My appreciation of Luke, the author of the third gospel in the New Testament, is growing.
Luke was quite a Renaissance Man. He was an evangelist, historian, physician, pastor, theologian and author. He was well read, educated and cultured.
Some say Luke was a painter and may even have captured the image of Mary in a portrait. And since he presented four songs within the first two chapters of his gospel (Songs of Mary, Zechariah, Angels and Simeon) he probably had a great affinity for music.
Though very gifted, talented and knowledgeable, he possessed a spirit of humility. Nowhere in his writings does he mention himself.
Luke was an accomplished storyteller and author as he included much detail in his writings. If not for Luke, we would not have the incredible stories of the Good Samaritan or Prodigal Son as told by Jesus. I cannot imagine life without the lessons found in them.
As the only Gentile (Non-Jewish) writer of the New Testament, he never saw Jesus firsthand but became a believer after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Paul led him to the Lord then included him as a fellow missionary on his second journey.
As a physician, Luke had a natural concern for people’s physical health. He relates many stories about the Spirit’s healing powers and ultimately “paints a picture” of Jesus being the great Healer.
No longer just a name that accompanies the other three gospel writers, I see Luke as a real, “normal” person who had a personal connection with many who had walked with Jesus.
I look forward to walking/talking with Luke on one of heaven’s roads…much like that road to Emmaus that he wrote about in his book.
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