Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws

by Adam Hamilton

Most of us have at some point felt like a nobody--insignificant, invisible, worthless. The Gospel of Luke is a first-century portrait of Jesus with a particular focus on his ministry with those who were thought to be nobodies. This Lent, join Adam Hamilton to read through the Gospel of Luke together. Each week, turn your attention to specific stories that illustrate Jesus' concern for those who were considered unimportant and hear his word for our lives today.

Adults, youth, and children alike can experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal in the accompanying six-week Bible study series. You'll explore the major themes of the Gospel of Luke while participants read the entire Gospel together. Everything you need to lead small groups of all ages is available for this special study, including the entire Gospel of Luke in the CEB translation printed in the book.

This churchwide program includes the book, leader guide, youth and children books, and a DVD featuring Adam Hamilton in 10-12 minute segments.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Church, New Testament, Spirituality

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2022

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Adam Hamilton combines years of his study and sermons into a thoughtful study of the way Jesus interacted with those marginalized by society, as recorded in the gospel of Luke. He includes contemporary anecdotes that help the reader apply Jesus’s instructions to “welcome the stranger and feed the hungry”. Another inspiring tome to consider, especially throughout the Lenten season, anticipating the glorious Resurrection.

[Jane Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is among the best Lenten study book that I've used.
Eye opening with every chapter - teaching deeply to love like Christ.

[Kathleenalford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton has done it again. He takes a book from the Bible that we think we know well. His research, historical finds, teaching in context, and practical applications for today's life provide so many new facets of understanding. I have not found an Adam Hamilton study that I didn't find worthwhile.

[Ray Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton stresses the mention of outcasts, including Samaritans, Tax Collectors, and Lepers as worthy recipients of God's love. He states that Jesus particularly ministered to these people, ate dinner with them, and touched a leper while healing him. He also emphasizes the important role women played in Christ's ministry, pointing out that more women are mentioned by name in the book of Luke than in any of the other three canonical gospels. The Christ in Luke's gospel ministered to and redeemed suffering humanity in the here and now. The hope of paradise after death is present, but rarely mentioned.
This message stands in marked contrast to the currently popular dominionist belief which sees wealth as a sign of righteousness, and Christians, as entitled to roles of political power and military might, things which Christ never had much to say about.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hamilton approaches the gospel of Luke from a different vantage than what you are used to hearing, and that provides refreshing and insightful commentary.

On the other hand, this book was not as groundbreaking or soul stirring as some of his others.

My favorite quote from this book — and the most quotable section of the whole book — comes in the postscript: “Disappointment with God often comes from our expectations of how God should work in our world, but the crucifixion of Jesus makes clear that this is not how the world works. The resurrection of Jesus makes clear one essential truth about life as seen through the Christian faith: Life includes crucifixion moments— moments of adversity, suffering, and death. But none of these has the final word in our lives [because] as Christians, we live [both] the crucified and resurrected life.”

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hamilton writes very good books. Overall this book was enjoyable. It could have been more focused on the subject of Luke and the ideas of the outcastes and outsiders, especially in the middle chapters that seem to stray. Ultimately its more of a summary of the whole book of Luke with a filter of Jesus' ministry to those who were considered unwanted in the their day for various reasons, and how we can relate that to Christian communities today. All and all a good book, but not the most enjoyable structurally that I've read of his.

[Jonny Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read through with my church’s Sunday Bible School. I found it very enlightening & supportive with details that is found throughout the Bible with how they are referenced in Luke.
I would say that the supplemental material (DVD, group leader book) didn’t seem necessary since it was just reiterating what was described in the reading for each chapter. Donate or save the money by not buying the supplemental items.

[Cathy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great interpretation of Luke

Thinking of the ways Jesus treated sinners, those that were outcast or unclean, as well as outlaws, is a Jesus I firmly believe in. Adam Hamilton explains well and with much study, the Gospel of Luke and how Jesus treated others. Jesus continues to teach even as he dies.

So many parables and teachings are seen with a new understanding and apply well today as it did 2000 years ago.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

By looking closely at Jesus’ encounters with and stories (parables) about outsiders, outcasts, and outlaws in the Gospel of Luke, Adam Hamilton offers an excellent summary of the life and teachings of Jesus and a strong call to follow him. Whether read for personal spiritual growth, as the basis for group Bible study, or as a source for sermon material, this book has much to offer any reader.

[Jan Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my Lenten study book. I know the book of Luke well, but Pastor Hamilton had some good thoughts and referred to scriptures elsewhere in the bible to present a deeper, richer explanation. Very interesting and essy to understand, people of all Christian backgrounds should get a lot out of this study. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful. Highly recommend.

[Jennifer Jue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev. Adam Hamilton presents the scripture and stories of Luke from a distinct perspective of the "outsiders and outcasts" and those on the margins of society, the poor, the sick, the Samaritans, and others. I read it as part of a 6 week book study during Lent to Easter Sunday, and the readings fit well with the Lent to Easter season.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was read as part along with a study group. Adam Hamilton again does an excellent job of making scripture come to life. He raises meaningful questions for our own reflection. It is quite deep but very readable.

[Eileen Ayuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reflection on how Luke's Gospel highlights Jesus' focus on those most often overlooked, how Jesus valued justice and equity over rules, and how central women were to Jesus's ministry before and after his death.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our weekly Bible study group read Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws. Instead of an overview of the Gospel of Luke, pastor/author Adam Hamilton focused on some key stories about Jesus and his love for "friends in low places."

[Jon Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book via audio; essentially a short, spoken commentary about the Gospel of Luke. A great resource for someone interested in diving into the book.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study. Used as a sermon series.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of the book of Luke, and how Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost”. Particularly meaningful during Lent.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke Jesus and the Outsiders Outcasts Outlaws

The book reflects on the life crucifix and resurrection of Christ as he care for the outside rs outlaws and outcasts
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[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of Luke.

[Sue Hittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read. Short chapters filled with explanations of Lent to Easter.

[Sherri Federici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book for our Lenten Bible study!

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of how Jesus lifted up the lowly as an example of what we need to do in the world today!

[Betsy Fatzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. We are reading and discussing it for our Journey Group. Even after my injury meant I could not attend our meetings I finished the book and love again the Easter story.

[Dillon Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively thorough and approachable journey through the book of Luke, good for an all church study that can speak something to folks at a variety of places in their individual faith journeys.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book in a Lent Bible Study. I thought Adam Hamilton make some excellent observations, and asked some very valid questions.

[Elizabeth Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our small book club used this for our Lenten study. Perfect! We all agreed this was an educational experience and well worth the time.

[Diane S Pass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton is a great writer who makes scripture relevant to our lives today. Our Bible Study group read this book. A retired pastor lead the group. He had so much knowledge it was amazing. Between our Pastor Ben and Adam Hamilton it was my best Bible Study ever.

[Delynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sunday School class read this book and watched the corresponding DVD and we all loved it! Adam Hamilton explains the book of Luke through this amazing study and made it fun and easy to read. We all learned something new each session We all highly recommend this study.

[Debbie Babbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a Lent study. The book, along with the video, is a wonderful look at the Gospel of Luke. I loved Pastor Adam’s insights on Jesus’ relationship with those who were outcasts in society. Highly recommend the book and study. This can be used anytime during the year.