Walking in His Truth: A 5-Day Journey Through God's Storyنموونە

Day 3: The Savior of the World (in Luke)

Luke 1:32–33, 19:10

Luke was a Christian medical doctor and traveling companion of the apostle Paul. He writes to non-Jewish Christians in the AD 50s–60s to assure them that salvation in Christ is available for all despite the rejection of the Jews—the faith from which Christianity sprung.

A key verse sums up the focus of Luke’s gospel: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (19:10).

If you’re lost in sin, Jesus seeks you like a shepherd does a lost sheep, like a housewife does a lost coin, like a father does a lost son. The offer of salvation knows no limits. It is available to Jew and non-Jew, man and woman, young and old, rich and the poor, outcast sinners and saintly sinners. But it is available only in Jesus Christ.

Like with Matthew, the structure hints at the movement of salvation. God’s gospel moves from heaven to earth—from celestial announcements to the birth of Jesus in a Jewish womb and on throughout the backwater region of Galilee to Jerusalem.

Luke also reinforces Matthew’s proclamation that Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of David (Luke 1:32–33). Yet He does not lead through abuse of power but rather provides, protects, and guides His people like a Good Shepherd.

At its core, the Gospel of Luke tells outcasts they are loved and sought by God. And we all start out as outcasts since the fall of all, remember. Salvation in Jesus is offered without distinction. Race, social status, gender, and track record do not disqualify anyone. Jesus is the only Savior available to all who believe. That’s good news!

This theme continues in the companion book, the Acts of the Apostles, which Dr. Luke wrote around AD 60–62, and which is placed after John’s gospel in our Scriptures. In Acts, salvation is offered from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Picking up after God’s offer of a rescue in Jesus was accomplished in Jerusalem and Jesus returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit arrives, the church is born, its numbers grow steadily, and the new “family” of God’s people is called to tell of Jesus’ salvation throughout the world.

Reflect: Luke emphasizes Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost, showing His love for everyone, no matter their background or past mistakes. How can you reflect this same love and inclusivity in your daily interactions?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my Savior, for the amazing, undeserved, gracious, merciful gift of forgiveness and new life, I give you thanks today. Amen.