In the early days of Contemporary Christian Music, Michael Card was one of my favorite artists. His music always seemed to provide a refreshing insight into a familiar passage of Scripture. I'm not sure when I stumbled across this commentary he wrote, but the title intrigued me. I eventually ordered the Kindle version. I decided to pull it out to use in my daily quiet time. Card provides insights into the text by making the reader think about it through the lens of first century culture. He explains some aspects of Jewishness--although Luke is probably the least Jewish of the Gospels. This commentary does not explore textual criticism of passages nor does it argue theological differences. It is perfect for a layman's daily quiet time. The text presented in the commentary comes from the Holman Christian Standard Bible. ( )

Imagination is a gift from God. With it we realize our creative potential. In this commentary, Michael Card informs our imagination to help us creatively think through the Gospel according to Luke. Card does not recreate the stories by adding new characters or plot twists. Rather he recreates them in our mind much the same way a historical film does with period speech and dress.In this book, Card lends to the reader his research into the grand narrative of the Gospel. As he expounds on the text, you are drawn into the sights and sounds (if you use your imagination) of Jesus’ culture. You will learn some of the Jewish and Roman customs that will bring the narrative into sharp focus. I found myself at several points imagining I was there with the disciples, stumbling over Jesus’ teachings and thinking about the content of the parables as if I was hearing them for the first time.

This commentary is devotional in nature and does not delve deeply into textual issues or theological nuances. It does not need to. Michael Card leads you, the proverbial horse, to the water and even makes the water seem appealing. But the drinking is up to you. This commentary includes the complete text of Luke from the Holman Christian Standard Bible . I highly recommend this commentary as a devotional companion as you read or study through the Gospel according to Luke. ( )

Case 11 shelf 1