In broad terms, the Gospel of Luke can be divided into four main sections, as follows.

ORIGINS and DEFINITIONS: Luke 1:1�4:13

This section begins with the preface�greeting to Theophilus�which is generally regarded as being, linguistically speaking, the finest piece of Greek in the whole of the New Testament. Thereafter, it contains much that is unique to Luke:

• The foretelling, naming and dedication of John the Baptist
• The foretelling, �Christmas stories!� and early years of Jesus
• The ministry of John the Baptist
• The baptism and preparation of Jesus

JESUS� GALILEAN MINISTRY: Luke 4:14�9:50

This section contains the beginnings of Jesus� public ministry, both his teaching and miraculous signs and concludes with the question: �Who is this man?�

• Jesus comes out into the open and establishes his �manifesto�
• As Jesus heals and teaches, a sense of impending conflict grows
• Jesus calls the twelve disciples, trains and equips them, and sends them out
• More signs and wonders together with the ever more demanding question as to the identity of Jesus

THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM: Luke 9:51�19:28

As in the early chapters, there is much in this section that is not found in the other Gospels, including several of the best-loved parables.

• Tough teachings for daily life
• Dire warnings about, for example, false security and denying Christ
• Redefinition of what it means to be �holy�; Jesus challenges the established order
• �Lost and found� parables

JERUSALEM�ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS: Luke 19:29�24:53

The end of the journey and the climax to the story! Conflict, condemnation, crucified� but not finished! Luke�s �Emmaus Road� story is surely among the highlights of the whole Gospel story.

• Teaching and ministry in Jerusalem
• The conclusion of Jesus� public ministry
• The Last Supper and Judas� betrayal
• Jesus� arrest, trial, public execution and burial
• The empty tomb, followed by various appearances of the Risen Lord
• Commission, Blessing and departure

And so, let us begin� on the journey of a lifetime! Faithfully, let us listen to Luke as he tells the greatest story ever told. Let us hear, anew, the Good News. And, at the end of the journey, let us never be the same again!

Martin Fair

Minster, St Andrew's Arbroath