2. Overview Well written Greek
Audience – Greek converts predominantly Gentile
Written around AD
Sources: Mark, ‘Q’ and unique material
To challenge believers to put their faith in action more fully
Scholars often refer to “Luke/Acts” as one book.

3. Ministry to the excluded or disadvantaged
Those who might be despised or overlooded receive special attention (note references to Samaritans 9: : :11-19
And tax collectors 15:1-2, 18:9-14, 19:1-10
Note how this is alluded to in the magnificat
Spelled out in Jesus’ inaugural address.

4. Women in Luke’s Gospel
Prominence of women in gospel 1: :11-17, 8:1-3, 11:27-28,
And parallel references man/woman both represented
Annunciation to Zechariah – annunciation to Mary
Canticle of Mary Canticle of Zechariah
Presentation === prophecy of Simeon & prophecy of Anna
Man w/ mustard seed – woman w/ yeast (13:18 – 21)
Shepherd looking for lost sheep -- woman looking for lost coin
Crippled woman is healed – lame man is healed

5. Luke’s gospel shows Jesus at meals often
Luke’s gospel shows Jesus at meals often. It is at meals that we recognize him; especially in the Emmaus journey. The disciples finally recognize Jesus when he sits to eat with them, in the ‘breaking of the bread’.

6. Jesus prays more in this Gospel than any other
His Baptism, transfiguration, before choosing Disciples, before he questions them about his identity and before he predicts Peter’s denial.
Pointed toward Jerusalem
First chapters w liturgical hymns
4:15, 5:25, 7: references to people worshiping or giving thanks to God

8. Unique to Luke
Canticles (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis)
Infancy narrative (Annunciation, shepherds, angels) (ch 1 & 2)
Jesus’ inaugural sermon (4:14-30)
Parable of Good Samaritan (10:29-37)
Parable of prodigal son (15:11-32)
Parable of the lost coin (15:8-10)
Parable of rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31)
Story of Zacchaeus (19:1-10)
Jesus appears on the rod to Emmaus (24:13-35)
Jesus’ ascension (24:50-53)