Bible Verse: 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. Luke 1:3-4
Scripture Reading: Luke 1-2
Some stories simply captivate us. The annual re-read of that book. The favourite movie that is re-watched whenever (every time) it is on. Stories so familiar that they become part of our conversations, quotes and comebacks that make us laugh each time we get to utter them. We never tire of them. In some ways (perhaps some ways we should be careful of), they become a part of who we are and how we express ourselves.
The Gospel stories should be that way. That’s no guilt trip or empty platitude. The stories of Jesus recorded in the Gospels truly are captivating. The words and deeds of Jesus are more than worthy of becoming the fabric of our lives, not just from an “I follow Jesus” line of thinking, but from a “this is the best kind of life” view.
There’s something to be reckoned with about the fact that there are four Gospels, the first three of which are shockingly alike. It’s not necessarily surprising that three such similar accounts of Jesus’ life were written. Different writers, different audiences—it makes sense. But the fact that all three of them were deemed necessary to be included in the canon of Scripture—there’s something fascinating about that, because, to be fair, they are not all that different from each other.
This week, we’re going to look at the Gospel of Luke. Each day, we will read Luke’s researched words that show us what Jesus said and did. We’ll consider why Luke chose to include these stories in his “carefully investigated” biography of Jesus (v.3).
We find ourselves in the same boat as Luke. While Matthew, Mark and John were eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus, Luke found himself (at least) one step removed. Luke had heard about Jesus. He had to examine the claims that were passed on. Luke had to investigate and decide about the truth of the things he had been told. Having done so, he knew that the best use of the information he had gathered was to pass those stories on so that others may also be “certain” about the Lord.
Let’s celebrate that we too can “know the certainty of the things we have been taught” (v.4) by looking into them yet again with an inquisitive mind of faith.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that Your stories are recorded so we can know that our faith is based on the truth. As I read Your stories this week, please use them through the Spirit to shape me in word and deed. Help me to see, with eyes of faith and an open mind, what You are doing, both then and now.
Reflection: How does your exposure to the stories of Jesus stack up to your exposure to other stories? Which stories fill your mind?
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