Gospel Jesus example essay topic
Luke's gospel was aimed at to Theophilus and Gentiles. Luke's sources in writing this gospel were eyewitnesses to the life of Christ. It cannot be anymore apparent then is the first four versus in Luke "1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received". When many people think of the story of the birth of Christ, many of us link passages contained in two of the gospels to create one large story.
Many of us, by habit, blend the stories contained in Luke, and Matthew together. The book of Luke contains more information on the infancy narratives then the others. The infancy narratives in Luke are possibly one of the greatest gospels because it contains. The foretelling of John, his birth, and youth, the canticles of Mary and Elizabeth, the nativity of Christ, the visits from the shepherds, circumcision, facts of Christ's childhood are all contained in the infancy narratives. Additionally this account encloses 4 major hymns.
What is interesting to note is that the birth of John resembles the birth of Isaac in that Abraham and Sarah were older. Elizabeth, John's mother is barren in her old age, after countless prayers from her, and her husband Zechariahs she finally becomes pregnant through the power of God. They know that this birth is a gift to them because the Angel Gabriel announced the birth to Zechariahs while he was praying in the altar. They know that John will be the forerunner and prepare the way for Christ. Six months afterward, Archangel Gabriel announces to St. Mary that she will conceive and bare a Son. But then Mary questions how this is possible since she knows not man, "And the angel said to her in reply, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God". 1: 35 These two annunciations pave the way for the birth of Christ and will bring many people to back to God. Mary then goes to visit Elizabeth and help her while she is pregnant. Once the two meet the babe in Elizabeth's womb leaps. We then hear one of the four great songs, The Magnificat. This song shows the compassion and holiness of God.
Also it made it clear for the disciples in the church that Jesus is their savior and messiah "46 And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. ' 1: 46-55 Mary's song strongly resembles the declaration of Hannah mother of Samuel the prophet. Shortly after this we take notice of the Benedictus (canticle) of Zechariah. 67 Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.
69 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, 70 even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant 73 and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, 74 rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace. ' 1: 67-79 The Narrative then goes to Bethlehem where the couple must take part in the survey decreed by Caesar Augustus. Joseph and Mary are in Bethlehem for the reason that Joseph is a descendant of King David. While in the city the Virgin Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger for the reason that there is no room in the inn. It is important to note that this location of Christ's birth differs from Matthew's in that according to Matthew's Christ was born in a family home.
Christ is visited by Shepherd's who were told by an angel's song that today Christ their savior was born in the city of David. This song is called The Gloria in Excels is" 14 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. ' This is interesting that the shepherds visited because David himself was a shepherd and therefore people came to the conclusion that Jesus is the good shepherd from this. His humble birth and visitations from people of lower social status show that the Lord accepts anyone. Lastly Luke contains the story of the blessing of Jesus by Simeon. This fourth and final song in the infancy narrative is called the "Nunc Dimitris".
29 'Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. ' 33 The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed". Jesus' ministry starts in a synagogue in Nazareth where he lives. He read a passage from Isaiah "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. ' Luke 4: 18 The gospel according to Saint Luke puts the mission of Jesus as the human and divine savior in to perspective.
It shows Jesus' compassion and tenderness extended to all who were needy. The book of Luke is exemplifies the universality of Christ. It demonstrates how the gospel was written to all people. Man, Women, Child, Samaritan, Gentile or Jew, Jesus accepted them all in his mission. This is expressed in Chapter 3 versus 6 "and all flesh shall see the salvation of God" Jesus' universality can be see when he writes to the Jews. Luke put an emphasis on the genealogy of Jesus by tracing the heritage of Jesus all the way back to Adam, and showing that Jesus is a son of David (3: 31) "the son of Mele a, the son of Me nna, the son of Matta tha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, By showing love to the Samaritans who where the most hated and ostracized people, Jesus' love for them is shown through the parable of the good Samaritan (10: 30-37) and a man whose faith saved him 17: 11-19 "11 As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, 'Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!' 14 And when he saw them, he said, 'Go show yourselves to the priests. ' 5 As they were going they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus said in reply, 'Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?' 19 Then he said to him, 'Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. ' " Furthermore in Luke's gospel gave the gentiles an opportunity to accept Jesus. The wise Simeon spoke, (2: 32) "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel" as he held the child Jesus in his arms and blessed him. Repentance and forgiveness is offered to the gentiles (24: 47) "and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem".
Writing about the death of our Lord is an incredibly difficult task especially considering there are four accounts. It is also very difficult to comprehend why God would die for us his people who insult, mock, and betray him. Luke's version of the passion is slightly different from the other passion accounts. In this account Jesus is not abandoned and separated from his disciples. Although it is clear that Judas still betrays Jesus and Peter still denies Jesus there are still differences. Even in during the passion in this gospel Jesus is compassionate.
After Peter cuts the solders ear off, Jesus puts it back on. Pilate and Herod in this account both find Jesus is not guilty of any crime at all, and Jesus even solves the animosity between the two. In this account Jesus is not mocked, but rather fallowed to the crucifixion by the solders. While on the Cross Jesus does not cry about his pain and suffering, he asks God to forgive the people. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do". 23: 34 Even until his death he exemplifies the good shepherd.
Jesus dies peacefully by saying, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit". 23: 46 Even a centurion present at the crucifixion glorified God confessed that Jesus was innocent. The influence of Jesus extends further than his death as Joseph of Arimethea, a just man, and a member of the Sanhedrin who condemned Jesus claimed the body of Jesus. By claiming the body it shows that Joseph supported Jesus. Joseph and the women Jesus served in Galilee wrap Jesus' in a linen and place him in Josephs tomb and a stone is rolled shut sealing the tomb note that Jesus wasn't anointed because there was no time because of the Sabbath. Very early Sunday morning, the women went to anoint Jesus only to find the stone had been rolled away, they worried and an Angel said to them "Why do you seek the living one among the dead?
6 He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day". 24: 5-7 There is not that much text describing Jesus meeting the disciples meeting the Lord. This possibly can be attributed to the fact that Luke wrote the "Acts of the Apostles" which contains a good deal of information on the 40 days of the Lord after resurrection. Although little is known historically about Jesus' birth, thanks to the work of Luke and the attention to detail we know more. The historical information about the crucifixion of Christ reaffirms the accuracy of the gospel according to Luke.