WEBVTT

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Introduction to the Gospel according to
St. Luke.

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Not surprisingly, the largest number of
details surrounding the birth of Jesus is

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recorded in the Gospel written by a
physician, the Gospel of Luke.

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Luke was also probably the only non-Jewish
writer in the New Testament.

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As he wrote, he kept his fellow Gentiles
in mind, explaining Jewish customs and

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tracing the genealogy of Jesus all the way
back to the very first man, Adam.

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Luke wanted to show that the place Gentile
Christians now had in God's kingdom was

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based on Jesus' own teachings,
and he wanted to commend the preaching of

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the Gospel to the whole world.

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Luke specifically desired to demonstrate
Jesus' love and concern for those who were

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typically neglected, such as women,
the poor, tax collectors, and other social

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outcasts of his day.

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At the heart of this Gospel are parables
that show the compassion of God,

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in which he is likened to characters who
search for a lost sheep, a lost piece of

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silver, and a lost son.

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Luke recorded all these stories and events
about Jesus for the helpless, oppressed,

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and lost people of every era.

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The theme of joy is also felt throughout
this book, as Jesus' coming brought joy as

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well as hope and salvation to a sinful
world.

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Before Luke wrote his Gospel, he did
extensive research.

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He was not an eyewitness of Jesus' life.

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So Luke begins by explaining that he is
reporting the facts after careful

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investigation from various sources,
which would have included the preaching

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and oral accounts of the Apostles.

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He was a close friend and traveling
companion of the Apostle Paul.

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Luke later wrote a history of the early
Church, known as the Acts of the Apostles,

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or the Book of Acts.

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As you listen, notice how the Gospel of
Luke is especially important for

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understanding the way of salvation.

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And note the historical detail as well as
the warm and sensitive understanding Jesus

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showed for those around him.