Introduction to the Gospel according to St. Luke.
Not surprisingly, the largest number of details surrounding the birth of Jesus is
recorded in the Gospel written by a physician, the Gospel of Luke.
Luke was also probably the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament.
As he wrote, he kept his fellow Gentiles in mind, explaining Jewish customs and
tracing the genealogy of Jesus all the way back to the very first man, Adam.
Luke wanted to show that the place Gentile Christians now had in God's kingdom was
based on Jesus' own teachings, and he wanted to commend the preaching of
the Gospel to the whole world.
Luke specifically desired to demonstrate Jesus' love and concern for those who were
typically neglected, such as women, the poor, tax collectors, and other social
outcasts of his day.
At the heart of this Gospel are parables that show the compassion of God,
in which he is likened to characters who search for a lost sheep, a lost piece of
silver, and a lost son.
Luke recorded all these stories and events about Jesus for the helpless, oppressed,
and lost people of every era.
The theme of joy is also felt throughout this book, as Jesus' coming brought joy as
well as hope and salvation to a sinful world.
Before Luke wrote his Gospel, he did extensive research.
He was not an eyewitness of Jesus' life.
So Luke begins by explaining that he is reporting the facts after careful
investigation from various sources, which would have included the preaching
and oral accounts of the Apostles.
He was a close friend and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.
Luke later wrote a history of the early Church, known as the Acts of the Apostles,
or the Book of Acts.
As you listen, notice how the Gospel of Luke is especially important for
understanding the way of salvation.
And note the historical detail as well as the warm and sensitive understanding Jesus
showed for those around him.