The Grands Letter (Luke/GLJ)

Dear Grands,

Luke 23:33-43, “When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.’ 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, ‘If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!’ 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ 43 And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’”

According to Eusebius, Luke, the author of this gospel, was a Gentile. His true, full name was Lucanus because he was of Greek origin, and his profession was that of a doctor. Luke’s gospel was written for Greek readers. The Grecian ideal of perfect manliness differed from that of the Romans. According to Robert Lee (author of the Outlined Bible), “the Romans felt it to be their mission to govern, the Greeks felt it theirs to educate, elevate, and perfect man. The ideal of the Roman was military glory and governmental authority, but the Greeks’ was wisdom and beauty.”

Thus, Luke, the Gentile, draws a portrait of Jesus as “the perfect man, the One who more than meets the highest ideals of the Greeks.” Militaries are also often needed, even by Christians; however, the visible, living likeness of the Christ will always exceed the highest excesses of humanity.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom