Luke's Gospel in a Nutshell
Luke's Gospel in a Nutshell
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The Gospel according to Luke is a carefully researched and orderly account of the life of Jesus Christ, written by Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul. Addressed to a man named Theophilus, Luke’s Gospel emphasizes historical accuracy and presents Jesus as the Savior of all people—Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women alike. It highlights God’s plan of salvation unfolding in history and Jesus’ compassionate concern for the marginalized.
Luke begins with a parallel birth narrative of John the Baptist and Jesus, showing their miraculous origins and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The early chapters feature songs of praise, angelic announcements, and Jesus’ presentation at the temple, where Simeon and Anna proclaim Him as the Messiah. Luke is the only Gospel to include a story from Jesus' youth, showing His awareness of His divine mission even as a child.
As Jesus begins His ministry, Luke highlights His message of good news for the poor, healing for the brokenhearted, and freedom for the oppressed. He reaches out to sinners, tax collectors, women, Samaritans, and others on the margins of society. Through parables unique to Luke—such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son—Jesus teaches the values of God's kingdom: mercy, repentance, humility, and joy over the lost being found.
A major section of Luke’s Gospel is Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem, where He teaches His disciples about the cost of following Him. He predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, calling His followers to live lives of self-denial and faithfulness. In Jerusalem, Jesus clashes with religious leaders, weeps over the city’s rejection, and institutes the Last Supper with His disciples.
The Gospel climaxes with Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. On the cross, Luke uniquely records Jesus forgiving His executioners and offering salvation to a repentant criminal. After rising from the dead, Jesus appears to His disciples, explains how the Scriptures point to His suffering and glory, and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. The book ends with Jesus’ ascension, pointing forward to the continuation of His work in the book of Acts.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Greek Scriptures
Greek Scriptures
(New Testament Books)
Outline of the Gospel according to Luke
Outline of the Gospel according to Luke
I. Prologue and Purpose of the Gospel – Luke 1:1–4
A. Dedication to Theophilus – 1:1–4
II. The Births and Childhoods of John the Baptist and Jesus – Luke 1:5–2:52
A. Announcement of John’s Birth – 1:5–25
B. Announcement of Jesus’ Birth – 1:26–38
C. Mary Visits Elizabeth – 1:39–56
D. Birth and Naming of John – 1:57–66
E. Zechariah’s Prophecy – 1:67–80
F. Birth of Jesus – 2:1–7
G. Announcement to the Shepherds – 2:8–20
H. Presentation at the Temple – 2:21–40
I. Jesus at Age Twelve – 2:41–52
III. Preparation for Jesus’ Public Ministry – Luke 3:1–4:13
A. Ministry of John the Baptist – 3:1–20
B. Baptism of Jesus – 3:21–22
C. Genealogy of Jesus – 3:23–38
D. Temptation in the Wilderness – 4:1–13
IV. Ministry in Galilee – Luke 4:14–9:50
A. Rejection at Nazareth – 4:14–30
B. Authority Over Demons and Disease – 4:31–41
C. Preaching in Galilee – 4:42–44
D. Calling of the First Disciples – 5:1–11
E. Miracles and Authority – 5:12–6:11
F. Choosing the Twelve Apostles – 6:12–16
G. Sermon on the Plain – 6:17–49
H. Demonstration of Power and Compassion – 7:1–50
I. Parables and Teaching – 8:1–21
J. Miracles Over Nature, Demons, Disease, and Death – 8:22–56
K. Sending the Twelve – 9:1–9
L. Feeding the Five Thousand – 9:10–17
M. Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ First Prediction – 9:18–27
N. The Transfiguration – 9:28–36
O. Healings and Humility Lessons – 9:37–50
V. Journey to Jerusalem – Luke 9:51–19:27
A. Mission and Rejection in Samaria – 9:51–56
B. Cost of Discipleship – 9:57–62
C. Sending the Seventy-Two – 10:1–24
D. Parable of the Good Samaritan – 10:25–37
E. Mary and Martha – 10:38–42
F. Teaching on Prayer – 11:1–13
G. Warnings Against Hypocrisy – 11:14–12:59
H. Call to Repentance and Readiness – 13:1–35
I. Teachings on Humility, the Kingdom, and Discipleship – 14:1–35
J. Parables of the Lost – 15:1–32
K. Stewardship and the Law – 16:1–31
L. Teachings on Faith and Service – 17:1–19
M. The Coming Kingdom – 17:20–37
N. Parables on Prayer and Humility – 18:1–14
O. Teachings on Children, Wealth, and Discipleship – 18:15–30
P. Third Prediction of Death and Healing a Blind Man – 18:31–43
Q. Zacchaeus and the Parable of the Ten Minas – 19:1–27
VI. Jesus’ Final Week in Jerusalem – Luke 19:28–21:38
A. Triumphal Entry – 19:28–44
B. Cleansing the Temple – 19:45–48
C. Authority and Teaching in the Temple – 20:1–21:4
D. Prophecy of the Destruction of the Temple and End Times – 21:5–38
VII. The Passion of the Christ – Luke 22:1–23:56
A. The Plot and the Last Supper – 22:1–38
B. Prayer and Arrest at Gethsemane – 22:39–53
C. Trials Before the Sanhedrin and Pilate – 22:54–23:25
D. The Crucifixion – 23:26–49
E. Burial of Jesus – 23:50–56
VIII. The Resurrection and Ascension – Luke 24:1–53
A. Resurrection and the Empty Tomb – 24:1–12
B. The Road to Emmaus – 24:13–35
C. Appearance to the Disciples – 24:36–49
D. Ascension into Heaven – 24:50–53
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
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