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While we don't want to spoil the fun of reading and discovering Luke's biography of Jesus for yourself, you may find this brief outline helpful.
Seven Sections
The Gospel (a word which means something like 'important news') was not
written with chapter divisions, but Luke did plan his work carefully,
as he says in his introductory paragraph. We suggest there are 7 sections of varying lengths, marked by significant changes/stages in Jesus' life and ministry.
(1) Infancy (chapters 1-2)
Jesus' birth is predicted prophetically and then the circumstances of his birth are recounted. Parts of this section are often read at Christmas in the churches. It's worth noting what the angels tell the shepherds about Jesus as a guide to what we should expected to see as the biography continues.
(2) Preparation (chapters 3-4)
Jesus' cousin, John, prepares the way by proclaiming a baptising of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and preaching about the one to come. It's worth asking why John also baptises Jesus, whose refusal to succumb to the devil's temptations shows his sinless suitability for the task ahead.
(3) Galilee (chapters 4-9)
Jesus' early ministry in Galilee (in the north of the country) is popular among the people, and Jesus draws together a close group of followers (whom he calls "apostles"). As they spend time with him, they come to the startling conclusion about him which concludes this section.
(4) Journey (chapters 9-19)
Once they have identified him, Jesus predicts his painful but essential future and starts on his way to the capital, Jerusalem, in the south of the country. As he goes, he teaches his disciples more about his mission, most memorably in the parables of the lost in the middle of this section.
(5) Jerusalem (chapters 19-21)
His spectacular entrance and vigorous teaching in the Temple, at the very centre of Judaism, is popular with the crowds, but not the religious authorities. Silenced in public debate, they plot his death while he predicts dire consequences for the city privately to his disciples.
(6) Death (chapters 22-23)
When Jesus and his disciples celebrate the Passover with its lamb sacrifice he uses the meal to explain to them the significance of what will happen next. Arrested and condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus seems paradoxically purposeful at every step as God's rescue plan unfolds.
(7) Resurrection (chapter 24)
On the first Easter Sunday, the women coming to annoint Jesus' body find the tomb empty. Far from being credulous, they struggle to understand that Jesus has risen from the dead until he appears to them. What the resurrected Jesus says they should do next has implications for you and me, even some 2000 years later in far away Australia.
Let us know what you think of "The Essential Jesus" via our forum. We'll do our best to answer any questions and interact with your views.
If you haven't received a copy, email us (left) and we'll get one to you.
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As part of Connect09, Anglican churches all over Sydney are
distributing the "Essential Jesus" - a FREE accessible, modern,
Australian translation of Luke's Gospel (his biography of Jesus).