Luke 1:4 (NIV)
…it seemed good for me to write an orderly account for you… so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Luke is the writer: a Gentile, an educated man, a physician, and a disciple of Paul. He wrote to a personal friend and intended to stop the spread of spurious gospels that had begun to circulate. Scholars believe it was written between A.D. 63 and 68 and records events which cover a period of 39 years. It was intended for Greek readers, whose ideal of perfect manliness differed from that of the Romans. Greeks felt it was their mission to educate, elevate, and perfect man, while Romans felt it was their mission to govern. The Greek’s ideal was wisdom and beauty, while the Roman ideal was military glory and governmental authority. Luke presents Christ as the ideal man, that is why he relates things about Jesus that demonstrate his humanity. Luke’s term, the “Son of Man” is found 26 times in this Gospel. Luke devotes more of his writing to Christ’s feelings and humanity than any other gospel. Jesus knows the human experience because He lived it. “Immanuel” means “God with us.” He is with you today. He understands your challenges. He is listening to your prayers.