The book of Luke is the first of a two part written history of the Gospel; it tells the story of Christ's life, while the second part, the book of Acts, tells the beginning of the Church. Luke got his information for this book from three very reliable sources: oral testimony of eyewitnesses, previously written accounts, and his own thorough research. In this book Luke emphasizes that Jesus is radically inclusive and subversive, and the true savior of humanity.

The purpose of the book of Luke is to help people make an informed decision to follow Jesus as humanity's savior by giving them accurate information about his unique life. Like when an angel appeared to Mary to inform her that she was pregnant, and when Zacharias was told his barren wife would have a son, God discloses a portion of our role in his plan, and calls us to embrace it by a step of faith. This step is scary, and it requires a decision to actively trust God, but taking this step results in experiencing confirmation, awe, and joy.

Luke writes about the beginning of Jesus' life through Mary's perspective. The three scenes in this passage illustrate that Jesus is the unique, divine Ruler of the whole human race, he has voluntarily come to rescue us at great personal cost, and God welcomes and involves everyone who receives Jesus.\r\n

Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness; this event teaches us how we will be tempted and how to overcome temptation. Our essential weapon in overcoming temptation is knowing God's Word.

In the early stages of Jesus' public ministry, he makes it clear that he has come to call the sinners; this passage includes three encounters between Jesus and sinners. Jesus' mission statement is that no matter how sinful and broken you are, Jesus loves you and wants you and is able to transform your life, and the only thing you have to do is humbly admit to Jesus that you need his love and forgiveness.

The religious leaders attack Jesus at three different opportunities; they do not want to hear what Jesus has to say because he is a threat to their way of life. Jesus claims to be the Messiah. Following Jesus has nothing to do with being an uptight, self-righteous, falsely pious person like the religious leaders proclaimed.

When an immoral woman interrupts a dinner party that is thrown by Pharisees, Jesus teaches that Simon the Pharisee self-righteously thinks he doesn't need forgiveness. Jesus claims divine authority to forgive sins; loving Jesus doesn't merit his forgiveness, instead being forgiven by Jesus motivates love for him.

During the time between the Messiah's first coming and second coming, spreading Jesus' message is top priority. Only those who respond properly to his message reap the benefit, as Jesus explains through his parable of the sower and soils; those who respond through compromise do not bear fruit.

Jesus' disciples expected Jesus to establish God's kingdom; however, before establishing God's kingdom, Jesus first needed to die for our sins. Through this event, God confirms that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, and that his death fulfills God's plan. Jesus asks of us, "Will you entrust yourself to me as your Messiah, and will you give your whole life to me and to my mission?"