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Getting Started: Luke, part 2

William Taylor

RESOURCES
Commentaries and Other Reading [pdf, 360kb]
Sermon Series Suggestions [pdf, 65kb]

 

It’s widely understood that Luke’s Gospel has two halves. The break comes in Luke 9:51, where Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem. He arrives there in Luke 19:28.

Structure of the Second Half

Some suggest treating Luke 9:51–19:28 as a single large section. But closer examination shows that Luke gives us travel markers to divide the narrative:

  • 9:51 – “He set His face to go to Jerusalem.”

  • 10:38 – “As Jesus went on His way…”

  • 13:22 – “He went on His way through towns and villages… journeying toward Jerusalem.”

  • 17:11 – “On the way to Jerusalem, He was passing along…”

These deliberate markers divide the second half into four sections:

  1. 9:51–10:37

  2. 10:38–13:21

  3. 13:22–17:10

  4. 17:11–19:28

After this, the final section begins in 19:29 and runs to the end of the Gospel.

Luke’s Overall Aim

Before we look at each section, remember Luke’s stated purpose:

  • Luke 1:1–4 – that we might have certainty concerning the things fulfilled among us.

  • Luke 24:44–49 – Jesus confirms that fulfillment has come through His death and resurrection, and this gospel must be proclaimed to all nations beginning in Jerusalem.

So, in each section we study, Luke’s overarching aim is that we might have certainty and therefore confidence to proclaim the gospel.

Section 1: The Savior’s Mission (9:51–10:37)

This section begins with Jesus sending His disciples “before His face” to prepare the way. John the Baptist’s role is now handed on to them.

Two parts:

  1. The mission (9:51–10:16)

    • Timing: not judgment, but salvation (9:54–56).

    • Terms: costly discipleship—following requires perseverance and proclaiming the gospel (9:57–62).

    • Tactics: Jesus sends out the 72 (10:1). Likely symbolizing the nations, they are sent “before His face” to proclaim peace—the forgiveness of sins.

  2. Reflection on the mission (10:17–37)

    • Disciples rejoice at what God has done (10:17–24).

    • Jesus rejoices in God’s gracious election and revelation.

    • The parable of the Good Samaritan closes the section, highlighting why many reject the mission: self-justification and pride.

Section 2: The Savior’s Challenge (10:38–13:21)

Marked by Jesus teaching in homes, villages, and debates with different groups. Two paths are set before us.

  • The right path (10:38–11:13): Receiving Jesus (Mary and Martha), learning from Him, praying with dependence, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

  • The wrong path (11:14–54): Testing and rejecting Jesus, seeking signs, and hypocrisy (woes to Pharisees and lawyers).

  • The choice (12:1–53): Beware hypocrisy, fear of man, materialism, and anxiety. Instead, seek His kingdom.

  • The outcome (12:54–13:21): Read the signs, repent, or perish. Those who respond rightly will see the kingdom grow like a mustard seed.

Section 3: The Savior’s Path (13:22–17:10)

Begins with the question: “Will those who are saved be few?” (13:23).

Themes:

  • The narrow door—enter with urgency (13:24–30).

  • A toxic system (Jerusalem) destined for destruction (13:31–35).

  • Jesus alternates between exposing the Pharisees’ false righteousness and teaching true discipleship:

    • Pharisees (14:1–24; 15:1–32; 16:14–31): pride, self-promotion, stone-heartedness, rejection of God’s Word.

    • Disciples (14:25–35; 16:1–13; 17:1–10): called to costly commitment, perseverance, humility, and faith.

The section ends with the disciples’ plea: “Lord, increase our faith!” (17:5).

Section 4: The Savior’s Gift (17:11–19:28)

Here the focus shifts to faith and entry into the kingdom.

  • Begins with a Samaritan leper healed “by faith” (17:11–19).

  • The kingdom is present “in your midst” but its consummation is delayed (17:20–18:8; 19:11–27).

  • Perseverance and persistence are required while we wait (parable of the persistent widow, parable of the minas).

  • Faith and humility open the door:

    • Pharisee vs. tax collector (18:9–14)

    • Childlike dependence (18:15–17)

    • Zacchaeus (19:1–10)

  • The center: Jesus’ death and resurrection explained (18:31–34). This is the key to entry.

Section 5: Salvation Accomplished (19:29–24:53)

The climax of Luke’s Gospel.

  1. Judgment (19:29–21:38): Jerusalem, its leaders, and its temple are placed on trial and condemned.

  2. The Cross (22–23):

    • Interpreted through the Passover—Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb.

    • Fulfillment of Isaiah 53—He dies as the suffering servant, pierced for our transgressions.

    • The innocent condemned while Barabbas goes free.

    • The thief on the cross saved by faith—“Today you will be with me in paradise.”

  3. Resurrection (24):

    • Evidence of the empty tomb.

    • The disciples’ eyes opened by Scripture and the breaking of bread (Emmaus).

    • Jesus confirms that the Christ must suffer, die, and rise, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed to all nations.

Pulling It All Together

  • 1–2: The Savior’s CV

  • 3–6: The Savior’s Manifesto

  • 7–8: The Savior’s Salvation

  • 9: The Savior’s Pattern

  • 9:51–10:37: The Savior’s Mission

  • 10:38–13:21: The Savior’s Challenge

  • 13:22–17:10: The Savior’s Path

  • 17:11–19:28: The Savior’s Gift

  • 19:29–end: Salvation Accomplished

Luke’s Gospel ends with confidence: Jesus really is the Christ, His opponents are discredited, and the gospel of forgiveness must go to all nations.