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Bible Overview is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Bible study.  Each month we feature a book of the Bible by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chaignot. 

This month we continue our exploration of the New Testament with the Gospel of Luke, which is actually the first volume of a two-part series -- the other being the book of Acts.  In the Bible, the Gospel of John separates these two books even though most scholars believe they were written as a unit.  Unlike the earlier gospels, Luke addresses both of his writings to “Theophilus,” who is obviously a Christian, and possibly his patron.  The importance of these works is illustrated by the fact that together they occupy roughly one-fourth of the New Testament.   If you want to read some of the history previous to this selection, you can find the earlier books in our archives. 

The Bible Time-Line is another quick reference tool for locating individuals or specific books.  We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at overview@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

Luke

From his very opening comments, Luke tells us why he wrote this gospel.  He wanted to write an orderly account, an historical account of the matters that had come to fulfillment among them.  He knew that Theophilus had already received some measure of instruction regarding Jesus, and his goal was to persuade him (and others) of the trustworthiness of what they had already been told.  He gives three reasons why he believes he is eminently qualified to do this: others have already written about Jesus, he has good sources including eyewitnesses, and he will research it carefully.  Although it has been popular to see Theophilus (translated as “lover of God”) as a representative of anyone who loved God, modern scholars think he was probably Luke’s patron.  He would have sponsored Luke’s writings and made their publication possible.

The immediate question then arises as to the identity of this author.  Just as in the previous gospels, scholars cannot identify him with certainty.  However, the name Luke has been associated with this gospel since the end of the second century.  It could very well be the same Luke mentioned in Col 4:14 and 2 Tim 4:11 (also Philemon 24), who is described as a companion of Paul’s.  In Col, this Luke is identified as a beloved physician.  Because scholars concur that the author who wrote Luke also wrote Acts, they are particularly interested in the multiple “we” passages in Acts, which suggest that an eyewitness was retelling those parts of the story.  That, of course, gives credence to the argument that Luke was Paul’s companion.  However, such conclusions raise as many questions as they answer.

Scholars agree that Paul’s letters were the earliest written documents of the New Testament and widely circulated.  Even though Acts was written perhaps as long as a generation later, Luke does not mention any letters.  Furthermore, there are marked discrepancies between Paul’s account of events and those described in Acts.  Even the portrait of Paul differs within his own writings and that of Acts (although some think this could be explained by the difference between how one sees him/herself and how others see him/her).  And of course, even if Luke was Paul’s companion, he need not have been present all the time.  On the other hand, scholars do know that ancient writers oftentimes attributed their works to a famous individual, thereby ensuring immediate credibility. 

Despite this uncertainty about the exact author, his credentials are clear.  His command of the Greek language is second to none.  He is as familiar with Greek rhetorical conventions as he is with Jewish Scripture.  And his skill as a storyteller is unparalleled.  His gospel is peppered with vibrant vignettes and pointed parables, many not found in Mark or Matthew.  Moreover, his two-part series weaves the story of Jesus into the story of the Church’s beginnings as a unified narrative.  And this is, no doubt, his greatest contribution.

Luke writes to a young church, but from where or when remains uncertain.  Since he uses the gospel of Mark as one of his sources, scholars agree that Luke was written after Mark (ca 65-75CE).  But they disagree on whether that might have been a few years or a few decades.  Most assign the writing of this gospel to roughly 80CE, but some scholars argue for the late sixties.  And while this gospel might have held some interest for non-Christians, it is obvious from the opening verses that it was intended primarily for new converts.  Yet, these converts would have been well versed in Jewish practice (hence Luke’s attention to the observance of the Law) and could possibly have been the “God-fearers” mentioned frequently in Acts.  (Luke’s purpose in addressing them will become clearer when we explore Acts.)

Scholars have multiple ways of organizing this gospel.  We will choose four divisions:  The Birth Narratives – 1:1-2:52; The Galilean Ministry – 3:1-9:50; The Journey Toward Jerusalem – 9:51-19:44; Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection – 19:45-24:53.

 
 
I – 1:1-2:52 – The Birth Narratives
   
1:1-4   Introduction
Purpose for writing and greeting to Theophilus                        
     
1:5-25   Foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist
Introduction to John’s parents – both of the priestly line
Zechariah was assigned to temple duty
An angel appeared to him when he was inside to burn the incense
Angel foretold the birth of a son
Zechariah was struck dumb
Elizabeth became pregnant
     
1:26-38   Foretelling of the birth of Jesus
Angel appeared to Mary to announce birth of Jesus
Mary was a virgin, asked how this could happen
Angel said the child would be of the Holy Spirit                        
     
1:39-45   Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth
Upon her arrival, babe in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy
     
1:46-56   Mary sang “The Magnificat”
(Possibly modeled after Hannah’s song of praise –1 Sam 2:1-10)
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months
     
1:57-66   Birth of John the Baptist           
When child was born, Zechariah affirmed his name would be John
Immediately his tongue was loosed and he could speak
     
1:67-80   Zechariah sang “The Benedictus”
Praised God and celebrated the life John would have
“And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit....."                      
     
2:1-7   The birth of Jesus
Joseph and a very pregnant Mary went to Bethlehem to register for the census
Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for them at the inn
     
2:8-20   Announcement to the shepherds
Angel announced the birth of Jesus – “he is Christ the Lord.”
Shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the child
     
2:21-40   Presentation of Jesus in the temple
Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day
At the end of 40 days, Mary and Joseph went to temple for purification rite
Simeon (righteous and devout) was moved by the Spirit, took Jesus in his arms, and praised God for being allowed to see the Lord’s Christ
Anna (prophetess) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
(Together, these two affirmed Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy)
“And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit…”
     
2:41-52   Jesus in the Temple
Parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover
Jesus stayed behind to talk with the teachers
Parents returned to Jerusalem, anxiously searching for him
Jesus said, “Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?”
 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”                                                
     
II -- 3:1-9:50 – The Galilean Ministry
     
3:1-20   John the Baptist
John began preaching a baptism for the repentance of sins
Many thought he might be the Messiah
John said “one mightier than I will come…”
John preached against Herod for marrying his brother’s wife
Herod arrested John and put him in prison                                    
     
3:21-22   Baptism of Jesus
Unlike Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ baptism was reported after the fact
Heavens opened, Spirit descended, and voice spoke as Jesus was praying
     
3:23-38   Genealogy of Jesus
(Matthew begins his gospel with genealogy)
Luke’s genealogy came after John was in prison and Jesus was ready to begin
Matthew’s went back to Abraham; Luke’s went back all the way to Adam
Needless to say, the lists are not the same
Nonetheless, lists point out God’s plan                                    
     
4:1-13   Jesus in the wilderness
Jesus was tempted for forty days
Three temptations were similar to those in Matthew
At the end of 40 days, “the tempter left him for a while”
There was no comment about angels attending to him
     
4:14-6:16  

Beginning of Galilean ministry

     
   

4:14-30     Return and rejection at Nazareth
                   Jesus read from the scroll in the synagogue
                   “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.”
                   “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.”
                   People took him to the top of a cliff, intended to throw
                   him down
                   “Jesus passed right through the midst of them.”

4:31-37     Healing of an evil spirit in the synagogue
                    Jesus ordered the demon to come out of the man
                    People were amazed and wondered “what is this                     teaching?”

4:38-39      Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law
                    He rebuked the fever; she got up and served them

4:40-44      Summary of healings
                    After the Sabbath, people brought many sick; Jesus                     healed them all
                    Jesus went off to pray; people sought him out,
                    wanted him to stay
                    Jesus said he must preach to everyone. “That is why
                    I’ve been sent.”

5:1-11       Calling of the disciples
                   Preached from Peter’s boat at Lake Gennesaret
                   Told Peter to cast out net
                   Peter said they’d been out all night, but was obedient
                   to Jesus
                   Had to call their friends for help with the great catch
                   of fish
                   Needless to say, Peter was repentant
                   Jesus declared from then on they would be fishers of
                   men

5:12-16     Leper approached Jesus
                   “Lord if you are willing”…. “I am”
                   Jesus healed him; news about Jesus continued to                    spread

5:17-26     Healing of the paralytic on a mat
                    Jesus was teaching in a house
                    Four men lowered their friend through the roof
                    Jesus forgave his sins
                   Scribes and Pharisees thought he had blasphemed
                   Jesus healed the man (thereby indicating the man’s                    sins had been forgiven since they believed illness
                   was an indication of sin)

5:27-32      The call of Levi
                    Called a tax collector named Levi to follow him
                    Levi held a banquet; many guests were there,
                    including Jesus
                   Pharisees and teachers of the law were outraged
                   Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor.”

5:33-39     Questions regarding fasting
                   Pharisees questioned why Jesus’ disciples did not
                   fast
                   Jesus replied with parables of wedding, patches, and                    new wine

6:1-5          Gleaning grain on the Sabbath
                   Pharisees accused Jesus and his disciples of doing                    what is unlawful on the Sabbath
                   Jesus reminded them of David’s eating of
                   consecrated bread

6:6-11        Healing of a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath
                     “Which is lawful – to do good or to do evil?”   
                     Pharisees were furious with Jesus, began to plan
                     what to do about him

6:12-16      Choosing the Twelve apostles
                    (List is not identical among the synoptic gospels)

     
6:17-49  

Luke’s version of Sermon on the Mount (here called Sermon on the Plain)

     
   

6:17-23       Blessings (beatitudes)

6:24-26        Woe to those who are now rich and well fed
                      Will be a reversal of fortunes awaiting them

6:27-36        On loving your enemies and the Golden Rule
                      Anyone can love those who love you
                      If you love your enemies, your reward will be great

6:37-42       On not judging others and beams and motes
                     First take the beam out of your eye, then you can
                     take the mote (speck) from your brother’s eye

6:46-49      Building on sand versus rock
                    Rock: the one who hears these words and does
                    them
                    Sand: the one who hears these words and does not
                    do them

     
7:1-9:17   Jesus goes to Capernaum
     
   

7:1-10        The centurion’s sick servant
                    Centurion sent Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come
                    heal his servant
                    When Jesus was close to his house, he sent word                     saying he was not worthy that Jesus should enter his                     house
                   Jesus, like himself, was a man under authority –
                   Jesus could just say the word
                   Jesus was amazed, healed the man

7:11-17     Raising of the widow’s son at Nain
                    Jesus touched the bier; son sat up
                    Jesus gave him back to his mother
                    News of Jesus continued to spread

7:18-35     Question from John the Baptist
                    “Are you the one… or should we wait for another?”
                    Jesus replied how the blind see, the lame walk, and
                    the lepers are cured
                    Jesus spoke highly of John the Baptist

7:36-50      Anointed by a sinful woman at Simon’s house
                    Simon was irritated by the intrusion
                    Jesus told parable of two debtors, both of whom had                     their debts forgiven
                    “Who loved the moneylender more?”
                    Jesus admonished Simon for not being more
                    hospitable
                     Jesus told the woman to go in peace; “Your faith has                      saved you.”

8:1-3            Introduction of women who were helping Jesus
                     Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others
             
8:4-15          Parable of Sower
                      Farmer sowed seed in four kinds of soil
                      “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
                      Disciples asked for interpretation
                      Soils represent different responses to the gospel

8:16-18        Parable of the lamp – put it on a lamp stand
                      There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed

8:19-21        Jesus’ family came to see him, but could not
                      because of the crowd
                      Jesus expanded the definition of family to include
                      his followers  

8:22-25        Calming the storm
                       Jesus and disciples got into a boat to go to the
                      other side of the lake
                      While crossing, he fell asleep while a big storm
                      raged
                      Disciples were frightened, and woke him up
                      Jesus stilled the raging storm; disciples wondered,                       “Who is this?”

8:26-39       Healing of a man at region of Gerasenes
                     Demon-possessed man approached Jesus as they                      debarked
                     Man fell at Jesus’ feet; demons cried out
                     Demons asked to go into a herd of pigs
                     Jesus allowed it; pigs rushed down the banks and                      were drowned
                     Man was healed; townspeople were terrified and                      begged him to leave

8:40-56       Intercalated story of Jairus and woman with a                      hemorrhage

40-42           Jairus asked Jesus to come heal his 12-year-old                      daughter

43-48          While on the way to Jairus’ house, a woman
                     “touched” Jesus
                     Jesus stopped, inquired who “touched” him
                     Woman stepped forward, said she had been healed
                     “Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace.”

49-56           Word came that Jairus’ daughter had died
                      Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, but to believe (just                       like the woman)
                     Jesus healed the daughter

9:1-6           First missionary journey for The Twelve
                    Jesus gave them power and authority

9:7-9          Herod wondered who Jesus was, wanted to see him

9:10-17     Feeding of the five thousand
                   Disciples returned from mission, gave full report
                   Jesus and disciples tried to get away to Bethsaida
                   Crowds followed; Jesus taught them and healed the
                   sick
                   Late in the day, the disciples told him to send them
                  away
                  Jesus told disciples to feed them; they found five
                  loaves and two fish
                  Jesus gave thanks, broke the loaves, fed the people
                  Afterwards, they filled twelve baskets with leftovers

     
9:18-21   Peter confessed Jesus as Messiah (Christ)
Jesus told them not to tell anyone
     
9:22-27   First passion prediction
If anyone would follow, (s)he must take up cross daily and follow
“Whoever loses his life will save it.”
     
9:28-36   The Transfiguration
Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up a mountain to pray
While Jesus was praying, he was transfigured
Moses and Elijah appeared       
They talked with Jesus about events to come
Peter wanted to stay forever – build three shelters
Voice came out of the cloud: “Listen to my son.”
Disciples kept all this to themselves                                                
     
9:37-43   Healing of the boy with an evil spirit
Man had asked Jesus’ disciples for healing for his son
When Jesus and disciples came down, they found a great commotion
Man asked why Jesus’ disciples could not heal his son
Jesus healed him and the crowd marveled
     
9:44-45   Second Passion prediction
Disciples were afraid to ask him about it
     
9:46-50   Disciples began to argue about which of them was greatest
Jesus took small child – he who is least is greatest
John tried to stop a man from driving out demons in Jesus’ name
Jesus said, “Whoever is not against you is for you.”
     
III – 9:51-19:44 -- The Journey Toward Jerusalem
     
9:51-10:24   Preparing for the journey to Jerusalem
     
   

9:51-56     People in Samaritan city rebuffed Jesus
                   Disciples offered to “call down fire upon them”
                   Jesus rebuked disciples

9:57-62     Cost of discipleship
                   Three different men wanted to follow Jesus
                   Jesus had no “place to lay his head”
                   The other man wanted to join after he buried his father
                   The third wanted to say good-bye to his family
                   Discipleship included sacrifice and commitment

10:1-24    Sending out seventy-two disciples

1-12          Jesus appointed seventy-two to go out in pairs
                  Gave instructions regarding hospitality

13-16        Woe passages against those who would reject
                  God’s messengers

17-24       Return of disciples with full report
                  “Satan fell like lightning from heaven”
                  Jesus praised the Father and blessed the disciples

     
10:25-37   Parable of the Good Samaritan and how to inherit eternal life
Expert of the law wanted to test Jesus – “Who is my neighbor?”
Jesus told parable of man who was beaten and left to die
Levite and priest avoided him; Samaritan saw to his needs
(First two were Jews; Samaritans were despised by Jews)
The Samaritan was true neighbor
“Go and do likewise”
     
10:38-42   Visit with Mary and Martha
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet; Martha was distracted with serving
Jesus said, “Mary has chosen the better thing”                                    
     
11:1-13   The Lord’s Prayer
Disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray
Jesus replied with the Lord’s Prayer
Parable on importunate prayer
Friend wakened a man at midnight asking for bread for guest
Man wanted to sleep, but gave bread because friend insisted
“Ask and it will be given to you…”
Father delights in giving good gifts to his children
     
11:14-54  

Growing hostilities towards Jesus

     
   

11:14-28     Jesus and Beelzebub, the prince of demons
                     Jesus rove a demon out of a mute
                     When he was healed, some said Jesus healed by                      Beelzebub
                     Jesus said, “A kingdom divided against itself cannot                      stand”
                     Parable of strong man guarding his house
                     Evil spirits go where there is room

11:29-32    Request for a sign and story of Jonah
                    Only sign will be the sign of Jonah
                    Jonah was sign for Ninevites, so will Jesus be sign
                    for this generation
                    Ninevites repented because of Jonah
                    One greater than Jonah is here

11:33-36    Lamp of the body
                    Eye is the lamp of the body
                    Good eyes admit light; bad eyes do not admit light =                     darkness
                    Body is completely lighted when lamp shines on it
                    from outside

11:37-54   Six woes to Pharisees and experts in the law
                   Pharisees began to oppose him furiously

     
12:1-13:35   Teachings on judgment and times of crisis
     
    12:1-12     Warning about the Pharisees and encouragement to                    followers
                   Be on guard against the leaven of the                    Pharisees                              
                   Do not fear those who can kill the body; fear the one
                   who can throw that body into hell
                   Yet God remembers every sparrow and you are worth
                   so much more
                   Those who follow Jesus will be remembered by him
                   If they are persecuted, Holy Spirit will teach them what
                   to say

12:13-21  Parable of the rich man and new storehouses
                  Man approached wanting Jesus to divide his
                  inheritance for him
                  Jesus told parable of rich man who built more and
                  more storehouses
                  That very night his soul was required of him
                  It is far better to be rich towards God

12:22-34 Lessons about anxiety from the birds and lilies
                 Do not be anxious over what to eat or wear
                 God feeds the birds; consider the splendor of the lilies
                 Jesus said, “Do not fear little flock; it is your Father’s                  pleasure to give you the kingdom”

12:35-48 Parable about the coming of the Son of Man
                 Master can return at any moment
                 It behooves servants to be prepared – or suffer the                  consequences

12:49-53 Families will be divided over Jesus’ teachings

13:1-9      Parable of a fig tree that was spared even though it
                 didn’t bear fruit

13:10-17 Healing (on the Sabbath) of woman crippled for 18
                  years
                  Leaders of the synagogue were outraged that Jesus                   healed on Sabbath
                  Jesus said that it was right to set the woman free

13:16-21  What is the kingdom like?  Parables of mustard seed                   and leaven
                  Kingdom is like a mustard seed that grew into a large                   tree
                  It is like a woman who mixed leaven into dough

13:2-30    Not all will be able to enter the kingdom

13:31-35  Woe against Jerusalem
     
14:1-18:30   Additional teachings
     
   

14:1-18:30     Additional teachings

                        14:1-14     Dinner at a Pharisee’s house
                                           Guests vied for places of honor
                                            Jesus told parable about taking place
                                            of honor at wedding feast
                                            It’s better to be invited “up” than to be                                             asked to give up your good seat for
                                            another
                                            True kindness is inviting those who
                                            cannot repay your kindness

                        14:15-24    Parable of the great banquet
                                            All guests made excuses not to go to                                             banquet
                                            Master invited sick and lame and poor

                        14:25-35    Further costs of being a disciple
                                            Disciples need to weigh the cost of their                                             commitment
                                            Examples of building a tower and fighting
                                            a war
                                            Must give up everything to be a disciple
                                            Salt can lose its saltiness

                        15:1-32      Three parables on finding a lost sheep,                                             coins, and a son

                        15:1-7        Upon finding a lost sheep, shepherd will                                             rejoice
                                            There will be much rejoicing in heaven                                             over one who repents than over the
                                            ninety-nine who do not need repentance

                        15:8-10      Woman will rejoice over finding a lost
                                            coin

                        15:11-32    Parable of two sons (known as Prodigal                                             Son Parable)
                                            Youngest son took inheritance and went
                                            off
                                            Lost everything, returned to father’s
                                            house
                                            Father rejoiced over the return of his lost                                             son
                                            Threw big celebration, gave signet ring,                                             sandals
                                            Elder son became angry, would not join                                             party
                                            Father told eldest son, “Everything I have
                                            is yours”

                        16:1-18      Parable of the shrewd manager
                                            About to be fired, the manager called the                                             master’s debtors, reduced their debt
                                            Master commended his ingenuity
                                            Lessons on having only one master
                                            Statement on divorce

                        16:19-31    Parable of the rich man and a poor
                                            man, Lazarus
                                            Rich man ignored plight of Lazarus on
                                            his doorstep
                                            Then both died
                                            In heaven, Lazarus was exalted, rich
                                            man was tormented
                                            Rich man asked that Lazarus help him                                             now
                                            He was told that it doesn’t work that way
                                            Rich man asked that Lazarus warn his                                             family members
                                            Family already had access to teachings
                                            of Moses and the Prophets

                        17:1-10      Variety of brief teachings

                                            1-4    Woe to the one who causes
                                                      another to sin

                                            5-6    Faith as small as a mustard seed                                                       can move mountains

                                            7-10  Do your duty because it is right,
                                                      not for the reward

                        17:11-18   Healing ten of leprosy
                                            Only one (the Samaritan) returned to
                                            give thanks

                        17:20-37    The coming of the kingdom
                                            Pharisees wanted to know when it
                                            would happen
                                            Jesus said it would be unheralded and                                             unexpected
                                            “Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it”

                        18:1-8        Parable of importunate widow
                                            Woman kept hounding judge for justice                                             against her adversary
                                            He finally granted it just to keep her from                                             bothering him
                                            In like manner, so will God grant justice
                                            to those who ask

                        18:9-14      Tax Collector and Pharisee go to pray
                                            Pharisee prayed arrogantly
                                            Tax collector prayed humbly
                                            Only his prayers were heard

                        18:15-17    Disciples tried to stop people from                                             bringing their children to Jesus
                                            Jesus rebuked them saying, “Kingdom
                                            of God belongs to these”

                        18:18-20   Story of the rich young ruler and how to                                             inherit eternal life
                                            Young man kept all the commandments
                                            Jesus told him to give all his
                                            possessions to the poor, then follow him
                                            Man could not do this
                                            Disciples reminded Jesus they had
                                            given up everything

     
18:31-34   Third passion prediction
Disciples did not understand what he was talking about
     
18:35-43   Healing of a blind man at Jericho
Man cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus healed him; he followed Jesus praising God
     
19:1-10   Jesus and Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus climbed a tree in order to be able to see Jesus
Jesus invited himself over for dinner
Zacchaeus had a life-changing moment
Jesus proclaimed, “Today, salvation has come to this house.”
     
19:11-27   Parable of the ten minas (or ten pounds)
Ten servants were given ten minas when the Master went away
When he came back, the Master asked about the money
Three servants responded: one made ten more
One made five more; one socked it away and made no money at all
The last was required to give his to the one who already had ten
“Everyone who has, more will be given…”
     
19:28-44   Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus sent disciples ahead to find a colt for him to ride into the city
As he rode into the city, people sang: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord”
Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke his disciples
Jesus refused
Jesus wept over Jerusalem and its destiny for refusing to recognize the Messiah
     
IV – 19:45-24:53 -- Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection
     
19:45-21:38   Teaching in the Temple
     
   

19:45-48    Cleansed the temple
                    Chief priests, scribes, leaders were trying to figure
                    out how to kill him

20:1-8        Questions regarding Jesus’ authority
                    Religious leaders asked who had authorized Jesus
                     to do what he had done
                    Jesus asked if John’s baptism was from heaven or
                     from men
                    Jewish leaders would not answer
                    Jesus then said he wouldn’t answer their question                     either

20:9-19      Parable of the tenants and the vineyard
                    Master sent servants to tenants for some of the fruit
                    of the land
                    Tenants beat messenger
                    Master sent another, and another
                    Finally he sent his son
                    Tenants believed if they killed the son, they could
                     keep land
                    Master will take land and give it to someone else
                    Rulers knew the parable was about them; wanted to                     arrest Jesus

20:20-26   Question about taxes
                    Rulers sent spies to trap Jesus in his own words
                    Spies asked whether they should pay taxes to Caesar
                    Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to                     God what is God’s”

20:27-40   Question about marriage and the resurrection
                    Sadducees asked about woman who had married                     seven brothers under Levirate law
                    Whose wife will she be at the resurrection
                    (Sadducees did not believe in resurrection)
                    Jesus answered the risen will no longer marry nor
                    be given in marriage
                    No one dared to ask him any more questions

20:41-47    Jesus’ question to the crowd
                    How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?
                    Quotes from Psalm 110 where David writes: “The
                     Lord said to my Lord…”
                    Another warning on the influence of the religious                     leaders

21:1-4        The temple offering of the widow
                    Jesus commended the woman for putting in all that
                    she had

21:5-36      Little apocalypse
                    Warning about future events and encouragement to                     persist in times of difficulty

                    21:5-6        Prediction of the destruction of the temple

                    21:7           Disciples wanted to know when this would                                        happen

                    21:8-11     Signs of the end times
                                       Nation will rise against nation; kingdom                                        against kingdom

                    21:12-19   Trials and persecutions await
                                        followers               
                                        They will be told what to say, should not
                                        be afraid
                                       Even families may betray them and some
                                       will be killed
                                       Yet, not a hair on their heads will perish

                    21:20-24  Prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem

                    21:25-28  Cosmic signs will accompany the coming of                                        the Son of Man

                    21:29-31   Parable of the budding fig tree
                                       Sign of summer, previous signs will
                                       indicate the time is near

                    21:32-33   Jesus’ words will never pass away

                    21:34-36   Admonition to be always ready: watch
                                       and pray

                    21:37-38  Each day Jesus preached in the temple,
                                       went to Mount of Olives at night

     
22:1-23:56   Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion
     
    22:1-6        Judas agreed to betray Jesus

22:7-38      The Passover Meal (The Last Supper)

22:7-13      Jesus sent disciples to make