IntroductiontotheBible

Study 8 - Jesus The FulFilleR OF Gods Purpose

1. THE WRITINGS OF LUKE
Luke is concerned to indicate the fulfillment of OT hopes in the person and work of Jesus. Lukes second volume (Acts) covers the history of the period in which the rest of the NT was written. It shows us the outcome of Jesus work.

2. LUKES GOSPEL IN OUTLINE

Luke Addresses Theophilus (1:1-4)
Lukes approach has been orderly and well researched, based on the testimony of eyewitnesses.

The Infancy Narratives (1:5 - 2:52)

The outburst of prophecy (Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, Angels) prepare for the dawn of the messianic era. These prophecies reflect OT promises and hopes. Jesus is declared to be the Davidic King. John the Baptist comes to prepare Israel for the coming of their saviour King.

The Ministry of John the Baptist (3:1-20)

John was the last prophet of the OT era and marks the gospel preaching era. He offered people the chance to repent and escape the coming wrath. He baptized preparing people to meet the one who would baptize in spirit and in truth.

The Beginning of Jesus Ministry (3:21 - 4:13)

Jesus is baptized where God identifies him as his beloved son, and as the promised servant from Isaiah. Genealogies trace him back to Adam - therefore he has universal significance for the entire human race. Jesus temptation in the wilderness shows him to be the new Israel and to defeat the power of Satan and of sin which enslaves Gods people.

Jesus in Galilee (4:14 - 9:50)

In his preaching Jesus identified himself as the one whom God will use to save Israel and as the fulfillment of the OT hopes. He preaches about the Kingdom of God, heals the sick, casts out demons and forgives peoples sins. He describes his work as fulfilling many OT promises (blind see, lame walk, captives are set free... - Luke 7:22). There were a variety of responses to Jesus, from rejection to apathy to veneration - his closest followers accepted him as the Christ of God. There are hints of Jesus future suffering (as he teaches that he must die) but also glorification (transfiguration).

Jesus Journey from Galilee to Jerusalem (9:51 - 19:44)

Jesus resolves to head to Jerusalem even though he knows that suffering and death await him there. This journey includes special teaching for the disciples, the crowds and the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus finally enters Jerusalem in a way that recalls the prophesy of Zech 9:9 indicating that he is indeed the promised King of the Jews.

Jesus in Jerusalem (19:45 - 21:38)

Jesus purified the temple and made it the center of his daily teaching. Popular with crowds, but the religious leaders tried to arrest him and trap him with questions. Jesus speaks about the close of human history and the final judgement and redemption occurring when the Son of Man comes back in Daniel 7 style.

The crucifixion of Jesus (22:1 - 23:56)

At the last supper - Jesus explains the meaning of the Passover (the remembrance of the Exodus) in terms of his coming crucifixion and the new act of redemption that is about to take place. Jesus body and blood will be a new sacrifice inaugurating Jeremiah's new covenant. And Jesus identifies himself as the suffering servant of Is 53. Although thoroughly Gods plan, the roles of Satan, Judas and the miscarriage of justice by the Jews is also highlighted. Many scoffed at the thought of a crucified Messiah, but some turned to him in his death (thief on the cross, roman centurion).

3. THE KINGDOM - NOW BUT NOT YET

Despite the fact that Jesus is shown to be the fulfiller of all the OT looks forward to, an important tension arises. The Kingdom is established now, in a real way. Its blessings are available, it is open for people to enter. Yet it has not yet come. Death and suffering still flourish in the world. We live in a now / but not yet reality and are urged to live in a state of readiness and prayerfulness.

Author: Ben Hudson

Copyright 2009 Moore Theological College