Luke and John Gospels: Key Themes, Characters, and Theological Insights

To whom is the gospel of Luke addressed?

Theophilus

What are the chronological anchors Luke uses in his gospel?

Herod being King (1:5), Decree from Caesar/Quirinius as governor of Syria (2:1-2), Fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius (3:1-2)

What are the four themes identified in Luke 1-2?

The presence of the Holy Spirit, The importance of prayer/worship, Salvation, Attention to the marginalized

What new characters appear in Luke's gospel in Luke 1-2?

Elizabeth and Zechariah

Who is filled with the Holy Spirit in Luke 1-2?

John the Baptist

At which important points does Luke add the detail that Jesus was praying?

At his baptism (3:21), before choosing the twelve apostles (6:12), before Peter's confession (9:18), at the Transfiguration (9:28-29), before teaching the Lord's Prayer (11:1), and on the Mount of Olives before his arrest (22:41-44)

What does salvation look like according to the songs from Zechariah, Simeon, and Mary?

Deliverance from enemies/oppression, Forgiveness of sins, Reversal of fortunes, Light for the nations, Fulfillment of covenant promises

Which marginalized groups receive special attention in Luke 1-2?

Women, the elderly, the poor, barren women, shepherds, Gentiles

To whom do angels announce the birth of Jesus in Luke?

Shepherds

Which two pregnant women meet in the middle of Luke 1?

Mary and Elizabeth

What is Jesus's message at his inaugural sermon in Nazareth (Luke 4)?

Good news to the poor, liberty for captives, recovery of sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and the year of the Lord's favor

What are Jesus's last words in Luke's gospel?

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

How are the beatitudes in Luke's gospel different from Matthew's?

They are shorter, sharper, and socio-economic; Matthew has more of a spiritual aspect.

How does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrate the theme of the Great Reversal?

The reversal of fortunes and moral accountability

Identify stories that highlight Samaritans in Luke's gospel.

The Good Samaritan, The healed Samaritan leper

How does Luke's genealogy of Jesus differ from Matthew's?

Luke goes backward from Jesus to Adam while Matthew goes forward from Abraham to Jesus; Luke traces Jesus to Adam (universal emphasis) while Matthew stops at Abraham (Israel/Jewish emphasis).

In what ways does Luke highlight Jesus's attention to women?

Mary (Magnificat, annunciation), Elizabeth, Anna the prophetess, Mary & Martha, the widow of Nain, the woman with the hemorrhage, the sinful woman who anoints Jesus, many women who follow and support Jesus.

What is dropsy and how is it a metaphor for the Pharisees or the wealthy?

Dropsy is edema (literally); metaphorically it represents spiritual pride, self-satisfaction, and moral puffed-upness.

What advice does Jesus give to the guests at a dinner party (Luke 14)?

Take the lowest place at the table.

What advice does Jesus give to the host?

Don't invite your usual social circle that can repay you.

What is the connection between the parables in Luke 15?

The connection: lostness → searching → joyful recovery.

How do the stories of the rich ruler, the blind beggar, and Zacchaeus illustrate the theme of the Great Reversal?

Rich Ruler - First become last; Blind beggar - Last become first; Zacchaeus - Outcast receives salvation.

What are the differences between John's gospel and the synoptic gospels?

High Christology, long theological discourses, different chronology and geography, 'Signs' language instead of 'miracles', emphasis on believing and eternal life as present possession.

What unique stories and characters are found in John's gospel?

Nicodemus, The Samaritan woman at the well, The man born blind, Raising of Lazarus, Wedding at Cana, Footwashing, Thomas's confession.

What common elements in the Synoptics are missing from John?

No birth narrative, baptism account, temptation, transfiguration, parables, institution of the Lord's Supper, or exorcisms.

According to the narrator, who is the source of the traditions recorded in John's gospel?

The testimony of the Beloved Disciple.

What does the story of the man born blind tell us about John's audience?

It reflects conflict with synagogue authorities, likely mirroring the audience's own experience.

What is the connection between belief and eternal life in John's gospel?

Eternal life is present, received through believing in Jesus.

Who/what is the 'Word' John describes in his opening hymn?

The preexistent divine Son, agent of creation, who becomes flesh in Jesus.

Which Old Testament stories does John use to explain the Word?

Creation, Tabernacle, Moses and the law, Exodus light imagery.

How does John describe the Word's relationship to God?

Distinct yet intimate: the Word is 'with God' and 'was God'.

What is the purpose of the Word coming into the world?

To bring life, light, revelation, and grace, and to make God known.

How does Jesus describe his relationship as Son to God as Father?

Jesus speaks of intimate knowledge and obedience to the Father.

What are the 'I Am' statements in John's Gospel?

John contains several 'I am' sayings, commonly counted as seven with predicate.

How many 'signs' are in John's Gospel?

Traditionally seven.

What is the Book of Signs and the Book of Glory?

Book of Signs (1-12): Jesus's public ministry; Book of Glory (13-20): Last Supper, death, resurrection.

What is the link between the sign, the 'I Am' statement, and the Jewish festival in John 6?

Sign: Feeding the 5,000; I Am: 'I am the Bread of Life'; Festival: Passover.

What is the link between the sign, the 'I Am' statement, and the Jewish festival in John 8-9?

Sign: Healing of the man born blind; I Am: 'I am the Light of the World'; Festival: Feast of Tabernacles.

Why is it significant when Jesus says simply 'I Am'?

It echoes Exodus 3:14 and claims divine identity.

Whom does Jesus raise from the dead in John's gospel?

Lazarus.

What symbolic action does Jesus perform during his last meal with the disciples?

Jesus washes the disciples' feet.

What is the 'new commandment' Jesus gives his disciples?

Love one another as I have loved you.

What is the Paraclete?

Holy Spirit.

What happens when the resurrected Jesus breathes on his disciples?

He gives them the Holy Spirit.

What is the point of the 'vine and branches' parable?

Jesus teaches that remaining in him is the only way to bear fruit.

According to John, what is the ongoing ministry of the church?

Continuing Jesus' work through love, witness, and the Spirit.

What is Jesus's ultimate moment of glorification in John's gospel?

His crucifixion, revealing divine love and glory.