Same Glorious Song, Third Beautiful Verse

As we close this third gospel of the life and ministry of Christ, we notice that Luke's interest seems to have been on society surrounding these miraculous events. Many passages in this book cover the same events with a different narrative as the other gospels. And, then I also found it interesting to note that Luke includes some parables that are not mentioned in the other gospels. The parable of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Rich Man and Lazarus are found only here. The gospels are like a song, presented for worship, by four different people, each with their own verse to share. Unique, but unified. The message is the same: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which is lost." Luke 19:10 seems to be the theme for this book.

Luke was a double-eye-witness to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Luke also shares the most famous portion of scripture about the story of Christ's birth. It is interesting to me how much the birth and death have in common. He was buried in a borrowed tomb hewn from rock, just as the stable was borrowed for His birth, likely a cave-like structure. His body was wrapped in strips of linen after His death, much like the strips of cloth his body was wrapped in after He was born. Of course, the spices that were brought to His birth, were the ones used at times of burial.

Luke was orderly, and detailed. Being a doctor, I suppose the details would be important. My study Bible says that Luke's entire gospel is in chronological order. Now for a girl like me, who asks a lot of questions, and is always interested in the cause and effect.....this thrills me!!! I want to see what-lead-to what. And, I love how Luke gives times and dates for many of these events. Timing is everything, and God has the Kingdom calendar all laid out. Luke gave many details, and some of my favorites are on the prayer life of Jesus. Several times Luke mentions Jesus praying in an every day setting, such as before meals or intimate times with His Father. The prayers at His baptism, arrest, and the Lord's Prayer are also found in Luke's account.

Luke spoke to both the Jew and the Gentile, male and female....all those who loved God. I wonder if this is why the gospel of Luke includes 18 parables that are not mentioned in any other?? He was trying to speak to a vast audience, and often explained the Jewish customs in the process. He is the only New Testament writer who was not Jewish. Luke also seemed to pay close attention to women. The birth of Christ is told from Mary's viewpoint. He noted that women supported the ministry financially, observed the crucifixion, and were the first to see the risen Lord. There are none left out of gospel's reach!

What wonderful things we can learn from Luke! Reading through the four gospels is kind of like having four friends, isn't it?? ....each with a different personality with individual life histories that bring truth from a different perspective. God's word is knit together perfectly. It's a glorious song with many verses. After these three three gospel verses, I look forward to the fourth don't you?