Prayer in Luke
Luke revealed the prayer life of Jesus. Jesus prayed at his baptism (Luke 3:21). He often prayed in secret (Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28-29). He gave thanks before eating (Luke 9:16, 22:17-19). Significant prayers in Luke include the "Lord's Prayer" and the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 11:1-4, 22:39-46). Two parables found only in Luke highlight the importance of persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8).
Women in Luke
Luke paid special attention to women. The birth narrative was written from Mary’s perspective. Women contributed monetarily to Christ’s ministry (Luke 8:1-3). Women observed the crucifixion (Luke 23:49). And, Jesus first appeared to women when He was resurrected (Luke 24:1-10).
Miracles in Luke
Miracles confirmed the authority of Jesus – eliciting fear, amazement, and faith in those who witnessed them. Luke connects the miracles of Jesus with statements about his identity. Miracles prompted Jewish leaders (Luke 5:18-26), Roman officials (Luke 9:7-9), the multitudes (Luke 9:18-19), and the disciples (Luke 8:22-25) to ask “Who is this?”
Did you know?
- Luke was a Greek, making him the only non-Jewish New Testament writer.
- Luke is the only gospel with a sequel – the book of Acts. It is the longest gospel account. Luke’s writings, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, account for more than 25% of the New Testament.
- Luke contains 18 parables that are found in no other gospel. Well-known parables like the Good Samaritan, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son are found only in Luke’s gospel (Luke 10:25-37, 15:4-7, 15:11-32).