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Luke 1:1-4
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 word. 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.
Analytical. Fact-finder. Detailed. Researcher. These are words that describe Luke, physician, gospel writer and author of Acts. Luke’s careful investigation produced 28% of the New Testament.
Luke gained his information from original sources. He tracked down eyewitnesses to learn the details of Christ’s life. More than likely he gained the facts about Jesus’ birth and childhood from Mary herself (see Luke 2:51). Many believe he had contacts with Herod’s officials as he mentions Herod’s thoughts about Jesus throughout his gospel (e.g. Luke 9:7-9). He wanted to “know the certainty of the things” that were being taught.
Luke wrote his book for two reasons. One reason was that he wanted to confirm the faith of a man named Theophilus. He wrote to prove that following Jesus was based on historical fact. The second reason was that Luke desired to demonstrate that Jesus was the Son of Man who had been rejected by Israel and that he offered salvation to all who would believe. Luke’s desire was more than simply reporting the facts. He traveled with Paul and put his life on the line to share the message of Jesus.
Father, Luke reminds me that I need to know the truths about Jesus in order to share them with confidence. Help me journey through the gospels to embrace the life of Christ and fall in love with Him all over again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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