Luke’s Gospel

A look-back over the first nine chapters of Luke’s gospel, tracing the main themes.

Jesus told his disciples about the suffering that lay ahead for him.  But they could not and would not believe it. They were confident that worldly success was just around the corner.  So at the time when he most needed their support, he was left isolated and lonely.  Too many Christians follow the example of the disciples and offer glib reassurances when their brothers and sisters are struggling.

When believers lose sight of the cross, they can become arrogant, ambitious, exclusive, vengeful.  And that’s what happened to the disciples.  They could not or would not listen to what Jesus said about his approaching sufferings and death.  No wonder their attitudes and relationships were warped.

Three of Jesus’s disciples were allowed to see his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration.  But meanwhile the other nine, at the foot of the mountain were helpless in the face of demonic power.  What had gone wrong?

We sketch out eight ways in which Christ is made known to us in the Old Testament.