Although Luke only wrote two of the New Testament’s books (Luke and Acts), his pair occupies as much space as Paul’s thirteen letters. A good reason motivates the volume of Luke’s writing – he wrote to affirm Theophilus’ conviction about the Good News concerning Jesus (Luke 1:1-4). That purpose means Luke’s writings offer insight into the meaning and application of the gospel (“gospel” and “good news” translate the same Greek word euangelion).
Luke opens his gospel by recording a prophecy that the Holy Spirit motivated Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, to announce (Luke 1:67-79). His prophecy outlines the rescue God would accomplish through Jesus, the Good News of a new exodus. Consider:
Luke 1:68-71 (ESV)
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us; However, a question asked by an anonymous figure in Luke 13:23 raises concerns about the exultant announcement of the Good News. The question – “Will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:23) – draws attention to people’s rejection of Jesus’ good news. This lesson considers Luke’s record of the question, which he presents as a focal point for the widespread rejection of the Good News about Jesus.