the risen Jesus explaining how all the Scriptures were about Him (Luke 24:27).

Themes and people

Themes: Salvation for all · Prayer · The Holy Spirit · Joy · Welcome for outsiders

People: Jesus · Mary · Elizabeth and Zechariah · Zacchaeus · Martha and Mary

Study it together

  1. In the story of the lost son, which brother are you more like?
  2. Who is left out around you, and how could you welcome them?
  3. Luke often shows Jesus praying. When and where do you pray best?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.