Luke demonstrates the universality of Jesus’ mission through several passages throughout his gospel. With the parable of the Great Banquet, Luke emphasizes the point that one should not act simply to be repaid. He believes that helping others who are hungry and alone should be payment enough. Luke states that the man invites “the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind”, thus emphasizing the broad nature of Jesus’ task. He wishes to help everyone, not just the well off. The less fortunate are more vulnerable, but this parable shows that the acceptance of them can be far more rewarding than greed. The needy are welcomed into this prosperous home, demonstrating the accepting nature of Jesus. The less fortunate are described as caring, dedicated people whose needs are important, but they still never act with greed or anger, only kindness. The wealthy are depicted as impatient and inconsiderate, saving their goods for themselves and not helping others even when they have abundance. The homeowner demonstrates that wealthy can overcome these obstacles and help others, again giving an example for the universality of the Christian movement. However, while the master of the house follows Jesus’ wishes and helps the poor, he still commands his slave to do his bidding. This is somewhat hypocritical, for he himself wouldn’t do work as he chastised those who left to attend to more important things. The slave, who would be considered less fortunate, was left to help even the helper, again demonstrating how the gospel of Luke targets vulnerable aspects of society.

In the end of the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich and selfish man discovers himself in pain, and begs for forgiveness. In a way, this is a sense of karma, for god takes in those who hurt and allows those with greed to feel pain. Lazarus, the poor hungry man covered in sores never begged, he only looked on and silently wished while the rich man openly pleaded for mercy. Through this act, God says that one must realize the need for kindness and grace alone, without the guidance of another. For one to be truly saved, they must realize it on their own. The rich man was selfish, and continued to keep his commodities only for his own gain. He lived in excess when others around him lived in struggle, demonstrating the characteristics of someone who will later be disregarded. Through this passage, Jesus is portrayed as one who helps those who are deserving. Everyone has the opportunity to be graced by Jesus, but one must be worthy to receive the benefits.

In the final story, the unjust judge granted the widow her wish just so he would be given peace. God uses this story to scold those who do good things for the wrong reasons; he says to do things for others even when you can’t do them for yourself. The widow, and the other misfortunate were helped by Jesus simply because they were in need; not because they had something good to offer or because they were of high social standing. They were helped because of honest necessity and loyalty to Jesus. The woman is vulnerable, and Jesus helps those in need.

Overall, those who receive aid from Jesus are honest, loyal, and in need. They are not greedy, and don’t want out of luxury, but ask for help and guidance out of necessity. The third story demonstrated dedication to Jesus, but the first two didn’t, indicating Jesus’ acceptance of all and the universality of his mission. Jesus will help all who need it, but they must be deserving. These stories make Jesus appear graceful, but cautious for he only wants to benefit those who are honest and kind. The negative figures are greedy and inconsiderate, and are in constant wanting even when they need nothing.