The Savior for All People
A Study Guide for Knowing Jesus Through Compassion, Truth, and Power
1. Introduction: Who Was Luke and Why This Gospel Matters
Written by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14).
Addressed to Theophilus, likely a Roman official or new believer (Luke 1:3).
Luke’s goal: to provide an orderly, accurate account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Reflection: Luke shows us that Jesus came not just for the religious—but for sinners, outsiders, and the forgotten.
2. The Births That Changed the World (Chapters 1–2)
Angelic announcements to Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father) and Mary.
Mary’s song of praise (the Magnificat) emphasizes God’s mercy to the humble.
Jesus is born in a manger—revealing the humility of the King of Kings.
Simeon and Anna praise God in the temple, recognizing the Messiah.
Takeaway: God keeps His promises—and often works through the quiet, lowly, and overlooked.
3. Preparing the Way and Beginning Ministry (Chapters 3–4)
John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes Jesus.
Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan—yet remains sinless.
He begins teaching with authority and power, healing and casting out demons.
Lesson: Before public power, Jesus showed private obedience. Spiritual victory begins in the unseen battles.
4. Teachings, Miracles, and Mercy (Chapters 5–9)
Jesus calls disciples—including tax collectors and sinners.
He heals the sick, calms storms, and raises the dead.
Teaches revolutionary truths: love your enemies, forgive often, and build on the Word.
Truth: Jesus didn’t just teach truth—He lived it with compassion and authority.
5. The Road to Jerusalem (Chapters 10–19)
Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), knowing the cross awaits.
Along the way, He tells powerful parables:
The Good Samaritan (ch. 10)
The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son (ch. 15)
The Rich Man and Lazarus (ch. 16)
He continues to confront the religious elite and comfort the broken.
Reminder: The road to the cross was also a journey of grace, offering hope to the lost before judgment came.
6. Jesus’ Final Days and the Cross (Chapters 20–23)
Jesus enters Jerusalem with praise, cleanses the temple, and teaches boldly.
He institutes the Last Supper, prays in Gethsemane, and is betrayed.
He’s denied by Peter, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and crucified.
On the cross, He offers forgiveness: “Father, forgive them…” and promises paradise to a thief.
Gospel Focus: Luke shows a Savior who suffers not just for us, but with us—fully human, fully divine.
7. The Resurrection and Ascension (Chapter 24)
Women find the empty tomb—Jesus has risen!
He walks with disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing truth through Scripture.
Jesus appears to His followers, blesses them, and ascends into Heaven, promising power from above.
Victory: Death didn’t win. Jesus reigns—and we are called to be His witnesses to all nations.
8. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Luke 1:37 – “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 5:31–32 – “Those who are well have no need of a physician… I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 9:23 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 15:10 – “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Luke 24:6 – “He is not here, but has risen.”
9. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
Why do you think Luke emphasizes the inclusion of outcasts and Gentiles in Jesus’ ministry?
How does Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth and childhood help us understand His mission?
What parable or miracle in Luke impacted you most, and why?
How do Jesus’ interactions with sinners differ from His rebukes to the religious leaders?
What does it mean to take up your cross daily and follow Him?
How does the resurrection in Luke prepare us to share the gospel with others?