St. Luke Coloring Page
This St. Luke coloring page shows the Gospel writer at an easel painting Mary and the baby Jesus, with his book, a doctor's jars and his gentle winged ox. The PDF is free to print. Luke was a doctor who traveled with St. Paul and wrote the Gospel that tells the Christmas story.
The story of St. Luke
Luke was a doctor. He lived a long time ago, and he spoke Greek. He did not meet Jesus while Jesus walked on earth, but he heard about him and came to believe in him with all his heart.
Luke became a friend and helper of St. Paul. Together they sailed across the sea and walked many miles to tell people about Jesus. They even lived through a shipwreck! Paul loved Luke and called him "the beloved physician." When Paul was in prison near the end of his life and many friends had gone away, he wrote, "Luke alone is with me." Luke was a faithful friend.
Luke wanted everyone to know the true story of Jesus, so he talked to people who had been there and wrote it all down carefully. His book is the Gospel of Luke. Without Luke we would not have the story of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary, or Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, or baby Jesus being laid in a manger while the shepherds came to see. Luke also told the stories of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Then he wrote a second book, the Acts of the Apostles, about the early Church.
People tell a lovely old story that Luke also painted a picture of Mary. That is why artists often show him at an easel with his paintbrush.
St. Luke is the patron saint of doctors and artists. We celebrate him on October 18.
What to color
- Luke's clothes: a green or blue tunic and a red or brown cloak.
- The painting of Mary: Mary's mantle is often blue and her dress red. Give baby Jesus a golden halo.
- The ox with wings: brown or tan. The ox is Luke's special sign as a Gospel writer.
- The book and pen: his Gospel. Choose any bright color for the cover.
- The little jars: the medicines of a doctor. Make them all different colors.
- His halo: yellow or gold.
A prayer to pray together
Luke wrote down Mary's beautiful song of praise, the Magnificat. Children can pray its first line (Luke 1:46–47):
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Then add: St. Luke, pray for all doctors, nurses and sick people.
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on October 18, St. Luke's feast.
- Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1–20, even if it isn't Christmas yet.
- Draw or paint your own picture of Mary, the way Luke is said to have done.
- Make a card for your doctor or nurse, or for someone who is sick, and say a prayer for them.
- Talk about it: Luke stayed with Paul when others left. How can you be a faithful friend?
Read the full story: St. Luke the Evangelist in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Luke?
Icons often show Luke in a green or blue tunic with a red or brown cloak. In his painting, give Mary a blue mantle over a red dress, the way icons do. The ox can be brown or tan, with gold wings.
Why does St. Luke have an ox?
Each Gospel writer has a sign. Luke has the ox because his Gospel begins in the Temple with the priest Zechariah, and long ago oxen were offered in the Temple. The ox reminds us that Jesus gave himself for us.
Did St. Luke really paint Mary?
An old and much-loved tradition says he did, and some famous icons of Mary are called "St. Luke icons." We can't be sure. What we know for certain is that Luke painted Mary in words: his Gospel tells us more about her than any other book.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.