Day 263 Luke 19–21 Psalm 67

Before we move on, let’s pause to learn about the man who wrote this Gospel, Luke.Luke was a doctor, a careful writer, and a close friend of the apostle Paul. He was not one of the twelve disciples, and unlike Matthew or John, he never met Jesus during His ministry. Instead, Luke interviewed the people who did see Jesus, those who walked with Him, heard Him teach, and even saw Him alive after the resurrection. That is why his Gospel reads like a history report, full of details you can trust.

Luke also wrote the book of Acts, which continues the story of what happened after Jesus rose and returned to heaven. Together, Luke and Acts make up about one fourth of the New Testament, more than any other writer. He was probably a Gentile, meaning not Jewish, which gave him a unique perspective. That is why his Gospel shines with stories of Jesus caring for the poor, the sick, women, children, and outsiders.

Luke traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, even when Paul was in prison. He stayed faithful all the way to the end. Early Christian tradition says Luke lived a long life, serving God by writing, teaching, and encouraging the church.Because of Luke’s careful work, we can see Jesus with clarity and follow Him with certainty.

In Luke 19, Jesus visits Jericho and meets Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had cheated people. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus changes and promises to make things right. Jesus then tells a story about servants who were each given money to manage while their master was away. Some used it wisely, one wasted it. This shows that God wants us to use what He gives us for His kingdom. Later, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and crowds shout with joy. But when He sees the city, He cries because the people did not understand God’s peace. He then clears the temple, showing that worship should be holy and true.

In Luke 20, The leaders question Jesus, trying to trap Him with tricky words, but He answers with wisdom they cannot defeat. He tells a story about tenants who refused to give their master what belonged to him, showing how people had rejected God’s messengers. Jesus also teaches about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. He reminds everyone that life with God never ends, and that He is the Son sent by the Father.

In Luke 21, Jesus watches a poor widow give two small coins in the temple. Though it looked small, He says her gift was greater than the rich because she gave all she had. Later, He warns His disciples about hard days to come, but tells them not to be afraid. He explains that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never fade. He urges them to stay awake and ready, because the kingdom of God is near.

Psalm 67 asks for God’s blessing so that all nations can know His ways. It celebrates His fairness and kindness to every people group.