Luke 19:10 states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, which is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul.
### Author: Luke
1. **Background**: Luke is believed to have been a Gentile, making him one of the few non-Jewish authors of the New Testament. He is noted for his detailed writing style and a systematic approach to documenting the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. **Profession**: As a physician, Luke is often thought to bring a particular emphasis on healing and compassion in his narrative. His medical background may have influenced his interest in the miraculous healings performed by Jesus.
3. **Companion of Paul**: Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys, as indicated in the Book of Acts, which Luke also authored. His close association with Paul implies that he had access to firsthand accounts of Jesus’ life and the early Christian community.
4. **Purpose of Writing**: In the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:1-4), the author states his purpose was to provide an orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus’ life and ministry for readers to have certainty about what they have been taught. This indicates a commitment to clarity and truthfulness.
5. **Focus on the Marginalized**: The Gospel of Luke often highlights Jesus’ ministry to the poor, the marginalized, and the outcasts of society. This aligns well with Luke 19:10, emphasizing Jesus’ mission to seek and save those who are lost.
### Theological Significance of Luke 19:10
From an evangelical perspective, Luke 19:10 encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message—Jesus’ mission reflects God’s desire to redeem humanity. The verse expresses the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and it underscores the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation and ministry.
Evangelicals might emphasize the following points regarding the verse:
– **Salvation Available to All**: The phrase “seek and to save the lost” emphasizes that Jesus’ mission was inclusive, targeting all people regardless of their background.
– **Active Pursuit**: The imagery of “seeking” illustrates God’s proactive love and initiative in bringing people to salvation.
– **Identity of Jesus**: Referring to Jesus as the “Son of Man” connects him to a broader theological understanding of His identity and purpose in the redemptive plan.
In summary, Luke is considered the author of Luke 19:10, and this verse is significant for its encapsulation of the purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry, highlighting themes of grace, redemption, and inclusive salvation consistent with evangelical beliefs.