Mwamba World Outreach School Of Ministry/ Studies in The Book Of Luke VII

THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM :

The reign of the Messiah is for "EVER" { LK 1:33 }.  Teaching about his future coming is found in two main passages ( Lk 17:20-37; 21:5-38 ).  They are worded more openly about the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem and its remaining desolate until the times of the Gentiles are fufilled.

2.  Jesus makes it quite clear that people must at all times live in readiness for the end and not be taken unawares by it ( Lk 21:34-36).  Luke also powerfully stresses how the followers of Jesus have the task laid upon them of being witnesses to Jesus in the intervening period.

3. The Saved People : In the birth narrative the leading characters keep the commandments of God as prescribed by the law (Lk 1:6, 59; 2:21-24, 27, 39, 41 )  

4.  A question about inheriting eternal life is answered in terms of what is written in the law ( Lk 10:25-29 ) But more is needed: Following Jesus and self-denial are intergral to the answer ( Lk 18:18-30 ).

5.  It is impossible for a pen to drop out of the law ( Lk 16:16-17 cf. Lk 11:42; Mt. 5:17-20; 11:12-13 )

6.  Yet Jesus can also forbid what the law allowed and made provision for, such as divorce.

7.  The theological emphases in this Gospel arrange themselves naturally around the broad theme of God's purpose to bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike through the activity of his missionary agent, Jesus, who functions as prophet and Messiah. If jesus is a prophet in Luke, he is more of a teacher in Matthew.  Where Mark and Matthew present Jesus' message more in terms of the Kingdom of God/ Heaven, Luke has a more salvific thrust.