AUDIO
TRANSCRIPT
The book of Luke is one of beautiful details about the emotions and events of all
of the characters in Jesus’ life. The author of the book is Luke, a doctor and a
companion of Paul. Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry but was hired to take
care of writing an account of his ministry. Since he was a doctor, he was used to doing
research and studying. Since he was Greek, he was used to focusing on detail. Both of
these characteristics impact how he communicates the account of Jesus’ life.
Another unique aspect of Luke is that he was a Gentile as he was Greek. The
other writers of the Gospels were Jews. And, we already know that there was a divide
between Jews and Gentiles during this time. Before Jesus, Jews were convinced that
salvation and the Messiah were only meant for them. But, as always, Jesus turned this
way of thinking upside down during his earthly ministry.
Luke starts his gospel by stating, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account
of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by
those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the words. With this in mind,
since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided
to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know
the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
I love how it says he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning.” This
means that he was finding out everything he could about Jesus while being careful to
have reliable sources. I think of a graduate student working on their thesis or capstone
project. They gather reliable data and case studies over the course of several months,
possibly even years, to come to reliable conclusions on their chosen topic. Most of
these projects would be considered reliable as long as they followed certain research
standards.
Well think of Luke. Not only was he looking up “case studies”, but he was using
firsthand accounts of Jesus’ ministry. I’m sure he was examining each person’s
statement to come to a conclusion about Jesus. I’m sure he was checking to see the
validity of statements across those who were sharing the same stories to see if they
checked out. Did their stories make sense? It reminds me of a judge or jury listening to
eye witness accounts trying to find the truth of what happened during a crime. After
Luke heard the stories, he was absolutely convinced and believed that this careful
investigation should lead to a certainty of faith in the reader.
For those who are intellectual and may feel like they have to accept the truth of
God’s word blindly, that is simply not true. The bible is true from a historical perspective.
Both the first hand accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John, as well as the investigative
account of Luke corroborate each other. We can trust the truth of this word. And,
because we trust the truth of his word, we have the responsibility to know it and
investigate it ourselves. This builds our faith and allows us to shine a light to those that
need it because we will have the truth of his word as answers to the tough questions of
life and faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
There are many incredible events in this first chapter but one that stuck out to me
is when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. When Mary asks him HOW she will bear the
Savior of the world, Gabriel says in verses 33-37, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and
the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be
called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old
age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For NO word
from God will ever fail.”
I love that promise of our Father. No word of his will ever fail. The Holy Spirit works
to accomplish his purposes to do the mighty and miraculous. Even to the point of
having Elizabeth concieve in her old age. Not only does God provide like this in Biblical
times, but he does this in our lives today! Immediately after Gabriel said this, Mary
responded with “I am the Lord’s servant.” She said yes AND God stayed true to his
promise, just like he does today. What do you need to believe in God for today? How
do you need to investigate God’s word to affirm its truth in your heart? What scripture
can you memorize today? As you go throughout the day, believe that God will hold
true to his promises and ponder the truth and validity of His word. Remember, NO word
from God will EVER fail