The Book of Luke Chiastic Structure

Read Luke 1:1-24:53 at Bible Gateway.

There is a thread of Contrasting the meek and humble with those elevated in the world’s eyes, running throughout Luke’s gospel. From lowly Mary, chosen however to bear the Savior of the world, to the uneducated fishermen sent out to bear witness to the world in the power of the Spirit after Yeshua’s resurrection, the thread remains unbroken from beginning to end. It culminates in the Good Samaritan, he who is despised, but who fulfills the Torah command to love his neighbor as himself (Lev 19:18).

Who is like YHVH our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap. Psa 113:5-7

For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa 57:15

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Cor 1:26-29

The elements of the Chiastic Structure:

Luke 1:5-80: John the Baptist, the Forerunner
Luke 1:80-2:52: The birth of Jesus
Luke 3:1-38: Baptism
Luke 4:1-14: Identity questioned by Satan
Luke 4:15-44: Ministry
Luke 5:1-6:49: Sinners to Repentance
Luke 7:1-10:24: Loose Those Bound
Luke 10:25-37: The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:38-14:35: The Woman Loosed
Luke 15:1-32: Found Sheep, Coin, and Son
Luke 16:1-19:27: Ministry
Luke 19:28-21:36: Questioned
Luke 22:1-23:43: Are You the Son of God?
Luke 23:44-56: Death and Burial of Yeshua
Luke 24:1-53a: Resurrection