An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke: Jesus the Son of Man
The Gospel according to Luke stands as a profound and meticulously crafted account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Penned by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, this gospel offers a unique perspective on the Son of God, often highlighting His humanity, compassion, and universal appeal. Luke’s dedication to historical accuracy and orderly presentation provides a robust foundation for understanding the person and work of Jesus, whom he frequently presents as the “Son of Man.”
The Author and His Purpose
Luke begins his gospel with a clear statement of purpose, addressing it to "most excellent Theophilus." This introduction reveals his methodical approach and scholarly diligence:
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
As a physician, Luke was accustomed to careful observation and precise documentation. His background equipped him to conduct thorough research, interviewing eyewitnesses and compiling a comprehensive narrative. Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God," was likely a high-ranking Roman official or a new convert to Christianity, for whom Luke desired to provide a reliable and well-attested account of the Christian faith. Luke's gospel, therefore, is not merely a spiritual treatise but a historically grounded biography, designed to assure believers of the truth and certainty of the Gospel message.
Jesus, the Universal Savior: The Son of Man for All Humanity
One of Luke’s most prominent themes is the universality of Jesus’ message and His identification with all humanity. More than any other Gospel writer, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized, the poor, women, children, and Gentiles. He consistently portrays Jesus as the "Son of Man," a title that encapsulates both His divine authority and His profound solidarity with mankind.
The title "Son of Man" appears more often in Luke’s Gospel than in Matthew or Mark. While it carries connotations of Daniel's prophetic vision of a coming heavenly figure (Daniel 7:13-14), Jesus primarily uses it to highlight His earthly ministry, His suffering, and His role as the representative of humanity. Luke shows Jesus reaching out to those typically excluded by society:
- The Poor and Outcast: Luke records many instances where Jesus ministers to the poor, such as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). His interaction with Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, culminating in the statement, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), exemplifies this.
- Women: Luke gives significant attention to women, presenting them as active participants and recipients of Jesus’ ministry. Examples include Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and the women who followed Jesus and provided for Him (Luke 8:1-3).
- Samaritans and Gentiles: Luke uniquely includes the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), highlighting compassion beyond ethnic boundaries. He also traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38), not just Abraham, signifying His connection to all humanity.
These narratives underscore that Jesus, the Son of Man, is not just a Savior for Israel, but for every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. His humanity makes Him relatable, and His compassion makes Him accessible to all who come to Him in faith.
The Son of Man: Prophetic Fulfillment and Suffering Servant
While the title "Son of Man" points to Jesus' universal humanity, it also carries profound prophetic weight, particularly regarding His mission to suffer and die. Jesus frequently used this title when speaking of His impending passion and resurrection, aligning Himself with the Suffering Servant prophecies of the Old Testament. In Luke, we see Jesus repeatedly preparing His disciples for His ultimate sacrifice:
Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
And most explicitly:
Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
These passages reveal Jesus' clear understanding of His messianic role as one who must suffer. The Son of Man, therefore, is not merely a powerful, authoritative figure, but one who willingly embraces humility, rejection, and death to accomplish the Father's will and redeem humanity. His identification with mankind is so complete that He enters into the depths of human suffering, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
Key Themes in Luke's Gospel
Beyond the "Son of Man" motif, Luke weaves several crucial theological themes throughout his narrative, enriching our understanding of Jesus and the kingdom of God:
The Birth and Early Life of the Son of Man
Luke's Gospel provides the most detailed and extensive account of the events surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. These narratives are crucial for establishing Jesus’ genuine humanity and His unique divine origin. From the angelic annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) to the humble birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), Luke emphasizes the miraculous yet profoundly human circumstances of Jesus’ arrival. He alone records the visit of the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20), Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:25-35), and Anna's praise (Luke 2:36-38) at Jesus' dedication in the temple. These accounts highlight that the Son of Man entered human history in the most ordinary of ways, yet surrounded by extraordinary divine orchestration.
Luke also gives us the only canonical insight into Jesus’ childhood, recording the incident when the twelve-year-old Jesus was found in the temple, astonishing the teachers with His understanding (Luke 2:41-52). This episode underscores His early wisdom and divine consciousness, while also affirming His growth in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man, further cementing His true humanity.
The Son of Man's Ministry: Compassion and Authority
Throughout His public ministry, Jesus, the Son of Man, consistently demonstrated both profound compassion and undeniable authority. Luke meticulously records numerous instances where Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught with an authority that amazed His listeners. His miracles were not mere displays of power but acts of mercy that restored dignity and wholeness to individuals. For example, the healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) and the raising of the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17) showcase His deep empathy for human suffering.
Luke also presents parables unique to his Gospel that powerfully illustrate Jesus’ compassion and the nature of God’s kingdom. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) vividly portrays God’s welcoming love for repentant sinners. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) redefines "neighbour" and calls for active, self-sacrificial love. These teachings reveal the heart of the Son of Man: one who seeks out the lost, welcomes the outcast, and offers forgiveness to all who turn to Him.
His authority was evident not only in His miraculous deeds but also in His teachings, which challenged religious hypocrisy and called people to a radical discipleship centered on love for God and neighbour. He declared, “For the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Luke 6:5), asserting His divine prerogative over religious laws. He also claimed authority to forgive sins, a prerogative belonging only to God (Luke 5:24).
The Passion and Resurrection of the Son of Man
Luke’s account of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, His passion, and His glorious resurrection is marked by unique details that further illuminate the Son of Man’s character. In Gethsemane, Luke alone records the angel ministering to Jesus and His sweat becoming like great drops of blood (