3) What aspects of Luke’s Gospel (in terms of general themes and/or particular narratives) might have appealed especially to Gentiles (i.e., to non-Jews) and to those on the margins of mainstream society (e.g., outcasts, sinners, women, the poor)?
In Luke’s Gospel, there are many parables concerning those on the outer edges of society. This serves to show Gentiles and outcasts that Jesus is not judgmental based on one’s societal position, but rather on how each individual acts in their position. One of the strongest examples of this is in Luke 15: 11-32, the parable of the lost son. Even though the younger son ran away and squandered his inheritance, he came back to ask for repentance. His older brother is outraged at how easily the father forgives him, but Jesus wants everyone to realize how truly simplistic it is to receive forgiveness. By overcoming his ego, the younger son showed vulnerability and acceptance of the fact that he had made a mistake. The father welcomed back his son lovingly and practiced the kind of unconditional love that Jesus professed.
One of the most famous parables in the Gospel, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) also showcases the characteristics Jesus wants his followers to live by. Margaret Ralph points out in her book how the Samaritan was generally not a person too well received, but was the only person passing the half-dead man. Showing mercy and taking care of the man proved that Samaritan did not care about the social stigma of his actions, but rather wanted to make sure that the injured man would be helped. Having this sort of outlook on life would appeal to the Gentiles because at the time, Christians were not the most popular since the religion was still forming. Doing what was required based on moral values instead of merely social standards is what Jesus wanted his followers to abide by. The ‘Good Samaritan’ is a symbol for anyone willing to help because it is the right thing to do. Outcasts in society would be more likely to do this if it will grant them favor in Jesus’s eyes because they already are not well respected in the world they live in, but want to live a more fulfilled life in the next.
MaryBeth Carson for Theology 10001-18 
This parable truly does offer hope to the Gentiles in that it provides evidence that it is best to do what is morally just and humane regardless of your background or stereotype. It also gives the outcasts and those on the margins of society hope because it shows how God loves all equally. It matters most to be the best person you can be in this life in order to enjoy the blessings of God in the next. I think you did a really good job in highlighting these aspects.
I too chose to answer this question because Luke’s Gospel is my favorite of the four gospels. I like how you discussed he power of the Good Samaritan as a development of your stance on Luke’s Gospel appealing to the “outcasts” of society. This parable is a perfect example of Luke’s Jesus appealing and showing care for the outcasts. A Samaritan in this time period would be heavily looked down upon as he would be a member of a lower social status. However, despite being of a lower social status, even he can show kindness and love of neighbor. If he can do it, why can’t everyone else follow the example?
You chose two really good examples that demonstrate the way in which Luke’s gospel appeals to societal outcasts. Both the prodigal son and the Samaritan represent outcasts in their own way, yet the lost son is once again accepted and the Samaritan is upheld as an example of a good neighbor.
Luke is very concerned to present Jesus’ mission and ministry in continuity with that of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus offers a message of hope and healing for those in society who need it most; however, like many of the Old Testament prophets, he faced rejection at the hands of those in power and paid for the message he preached with his life. How, then, is this a message for Gentiles too? Precisely because Jesus’ own people did not accept him, God made this message available to others, including groups that polite Jewish society would never have expected. Re: the Good Samaritan parable, I heard about an interesting psychological study recently that noted that people were most likely to stop and help someone in need if they felt like they were not in a hurry; if they perceived themselves in a rush, they were more likely to just pass by.
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