Luke 1:1-4
The Gospel of Luke, which we now begin, contains many precious things which are not recorded in the other three Gospels. Such, for instance, are the histories of Zacharias and Elizabeth,─the angel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary,─and, to speak generally, the whole contents of the first two chapters. Such, again, are the narratives of the conversation of Zacchaeus and of the penitent thief,─the walk to Emmaus, and the famous parables of the Pharisee and Publican, the rich man and Lazarus, and the Prodigal Son. These are portions of Scripture for which every well-instructed Christian feels peculiarly thankful. And for these we are indebted to the Gospel of Luke.