BIBLE BOOK GUIDE
Luke
24 chapters
Through an orderly account, Luke presents Jesus as the merciful Savior-Messiah for sinners and outcasts, who sends His followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations.
Luke
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Why this book was written
Written in the 60s AD for Gentile readers and early Christian disciples, Luke's purpose was to provide an accurate and ordered account of Jesus' life for those who had not witnessed His ministry, to strengthen their faith, equip them as witnesses, and to show how God's salvation extends from Israel to all nations.
Structure
- 1–4Prologue and Beginnings: Preparing the Way of Salvation
- 5–9Jesus' Ministry: Authority, Mercy, and Discipleship
- 10–19Journey to Jerusalem: Shaping Disciples for the Cost
- 20–23Passion and Cross: The Accomplishment of Salvation
- 24Resurrection and Great Commission: Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
Major themes
The Universality of Salvation
Luke repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus' gospel is for all peoples, from Zechariah's prophecy (Luke 2:30-32) to the pre-ascension commission (Luke 24:47). Salvation crosses boundaries of ethnicity, gender, and status.
Mercy and Concern for the Marginalized
Luke uniquely highlights Jesus' care for the poor, women, sinners, Samaritans, and tax collectors — the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).
The Holy Spirit and Prayer
Luke gives more attention to the Spirit's presence and power (Luke 1:35; 4:1; 11:13) and to Jesus' modeled prayer life (Luke 3:21; 5:16; 9:18; 22:39-46).
The Journey of Discipleship
Luke centers on the 'travel narrative' to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–19:44), showing disciples learning faith, humility, and self-denial as they follow Jesus.
The Historical Jesus and Salvation History
Luke opens with careful historical methodology (Luke 1:1-4), anchoring Jesus in the history of Rome and Israel (Luke 2:1-2; 3:1-2), presenting salvation arriving in real time and space.
Joy and Praise
Luke is filled with canticles — the Magnificat, Benedictus, and Nunc Dimittis (Luke 1:46-55; 1:68-79; 2:29-32) — and culminates in resurrection joy (Luke 24:52-53).
How it points to Christ
Luke presents Jesus as the Spirit-filled Son of Man (Luke 1:35; 4:1,14,18) and the promised Davidic Messiah-Christ-Lord (Luke 2:11; 1:32-33). He proclaims the Jubilee (Luke 4:16-21), fulfills Isaiah, embodies the merciful Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35), dies for sinners, rises, and commissions repentance and forgiveness to all nations (Luke 24:46-47). In Luke, Christ is both the historical figure and the risen Lord who indwells believers by the Spirit (Luke 24:49).
Key verses
- 1:1–4Luke's prologue showing his careful investigation to give certainty to the teachings Theophilus had received.
- 2:10–11The angel announces the good news of great joy—a Savior, Christ the Lord, the gospel's core for all people.
- 4:18–19Jesus declares His mission to proclaim liberty and healing—the program of salvation Luke emphasizes.
- 7:36–50The sinful woman's repentance and forgiveness highlight Luke's theme of mercy and faith.
- 9:23–24The cross-shaped discipleship: denying oneself and taking up the cross to find true life.
- 15:7Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents—a key verse for Luke's repentance and joy motif.
- 19:10The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost—Jesus' mission in Luke in one sentence.
- 24:46–48The risen Christ declares Scripture fulfilled and sends disciples as witnesses, launching the great commission.
Films & series on Luke
Each has a guide: scripture sources, where it departs from the Bible, discussion questions, and where to watch

Jesus
Film · 1979
Three and a half years of Jesus' ministry, as told in the Gospel of Luke.

The Chosen
Series · 2019
The life of Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him.

The Gospel of Luke
Film · 2015
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE, more than any other, fits the category of ancient biography. Luke, as "narrator" of events, sees Jesus as the "Savior" of all people, always on the side of the needy and the deprived. Narrated in the NIV by British actor Richard E. Grant and in the KJV by Sir Derek Jacobi, this epic production featuring specially constructed sets and the authentic countryside of Morocco has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story.

Jesus of Nazareth
Series · 1977
Dramatizes the Birth, Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, largely according to the Holy Bible's New Testament Gospels.
Reflections on Luke
People in this book
Questions for reflection
- ·In Luke, do you primarily know Jesus as Savior, Lord, or fellow traveler on the road? How are all three experienced in your life?
- ·How does the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenge you to cross social, religious, or ethnic boundaries to love your neighbor?
- ·Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) inverts worldly status — for what 'exaltation of the lowly' do you need to thank God today?
- ·Jesus prays urgently in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46). Is your prayer life marked by the same earnestness, watchfulness, and submission to the Father's will?
- ·On the Emmaus road, the risen Jesus expounds Scripture (Luke 24:25-27, 32). How do you see Christ in the Old Testament? How does the Spirit make your heart burn?
Want to read Luke start to finish? Open the reader for parallel Chinese/English text and ask anything as you go.
Start reading LukeLuke
Chapter 22
1Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
3And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4And he went away, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto them.
5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7And the day of unleavened bread came, on which the passover must be sacrificed.
8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the passover, that we may eat.
9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we make ready?
10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house whereinto he goeth.
11And ye shall say unto the master of the house, The Teacher saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12And he will show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the apostles with him.
15And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16for I say unto you, I shall not eat it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17And he received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18for I say unto you, I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you.
21But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22For the Son of man indeed goeth, as it hath been determined: but woe unto that man through whom he is betrayed!
23And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.
25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.
26But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.
28But ye are they that have continued with me in my temptations;
29and I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my Father appointed unto me,
30that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
32but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.
33And he said unto him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
36And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
37For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment.
38And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed him.
40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41And he was parted from them about a stone's cast; and he kneeled down and prayed,
42saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
45And when he rose up from his prayer, he came unto the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow,
46and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
47While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49And when they that were about him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50And a certain one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his right ear.
51But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52And Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and elders, that were come against him, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves?
53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54And they seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed afar off.
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them.
56And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him.
57But he denied, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not.
59And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilaean.
60But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice.
62And he went out, and wept bitterly.
63And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and beat him.
64And they blindfolded him, and asked him, saying, Prophesy: who is he that struck thee?
65And many other things spake they against him, reviling him.
66And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,
67If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68and if I ask you, ye will not answer.
69But from henceforth shall the Son of man be seated at the right hand of the power of God.
70And they all said, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71And they said, What further need have we of witness? for we ourselves have heard from his own mouth.
