What do we need to know about the Gospel of Luke?
We are currently in Year C of our 3 year cycle of Sunday readings (otherwise called The Lectionary), and Year C has a particular focus on the Gospel of Luke (Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and the Gospel of John gets thrown in all three years here and there). Each of the four Biblical accounts of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection brings with it a unique perspective of who Jesus was and what he was about. It is one of the cooler witnesses of our faith that all four accounts were included in the Bible, even though they can differ from one another. This tells us that, even very early on, there was a breadth and depth of belief and understanding within the Christian faith and that Christians have always made room for a variety of ways of relating to, walking with, Jesus.
As we hear parts of Jesus’ story week by week, you may begin to notice themes and currents that run through the Gospel of Luke, Luke’s picture of Jesus asking to take shape in our hearts and imaginations. Like all of the Gospel accounts, Luke’s was written anonymously. Luke was one of the travelling companions of the Apostle Paul, and although he is not named as the author, early on in Christian history this writing became associated with his name. What we do know about ‘Luke’ is that he was a
well-educated writer who passionately researched and compiled this account of
Jesus’ life and proclamation. His Gospel was probably written about the same time as Matthew’s (75-80 AD – although the dating of the Gospel is interesting and could probably use its own bulletin insert), likely using the Gospel of Mark as one of his sources. In fact, Luke is upfront about stating in his preface that he is not speaking from his own experience of Jesus – he is seeking to provide ‘an orderly account’ of the eyewitness reports and various stories that have been circulating about Jesus, addressing his Gospel to the mysterious “Theophilus” (Beloved of God).
There has been ongoing speculation about who this Theophilus might be.
Was he a Roman official? Is Theophilus a code name for a whole community of people, following Christ? Was Luke trying to convince someone to believe, or to strengthen people who already believe?
‘Luke’ is also unique in that his account doesn’t end with Jesus’ death and resurrection. He writes a sequel — “The Acts of the Apostles,” thereby providing a stirring witness to the conflict, challenge, and excitement as masses of people
began to follow Jesus.
Here are a few things to notice as we listen to the Good News according to Luke:
-universalism – Luke believed Jesus’ message was ultimately for all people, not just Jews
-social justice – for Luke, the proclaimed Kingdom is coming here on earth, changing the lives of those who are oppressed
-women – women have a special and unique place in Jesus’ ministry in this account
What else do you notice as themes through our readings this year? What do you hear in Luke’s unique perspective and account? Enjoy paying attention to these questions as our year unfolds and as we draw closer to this faithful and passionate writer in faith.
Blessings to you in the week ahead,
Reverend Martha.