"WHO IS JESUS?" - Luke
Notes
Transcript
Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
INTRO—
INTRO—
“Hey, Luke… ‘Who is Jesus?’”
Luke 1.3 “So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus,”
Luke 1.5 “In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”
Jesus is the Son of Man who had a definitive purpose.
CERTAINTY
CERTAINTY
Luke 1.1-4 “Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”
Luke is… A steadfast, loyal companion of Paul (Acts 16; 20-21; 27-28; 2 Tim 4.11); a physician (Col 4.14; Phlm 24); a Gentile (or Hellenistic Jew; Col 4.10-14; Acts 1.19)
His audience is… “Most honorable Theophilus;” and us
His purpose is… Luke 1.4 “so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”
“Certainty”: without doubt; assurance; stability.
Of what you’ve been instructed… & which have been fulfilled among us (or, ‘most assuredly believed among us).
Orderly sequence (account)… Carefully investigated… original eyewitnesses [this being the case, who is most likely the author of chapters 1-2]
DISCIPLESHIP (encouragement of another in the faith) is primary emphasis… and it extends across both his books.
Acts 1.1-3 “I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
THE REALITY OF JESUS.
THE REALITY OF JESUS.
Luke most frequently refers to Jesus as “The Son of Man” (on par with Matthew, while also not using the other designations—Son of David; Son of God—as frequently.
As such, he focuses on certain details which help establish that Jesus really lived (just like you and me)…
Jesus’ Lineage & Birth [& Childhood]
As he began his ministry, Jesus was about thirty years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph, son of Heli, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melchi, son of Jannai, son of Joseph, son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Nahum, son of Esli, son of Naggai, son of Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Semein, son of Josech, son of Joda, son of Joanan, son of Rhesa, son of Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, son of Neri, son of Melchi, son of Addi, son of Cosam, son of Elmadam, son of Er, son of Joshua, son of Eliezer, son of Jorim, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Simeon, son of Judah, son of Joseph, son of Jonam, son of Eliakim, son of Melea, son of Menna, son of Mattatha, son of Nathan, son of David, son of Jesse, son of Obed, son of Boaz, son of Salmon, son of Nahshon, son of Amminadab, son of Ram, son of Hezron, son of Perez, son of Judah, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Terah, son of Nahor, son of Serug, son of Reu, son of Peleg, son of Eber, son of Shelah, son of Cainan, son of Arphaxad, son of Shem, son of Noah, son of Lamech, son of Methuselah, son of Enoch, son of Jared, son of Mahalalel, son of Cainan, son of Enos, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God.
Luke 2.7 “Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Luke 2.40 “The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.”
Luke 2.52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
…
Luke 11.27 “As he was saying these things, a woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the one who nursed you!””
Jesus Preceding & Post Crucifixion [/Resurrection]
Luke 22.39-44 “He went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he told them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
Luke 24.36-43 “As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.”
TO ALL THE WORLD
TO ALL THE WORLD
Being a Gentile convert, the intent and extent of God’s plan of redemption was important to him. He was certain to emphasize that salvation certainly came from the Jews…but was not limited to them alone!
Luke 2.32 “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 3.14 “Some soldiers also questioned him, “What should we do?” He said to them, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.””
When he had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
Also…salvation extended to outcasts (even within what was perceived to be the ‘majority culture’ group having a relationship with God.
Luke 2.8-20 [Shepherds]
Luke 3.12 “Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?””
Luke 19.1-10 [Zacchaeus]
Luke 19.10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.””
CONCL—
CONCL—
Luke 15, many consider to be a pivotal chapter in Luke’s Gospel message—the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, & Lost Son.
Luke 15.7 “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.”
Luke 15.10 “I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.””
Luke 15.32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ””
REMEMBER—We ALL were once LOST…& we can LOSE our way even after trusting Jesus. Stay close. Stay focused.
Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.