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by David Alan Greene (Author)
The Gospel of Luke is the third of the three synoptic gospels in the New Testament. The four gospels stand together as they record eyewitness testimony of the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus, the Messiah. The synoptic gospels allow us to place these records side by side for easy comparison of the facts. Luke was the beloved doctor who wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He is believed to be one of the seventy who were commissioned by Jesus to carry the gospel message. Later, he was a companion to the Apostle Paul during his missionary trips.
When we read Luke, it is important to understand that all the gospels are a continuation of the Old Testament. Nothing had changed. The children of Abraham were still under the Mosaic Law. They lived in earnest expectation of the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies made to them by God. Two prophecies remained paramount in their minds. The first is the arrival of the Anointed One-the Messiah. He is Israel's hope for salvation. The second is the promise of the eternal Kingdom. God made a promise to King David. God would raise up a Son of David Who would establish David's throne forever. The Gospel of Matthew, in its first verses, establishes that Jesus is the rightful Heir to David's throne.
All four gospels declare the good news of the Gospel of the Kingdom, yet Luke is best known for his narrative of the nativity. It is often read aloud at Christmas. He tells the life story of Jesus in an orderly way. He begins with the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus, the Son of God. He continues with a detailed account of Jesus' birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He concludes with Jesus' ascension and final instruction. The Gospel of Luke provides an excellent source for understanding the Messiah-His life and His mission.
