The Gospel of Luke, Poverty, and the Birth of Jesus
This post was inspired by an assignment I wrote during seminary for a class on the Gospels. Now that the Christmas decorations are coming down and there’s nothing but crumbs in the cookie tins, it’s a good time to reflect on what Luke’s Gospel reveals about Jesus’ mission—and what it means for us as we head into the new year.
Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth is rich with meaning, particularly about God’s heart for the poor and lowly.
Luke’s Christmas Playlist: Songs for the Humble
One of the first clues to Luke’s focus on the poor and outcast comes in Mary’s song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Mary celebrates God’s mercy, declaring,
“He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Luke 1:53, ESV).
Talk about flipping the script. Mary praises God for upending the status quo. She celebrates a God who lifts up the lowly—and she’s not just singing; she’s previewing a theme that runs throughout Luke’s Gospel.
Jesus’ Mission Statement: Good News for the Poor
Fast-forward to Luke 4, where grown-up Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue. He declares:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18–19).
Jesus’ mission statement has world-altering implications. In Luke, the term “poor” (Hebrew: ʿānāw) doesn’t just mean lacking cash—it refers to the bowed down, the socially marginalized, and the forgotten (Lexham Theological Wordbook, 2014). Luke portrays Jesus as the champion of those on the margins, which challenges all of us to rethink our priorities.
A New Year’s Challenge: Practicing Luke’s Themes
Before we store away our nativity scenes until next year, let’s pause to reflect. Luke calls us to see the world through God’s eyes—to notice the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized. And he invites us to respond, not merely with pity, but with action. This year, how can we live out the themes of humility, generosity, and justice? What does that mean to you?
Happy New Year, friends! May we celebrate the Savior who came for the lowly—and calls us to follow Him there.
References:
- Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.
Michelle Perez 