Luke 1
Although Luke didn't have a direct encounter with Jesus, he did travel with the Apostle Paul. Being a doctor, it makes sense that he did a lot of thorough research and gathered first-hand accounts before writing his own account. Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written histories of the life of Jesus, so why would he write an account if he wasn't even there?
In the first paragraph, Luke explains his reasons for writing, "So you may know for sure the truth of the words you have been taught". Having already read Matthew and Mark's account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness, making it clear and easy to understand, making sure the events were in order, with the goal of bringing affirmation to the truth. So what does all that mean to us? No matter who tells the story, Jesus is still the main character. From beginning to end, the Bible is His story, and what does it say? As Luke confirms through his research, Jesus stepped down from heaven, surrendered His divine rights, removed his crown, set aside his scepter, removed his royal robes and came to tabernacle with us. Why? Because we owe a debt we cannot pay. Only a sinless man with no debt of His own could pay what we owe and put us right with God. The gap between man and God had to be bridged. This is the theme of the Gospels and Luke, not even being a disciple, brings to light this truth. In today's world, there are a few worldviews screaming for our attention. One claims that reality is material and that everything in the universe is a product of time and chance. Another, while it claims reality to be spiritual, professes that the spiritual agent is not a person but "all that is". The Biblical view distinguishes between the Creator and the creation. We are the creation, we belong to the Creator (Psalm 24:1). It affirms that there is a personal God who has revealed Himself to the world in the person and work of Jesus. Through his detailed account, Luke affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's Messianic hope and the One who gives purpose and dignity to all who put their trust in Him. Lord, I lift up everyone who has joined this journey, turned away from world views and has chosen to follow You. I pray Lord that by the power of Your Spirit we remain strong in our faith and that we can live our lives as witnesses to Your truth recognizing that our earthly life is just a pilgrimage designed to prepare us for eternity.
In the first paragraph, Luke explains his reasons for writing, "So you may know for sure the truth of the words you have been taught". Having already read Matthew and Mark's account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness, making it clear and easy to understand, making sure the events were in order, with the goal of bringing affirmation to the truth. So what does all that mean to us? No matter who tells the story, Jesus is still the main character. From beginning to end, the Bible is His story, and what does it say? As Luke confirms through his research, Jesus stepped down from heaven, surrendered His divine rights, removed his crown, set aside his scepter, removed his royal robes and came to tabernacle with us. Why? Because we owe a debt we cannot pay. Only a sinless man with no debt of His own could pay what we owe and put us right with God. The gap between man and God had to be bridged. This is the theme of the Gospels and Luke, not even being a disciple, brings to light this truth. In today's world, there are a few worldviews screaming for our attention. One claims that reality is material and that everything in the universe is a product of time and chance. Another, while it claims reality to be spiritual, professes that the spiritual agent is not a person but "all that is". The Biblical view distinguishes between the Creator and the creation. We are the creation, we belong to the Creator (Psalm 24:1). It affirms that there is a personal God who has revealed Himself to the world in the person and work of Jesus. Through his detailed account, Luke affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's Messianic hope and the One who gives purpose and dignity to all who put their trust in Him. Lord, I lift up everyone who has joined this journey, turned away from world views and has chosen to follow You. I pray Lord that by the power of Your Spirit we remain strong in our faith and that we can live our lives as witnesses to Your truth recognizing that our earthly life is just a pilgrimage designed to prepare us for eternity.
Randi
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