The Gospel According To Luke 3

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.