The Gospel of Luke is one of the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament, providing a detailed account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As one of the most widely read and studied books in the Bible, it contains numerous quotes that have become widely known and cherished by believers around the world.
In Luke’s Gospel, we find powerful and inspiring words spoken by Jesus, as well as profound insights into the nature of faith, compassion, and the kingdom of God. These quotes offer guidance, encouragement, and challenges for Christians in their daily lives, as they seek to follow the teachings of Jesus and live out their faith.
One of the most famous quotes from the Gospel of Luke is found in chapter 6, where Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This statement, commonly known as the Golden Rule, encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ teachings on love, kindness, and treating others with respect. It serves as a reminder for believers to consistently act with compassion and empathy towards others, mirroring the love and grace that God has shown to them.
Another well-known quote from Luke’s Gospel is found in chapter 15, commonly referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this story, Jesus speaks of a father who lovingly welcomes back his wayward son with open arms, despite his mistakes and shortcomings. This powerful parable reminds believers of the unconditional love and forgiveness that God offers to all who turn to Him, no matter their past or present circumstances.
These are just a few examples of the profound and impactful quotes found in the Gospel of Luke. Whether it is the teachings on humility, forgiveness, or the call to live out one’s faith in practical ways, the words of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel continue to inspire and challenge believers today.
The Scroll of Isaiah
The Scroll of Isaiah is one of the most prominent books in the Old Testament. It is a collection of prophecies that were attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the 8th century BC. The words recorded in this scroll have had a profound impact on the religious and cultural history of Judaism and Christianity.
Isaiah’s prophecies cover a wide range of topics, including the coming of the Messiah, the restoration of Jerusalem, and the judgment of the nations. Many of these prophecies are quoted or alluded to throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke.
One of the most well-known quotes from the Scroll of Isaiah that is referenced in the Gospel of Luke is the prophecy of the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah 7:14, it is written, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy is highlighted in Luke 1:34-35, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive a child who will be called the Son of God.
Another significant quote from the Scroll of Isaiah in the Gospel of Luke is found in Isaiah 61:1-2. This passage describes the mission of the Messiah, stating, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads this passage in the synagogue and announces that it is being fulfilled in their midst.
The Scroll of Isaiah is filled with other powerful quotes and prophecies that foreshadow the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. It is a testament to the foresight and inspiration of the prophet Isaiah, and it continues to hold great significance for believers today.
The Annunciation
The Annunciation is the moment when the angel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and announces that she will give birth to the Son of God. It is a significant event in the Gospel of Luke and holds great importance in Christian theology.
Here are some key quotes from the Annunciation:
- “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
- “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35)
- “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
The Annunciation marks the beginning of the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. It demonstrates Mary’s obedience and willingness to accept God’s plan for her life, despite the challenges and uncertainties. This event sets in motion the miraculous birth of Jesus and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.
The Birth of Jesus
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The birth of Jesus took place in humble circumstances. Mary, his mother, gave birth to him and wrapped him in simple cloths. Because there was no space available in the inn, they laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. This humble beginning foreshadowed the humility and sacrificial nature of Jesus’ life and ministry.
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” (Luke 2:8-9)
The news of Jesus’ birth was not announced to kings or the wealthy, but to shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, surrounded by the radiant glory of the Lord. The shepherds were filled with fear and awe at this extraordinary sight.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke 2:10-11)
The angel reassured the shepherds and told them not to be afraid. He shared the news of great joy that a Savior had been born in the city of David. This Savior was none other than Christ the Lord, the long-awaited Messiah.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'” (Luke 2:13-14)
As if the appearance of the angel was not enough, suddenly a multitude of heavenly beings joined in praising God. They declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” This heavenly proclamation signified the significance of Jesus’ birth and the message of peace he would bring to the world.
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, took in and held onto all these events and words, treasuring them deep in her heart. She pondered and reflected on the incredible significance of her son’s birth and the divine purpose he would fulfill.
“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)
Jesus, like any child, grew and became strong. He was filled with divine wisdom and the favor of God was evident in his life. This verse highlights the unique nature of Jesus’ upbringing and his special relationship with God.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
One of the most well-known and impactful parables from the Gospel of Luke is the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable is found in Luke 10:25-37 and serves as a powerful lesson on compassion and love for one’s neighbors.
In this parable, a lawyer comes to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by asking him what is written in the law, to which the lawyer answers, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus commends the lawyer’s answer and tells him to go and do likewise. But wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asks Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus then proceeds to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. He describes a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and left him half dead by the side of the road.
A priest happens to come by but walks on the other side of the road, avoiding the wounded man. Likewise, a Levite passes by and does the same. Both religious figures, who one would expect to help, choose to ignore the injured man.
But then, a Samaritan comes along. Samaritans were despised by the Jews, so the fact that a Samaritan would help a Jew in need is significant. The Samaritan is moved with compassion, bandages the man’s wounds, and takes him to an inn where he can receive further care.
Jesus concludes the parable by asking the lawyer which of the three – the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan – proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers. The lawyer answers, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then tells him to go and do likewise.
The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us the importance of showing compassion and love to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves if we are truly being good neighbors to those around us.
This parable continues to inspire and challenge Christians today, reminding us of the great commandment to love one another as God has loved us. It serves as a reminder that our faith is not simply about beliefs and rituals, but about actively living out God’s love in our daily lives.
The Prodigal Son
The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known and treasured stories from the Gospel of Luke. It tells the tale of a wayward son who leaves his family and squanders his inheritance on a life of wild indulgence. Eventually, he finds himself destitute and humbled.
In a moment of desperation, the prodigal son decides to return to his father, fully aware of the consequences of his actions. To his surprise, his father not only welcomes him back with open arms but throws a grand celebration to rejoice in his return.
Through this parable, Jesus teaches us about the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, our heavenly Father eagerly awaits our return and is ready to embrace us with love and mercy.
This story also highlights the importance of repentance and humility. The prodigal son recognizes his mistakes and is willing to admit his faults, a crucial step towards reconciliation. It reminds us that true transformation and redemption come from a genuine contrition of heart.
Moreover, the parable challenges us to examine our attitudes towards forgiveness and compassion. The older brother in the story represents those who struggle to extend grace to others. Jesus invites us to reflect on our own hearts and reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness.
Ultimately, the parable of the Prodigal Son offers hope and encouragement to all who have strayed or felt unworthy of God’s love. It reassures us that, despite our faults and failures, we can always find forgiveness and restoration in the arms of our loving Father.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is one of the most well-known and cherished prayers in Christianity. It is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 11:2-4. This prayer is also known as the “Our Father,” as it begins with those words.
Below is the text of the Lord’s Prayer as it appears in the Gospel of Luke:
| Verse | Text |
| 2 | And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. |
| 3 | Give us each day our daily bread, |
| 4 | and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” |
The Lord’s Prayer is a model prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples. It addresses God as our Father and expresses the desire for God’s name to be honored and for God’s kingdom to come. The prayer also asks for daily sustenance, forgiveness of sins, and guidance in avoiding temptation.
This prayer serves as a guide for Christians on how to approach and communicate with God. It reminds believers to acknowledge God’s holiness, seek nourishment from Him, seek forgiveness, and rely on His guidance.
Throughout history, the Lord’s Prayer has been recited and prayed by countless individuals and communities, serving as a powerful expression of faith and dependence on God.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
The Parable of the Lost Sheep is one of the most well-known parables from the Gospel of Luke. It is found in Luke 15:3-7 and tells the story of a shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one of the sheep goes missing, the shepherd leaves the 99 sheep behind and goes on a search for the lost one.
In this parable, Jesus uses the image of a shepherd to represent Himself and the lost sheep to represent a sinner. The parable illustrates the idea that God actively seeks out those who are lost and rejoices when they are found.
The parable begins with Jesus asking his audience, “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4). The question is rhetorical, emphasizing the shepherd’s love and care for each individual sheep.
| Key Points |
|---|
| 1. The parable highlights God’s love and care for each individual person. |
| 2. It shows that God actively seeks out those who are lost. |
| 3. The parable teaches that God rejoices when a lost person is found and returns to Him. |
| 4. It encourages believers to reach out to those who are lost and share the good news of Jesus. |
As the story continues, the shepherd finds the lost sheep and carries it back to the flock, rejoicing. He then calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost!” (Luke 15:6). The parable ends with Jesus declaring, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
The Parable of the Lost Sheep teaches us about the importance of seeking out the lost and rejoicing when they are found. It reminds us of God’s deep love for each person and His desire for all to be saved. It also challenges us to share the good news of Jesus with others and be a part of bringing them back to the flock.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Gospel of Luke contains significant accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events mark the climax of the narrative and hold immense theological importance in Christian faith.
The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke. It portrays the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the redemption of humanity. One of the most prominent quotes from this event is when Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This quote reflects Jesus’ compassion and willingness to forgive even in the midst of his own suffering.
Another notable quote from the crucifixion scene is the interaction between Jesus and one of the criminals crucified next to him. The criminal acknowledges his guilt and asks Jesus to remember him when he enters his kingdom. In response, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This quote reveals Jesus’ power to grant salvation and his willingness to show mercy to the repentant.
The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Gospel of Luke, showcasing his victory over death and offering hope to believers. When the women discover the empty tomb, they encounter two angels who ask, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:5-6). This quote emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ resurrection and the fulfillment of his prophecies.
Following the resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples and assures them of his physical presence. He says, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39). This quote establishes the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and his tangible presence among his followers.
The crucifixion and resurrection are central to the Gospel of Luke, embodying the core beliefs of Christianity. These events demonstrate Jesus’ sacrificial love, forgiveness, and triumph over death, offering salvation and hope to believers throughout history.