This is part of the 66 in 52 Bible Journaling Challenge. Over the course of the 52 weeks in 2018, I will focus in on one verse from each book of the Bible with many others who have signed up to join me. Each week I will be posting a summary page with some thought about that week’s book(s) of the Bible along with some links that may help our reflection. Click here to sign up if you want to join us at any point along the journey!
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The Big Picture of Luke:
I love the first few verses in Luke. Where Matthew and Mark seem to be writing to groups of people, Luke’s intent wasn’t quite so broad. We see the author was presenting this gospel as an investigation report to a man named Theophilus (which means ‘one who loves God’). It is possible that this was the person who would circulate this book, but it seems there is also a personal nature to the writing. Luke longed for Theophilus to be able to be certain about what he had heard so far about Jesus and so Luke interviewed those who were there and pulled together the best report he could. Luke fact checked his info and presented the case. He seems to outline his book in three main parts in connection with Jesus’ presence in three geographical areas: in and around Galilee (4:14-9:50), Judea and Perea (9:51-19:27), and Jerusalem (19:28-24:53).
Women in Luke’s Gospel:
Perhaps more than any other of the four gospels, Luke seems to highlight the role women played. Here are some of women he tells us about:
- Elizabeth – mother of John the Baptist and wife of Zechariah (chapter 1)
- Mary – Jesus’ mother (chapter 2, 19)
- Anna – prophetess in the temple when Jesus was presented as a n infant (chapter 2)
- Simon’s mother-in-law (chapter 4)
- Widow whose son was raised back to life (chapter 7)
- Woman who anoints Jesus (chapter 7)
- A dead girl (and her mother) and a sick woman (Luke 8)
- Mary and Martha (chapter 10)
- Crippled woman healed on the Sabbath (Chapter 13)
- Women used in as an example in a parable (Chapter 15, 18)
- A widow giving an offering (Chapter 21)
- Women who followed Jesus during his crucifixion and stood watch at the cross while he died (Chapter 23)
- Women who went to prepare Jesus’ body in the tomb (Chapter 23-24)
- Women were the first to see Jesus alive – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others (Chapter 24)
A Few Key Verses and Possible Reflection Questions/Prayers:
Some of us are planning to read through the whole book or books each week, while others are just focusing in on one verse per book. This section of the weekly intro post might help you narrow down a verse to reflect on for the week, but you do not have to choose one of these verse, pick any section of the book you want! These are just some ideas.
- “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us … to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and toe enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:68-69, 74-75
REFLECTION: What fears are creeping up in your life? What would it look like to serve God all our days without fear? How might our lives be different?
- “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it…. But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for Your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:29, 31-32
REFLECTION:What are you setting your heart on? What does it look like to receive the Kingdom?
- “For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
REFLECTION: What does this tell us about Jesus’ mission on earth? If we are to join Jesus on His mission in the world, what might this look like for us?
Some Other Resources:
- The Bible Project summary video of Luke 1-9
- The Bible Project summary video of Luke 10-24
- A Pinterest board with resources and pictures for Luke
- The 66 in 52 Schedule and Tracking Sheet
The Challenge:
So now it’s your turn! Pick a verse and settle in this week, or read through the whole book. If you post any picture or blogs on social media, tag them with #66in52challenge so we can all share in this journey together!
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