A brief background
Themes brought out in the Gospel of Luke and Luke’s second volume (Acts of the Apostle) are very distinctive and dominant since they bring to a light explicit and implicit understanding of Jesus and how a Christian should live according to biblical principles. As this paper examines, Luke’s narrative puts its focus on the teachings of Jesus to lend a unique subjection to authority through teachings, passion, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Themes
Prayer
Prayer is strongly brought out in Luke’s narrative as a unique and overriding theme. The subject of prayer features prominently in the life of Jesus as a major source of his strength. In the parables of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18: 9-14) and the persistent widow in Luke 18: 1-8, the essence of prayer intensely comes out as a distinctive tool that executes desired changes. Besides, Luke exemplifies Jesus as an individual whose daily plan and choices were developed and made effective through prayer. Indeed, what interests me is how Jesus sought time alone to pray (Luke 5:16), and even sought direction in choosing his close partners and individuals to continue with his work (Luke 6:12). I see the theme of prayer and its application as a critical component of strength and inspiration as I go through key moments in life.
Stewardship
Luke acknowledges in his narratives the quintessence of sharing among Christians. He introduces this theme in the hymnic outbursts and poetic statements by Mary (Luke 1: 45-56) whereby she claims that God exalts a lowly Israelite and brings down powerful people from high positions. This great reversal is closely related to Jesus’ concern for the poor and the great need for sharing as opposed to hoarding surplus while others lack. I look at this as the core of Christian commitment to share with the maligned, the sorrowful, needy, and poor in society.
The application of this theme in my experience closely relates the parable of the rich fool and poor Lazarus. It focuses on sharing whatever I acquire now and in the future with those who have little or nothing. While not every Christian is called to give up all their wealth to the poor, it is possible that they may end up making more money and store for themselves in banks locally and abroad. However, as Luke posits in the parable of the pounds (Luke 19: 11-27), such Christians will have to answer how they spent the stored money. They will be considered unjust stewards if they do not share that wealth received from God. I take this as a warning to avoid being shrewd with the material possession, gift, or knowledge I have but use it well to propagate objectives that help build others and the kingdom of God.
The power of the Holy Spirit
Luke’s theology is crowned by the introduction of the Holy Spirit as a dominant piece that connects the Gospel of Luke to the Acts of the Apostle. The Holy Spirit performs the role of empowering Jesus, his followers, and all other ministries that followed after the narratives of Luke. In Acts 2:17, Luke indicates that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift that will empower Christians with unique abilities that will advance the kingdom of God (Powell 205). Besides, it is clear that the Spirit will enable sons and daughters to prophesy and the young to have visions. This is exiting in the application as it draws me to a supreme that can enable a young man pursuing dreams of a life with purpose and vision.
Finally, the themes from the Gospel of Luke to Acts of the Apostles are regarded as the beacons of ideal Christian living. As the foundation of the Christian community and moral living, the themes offer practical lessons that I find critical in changing my everyday relationship with others.
Works Cited
Powell, Allan. Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Bakers Publishing Group, 2009. Print.