For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Listen to the 9th lesson in our series, Luke: A Universal Vision from the Center to the Margins (14 minutes).

Introduction: Luke-Acts

• The good news is to be preached from the centers of power (gospel proclaimed to kings) all the way out to the disenfranchised, minorities, outcasts…
• Luke was written in the finest Greek, for those at home in Greek culture.
• Emphasis on Jesus’ concern for the weak and marginalized; love and respect for women.
• Righteous attitudes towards possessions. They must not control us; we are to control them, for the benefit of others.
• Salvation for every stratum of society (vertically); in Acts the gospel expands to all regions (horizontally).
• Special emphasis on the Spirit, prayer, repentance, and several other themes.
• Acts: church as the restoration of Israel.

Text: Luke 4:14-30 (Jesus' Nazareth sermon)

• Good news is not only for Jews, but for Gentiles.
• His examples come from the books of Kings, and in both Gentiles are the ones who receive good news.
• Jesus exposes the prejudice of his audience.
• Although he was brought up in Nazareth, he was not merely "a man of his time." Jesus transcends culture, just as the gospel requires us to stand in judgment on society.
• Application
  • Is there any trace of prejudice in my outlook, or in my ministry?
  • Do I share with those who are different to me?
  • Do I care deeply about the different peoples and cultures of the world?
  • Do I have a universal vision for the impact of the gospel, or do I prefer the quiet confines of the self-absorbed insider?

Next: John: The (Heavenly) Word in (Human) Flesh