In this final week of our series covering the Gospel According to Luke, we will complete our study of this book. We will look at Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, including his death, burial, resurrection, and multiple appearances.
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Undeniably, chapters 20-24 line up closely with the other three Gospel accounts. The details highlighted might be presented differently, but the core of this last week of Jesus’ life is well documented. Jesus continued to level his frustration at religious leaders while preparing his disciples for what was next. The disciples followed Jesus with seemingly no concern for what the end of the week might hold. One can only guess what they must have felt when a simple trip to pray in a garden resulted in the arrest of Jesus. This late-night stroll would lead to unimaginable pain and loss for the disciples. Thankfully, the dark days of Jesus’ arrest, death, and burial were followed by his resurrection. Death was conquered, and Jesus was alive.
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As we consider these chapters, notice how Luke highlights the people who recognized Jesus as either innocent or holy. The outsiders, the outcasts, and the outlaws could discern that Jesus was sent by God. How did this revelation impact them? How would the world forever be changed? And what are we called to do with the knowledge of this incredible story? Luke paints a picture of Jesus spending his life pursuing those who were lost. Will we be willing to do the same?

In the third week of our study of T_he Gospel According to Luke_, we cover ten chapters from Luke 9:51 to 19:10.

In Luke 9:51, Luke transitions the ministry of Jesus from being centralized in and around Galilee to now on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus starts this journey by sending disciples ahead of him to prepare the towns and villages for his arrival. In doing so, the disciples learned to carry the Good News and practiced the lessons they learned. Conflict arises as Jesus intentionally confronts the religious leaders who were not caring for or reaching the lost. These clashes lead to a major disdain for Jesus by the Pharisees, the lawyers, and the Sadducees. Jesus uses this journey to Jerusalem to teach foundational messages about wealth, possession, faith, and discipleship. Sometimes, these messages were delivered employing teaching, but often, the point was made in a parable.

The ministry on the road to Jerusalem section of teaching ends as Jesus nears Jericho in chapter 19. Jesus makes one last big statement about his core belief for the lost by calling the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, to follow him. Zacchaeus responds to the call with a willingness to make right all the wrongs he has committed against his fellow Israelites. Jesus reacts to his decision by reminding us in Luke 19:10 that “the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost.”

As we consider these chapters, there is no denying that Jesus was on a mission. His heart was to reach the lost, and he was frustrated with anyone who stood in his way. This realization should cause us to stop and consider how we view our place concerning the lost and adjust accordingly.

The Gospel According To Luke

In week one of The Gospel According to Luke, we discuss key insights that make Luke’s Gospel account unique to the other accounts. Diving into the first two chapters, we get a taste of the intricate detail Luke offers in his writings as he unpacks the incarnation stories. The first two chapters read like a detailed investigation of the events that changed the world forever.
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Prepare to be drawn into a great narrative that invites you to pull up a seat and bear witness to this catalyst event. Luke captures firsthand accounts and historical details of the days and moments surrounding the birth of Jesus. The stories, settings, and characters cause you to reimagine your place in the grand story of life and invite you to participate in the unfolding.