Luke

A careful, orderly account of Jesus’ life, written for Theophilus. Luke highlights Jesus’ care for outsiders, the poor, women and sinners, and includes many of his best-known parables, like the good Samaritan and the prodigal son.

Author

Luke, a doctor and companion of Paul

Written

About AD 60 to 80

Chapters

1. 1Luke 1Luke writes an orderly account. Angels announce the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat.
2. 2Luke 2Jesus is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. Angels appear to shepherds. Simeon and Anna recognise him in the temple. At twelve, he stays in his Father’s house.
3. 3Luke 3John the Baptist preaches repentance. Jesus is baptised, and his family line is traced back to Adam.
4. 4Luke 4Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, announces his mission in Nazareth from Isaiah 61, is rejected, and heals many.
5. 5Luke 5Jesus calls Peter after a huge catch of fish, heals a leper and a paralysed man, and calls Levi.
6. 6Luke 6Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus chooses the twelve and teaches: love your enemies, do not judge, and build on the rock.
7. 7Luke 7Jesus heals a centurion’s servant, raises a widow’s son, and forgives a sinful woman who anoints his feet.
8. 8Luke 8The parable of the sower. Jesus calms a storm, frees a demon-possessed man, heals a woman, and raises Jairus’ daughter.
9. 9Luke 9Jesus sends the twelve, feeds five thousand, Peter confesses him as the Christ, the transfiguration, and Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem.
10. 10Luke 10Jesus sends out seventy-two. The parable of the good Samaritan. Martha and Mary.
11. 11Luke 11Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and persistence in prayer, and rebukes the Pharisees.
12. 12Luke 12Do not fear those who kill the body. The rich fool. Do not worry. Be ready for the master’s return.
13. 13Luke 13Repent or perish. Jesus heals a bent woman on the Sabbath. The narrow door. He laments over Jerusalem.
14. 14Luke 14Jesus heals on the Sabbath and teaches humility at feasts. The great banquet. Count the cost of following him.
15. 15Luke 15Parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son: heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
16. 16Luke 16The shrewd manager. You cannot serve God and money. The rich man and Lazarus.
17. 17Luke 17Forgive, have faith, and serve. Ten lepers are healed, and only one returns to thank Jesus. The kingdom of God is among you.
18. 18Luke 18The persistent widow, the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus blesses children, the rich ruler, and a blind man is healed.
19. 19Luke 19Zacchaeus the tax collector meets Jesus and gives back what he stole: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus enters Jerusalem and weeps over it.
20. 20Luke 20Jesus’ authority is questioned. The parable of the tenants, and questions about taxes and the resurrection.
21. 21Luke 21A widow’s offering. Jesus foretells Jerusalem’s fall and his return.
22. 22Luke 22The Last Supper, Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest, and Peter’s denial.
23. 23Luke 23Jesus is tried before Pilate and Herod and crucified. He forgives those who crucify him and promises a thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
24. 24Luke 24Jesus rises. He walks with two disciples to Emmaus, appears to the eleven, opens their minds to the Scriptures, and ascends to heaven.