There are important themes in the Gospel of Luke we shouldn't overlook. Two of them involve Jesus' birth and Jesus' Last Supper.
The fact that Luke begins his Gospel with the name Theophilus. Why does Luke write his Gospel to Theophilus?
The birth story of Luke is a story of how the Christ Child was attended by common ordinary shepherd who came to pay him homage. The common and ordinary people were the one who were attendant to Jesus and the Christian faith, according to Luke, was open to those considered outsiders. There was an inclusiveness to this writer as he portrayed Jesus in a unique way.
The Last Supper in Luke's Gospel raises another important theme for Luke. First of all the writer wants us to know that the Risen Christ is still visible and is visible in two ways. We see the Risen Christ in the stranger on the road and when the stranger explains the Biblical truth and in the breaking of the bread. Communion happens to us when we welcome strangers and when we understand ancient truth as relevant in new ways and in the breaking of the bread.
Luke believed in the importance of the sacramental meal and he believed that all were invited to is. Life is a banquet and Christ is present.
He wrote to Theophilus. They Theophilus? The word means "lover of God". He wrote to all of us who love God.
If you have thoughts about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you would like a rough draft of the sermon I am pleased to email it to you. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of this blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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