42. Luke (Bible Summary)

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The Preface (1:1–4)

  • Introduction: Luke addresses Theophilus, explaining the purpose of writing an orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus’ life to provide certainty about the things they have been taught.

The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5—2:52)

The Annunciations (1:5–56)

  • Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth: The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of his son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord.
  • Announcement of Jesus’ Birth: Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God.

The Birth of John the Baptist (1:57–80)

  • John’s Birth and Naming: Zechariah’s prophecy upon John’s birth, proclaiming his role in preparing the way for the Messiah.

The Birth and Childhood of Jesus (ch. 2)

  • Jesus’ Birth: Jesus is born in Bethlehem, and angels announce his birth to shepherds.
  • Presentation at the Temple: Jesus is presented at the temple, where Simeon and Anna prophesy about his significance.
  • Return to Nazareth: The family returns to Nazareth, where Jesus grows and becomes strong, filled with wisdom.

The Preparation of Jesus for His Public Ministry (3:1—4:13)

His Forerunner (3:1–20)

  • John the Baptist’s Ministry: John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes people, preparing the way for Jesus. He rebukes the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers, calling them to bear fruits of repentance.

His Baptism (3:21–22)

  • Jesus’ Baptism: Jesus is baptized by John, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove, with the voice of God affirming him as His beloved Son.

His Genealogy (3:23–38)

  • Genealogy of Jesus: Jesus’ lineage is traced back to Adam, affirming his connection to humanity and divine sonship.

His Temptation (4:1–13)

  • Temptation in the Wilderness: Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he is tempted by the devil. He resists each temptation, quoting Scripture to overcome.

His Ministry in Galilee (4:14—9:9)

The Beginning of the Ministry in Galilee (4:14–41)

  • Jesus Begins His Ministry: Jesus returns in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, teaching in synagogues and healing the sick, including a demon-possessed man.

The First Tour of Galilee (4:42—5:39)

  • Miracles and Teachings: Jesus heals many, calls Peter, and performs the miracle of the great catch of fish. He also heals a paralytic and calls Levi (Matthew) to follow him.

A Sabbath Controversy (6:1–11)

  • Jesus and the Sabbath: Jesus confronts Pharisees over his actions on the Sabbath, healing a man’s withered hand.

The Choice of the 12 Apostles (6:12–16)

  • Selection of the Apostles: Jesus chooses twelve apostles to be his closest disciples.

The Sermon on the Plain (6:17–49)

  • Teaching on the Plain: Jesus teaches on blessings, woes, love for enemies, and the golden rule. He emphasizes the importance of loving others and following God’s will.

Miracles in Capernaum and Nain (7:1–18)

  • Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant: Jesus heals a servant at the faith of a Roman centurion.
  • The Widow’s Son at Nain: Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead in the town of Nain.

The Inquiry of John the Baptist (7:19–29)

  • John’s Doubt and Jesus’ Affirmation: John, in prison, sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus responds with affirmation of his works.

Jesus and the Pharisees (7:30–50)

  • Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and responds to their criticisms, highlighting his association with sinners.

The Second Tour of Galilee (8:1–3)

  • Ministry of Jesus: Jesus travels throughout Galilee, accompanied by his disciples and women who had been healed.

The Parables of the Kingdom (8:4–21)

  • The Parable of the Sower: Jesus teaches the crowds with the parable of the sower and explains its meaning to his disciples.

The Trip Across the Sea of Galilee (8:22–39)

  • Calming the Storm: Jesus calms a violent storm on the sea, demonstrating his power over nature.
  • Healing the Gerasene Demoniac: Jesus heals a man possessed by demons, casting the demons into a herd of pigs.

The Third Tour of Galilee (8:40—9:9)

  • Miracles and Teachings: Jesus heals a woman with a bleeding disorder and raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

His Withdrawal to Regions around Galilee (9:10–50)

  • Further Teaching and Miracles: Jesus continues his ministry, sending out the twelve apostles and performing miracles.

His Ministry in Judea (9:51—13:21)

Journey through Samaria to Judea (9:51–62)

  • The Samaritan Rejection: Jesus is rejected by the Samaritans, but he rebukes his disciples’ desire for revenge and continues his journey.

The Mission of the 72 (10:1–24)

  • Sending of the 72: Jesus sends out 72 disciples to prepare the way for him, giving them authority to heal and preach.

The Lawyer and the Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25–37)

  • The Good Samaritan: Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to teach about love and mercy for others, even for one’s enemies.

Jesus at Bethany with Mary and Martha (10:38–42)

  • Martha and Mary: Jesus teaches Martha about priorities, commending Mary for choosing the better part—sitting at his feet.

Teachings in Judea (11:1—13:21)

His Ministry in and around Perea (13:22—19:27)

  • Teaching on the Narrow Door: Jesus warns that the way to salvation is narrow and difficult, urging people to strive to enter.

Miscellaneous Teachings (17:1–10)

  • Teachings on Sin and Faith: Jesus teaches on the dangers of causing others to sin and the importance of faith.

His Last Days: Sacrifice and Triumph (19:28—24:53)

The Triumphal Entry (19:28–44)

  • Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem: Jesus enters Jerusalem as the crowds proclaim him king, fulfilling prophecy.

The Cleansing of the Temple (19:45–48)

  • Jesus Clears the Temple: Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants from the temple, accusing them of turning it into a den of thieves.

The Last Controversies with the Jewish Leaders (ch. 20)

  • Confrontations with the Pharisees: Jesus confronts the religious leaders, teaching parables about judgment.

The Olivet Discourse (ch. 21)

  • Jesus Teaches About the End Times: Jesus speaks of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of the end times.

The Last Supper (22:1–38)

  • Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper: Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of communion.

Jesus Praying in Gethsemane (22:39–46)

  • Jesus’ Agony in the Garden: Jesus prays in anguish, asking God to remove the cup of suffering, but submits to God’s will.

Jesus’ Arrest (22:47–65)

  • Betrayal and Arrest: Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is arrested by the authorities.

Jesus on Trial (22:66—23:25)

  • Trials Before Jewish and Roman Officials: Jesus stands trial before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, with false accusations and condemnation.

The Crucifixion (23:26–56)

  • Jesus’ Crucifixion: Jesus is crucified, dying for the sins of humanity. He speaks words of forgiveness before he dies.

The Resurrection (24:1–12)

  • The Empty Tomb: Jesus rises from the dead, and the women find the tomb empty. They are told by angels to go and tell the disciples.

The Post-Resurrection Ministry (24:13–49)

  • Jesus Appears to the Disciples: Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, later to the eleven disciples, and explains the Scriptures.

The Ascension (24:50–53)

  • Jesus Ascends to Heaven: Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples, promising to send the Holy Spirit.
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