BASED ON A TRUE STORY
- Key Verse
[I]t seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
After careful study, Luke introduces us to the TRUE story of Jesus and tells us that God is powerful to accomplish His purposes.
Reflections
Let's put ourselves in Luke's shoes. Luke was a man of science, a physician by trade, who had dedicated a significant portion of his life to researching the life of Jesus. He traveled with Paul, interviewed many of the people who had seen Jesus and heard Him teach. I wonder what Luke felt as he sat down to write his account of the life of Jesus. I would be tempted to start out with some noncontroversial facts or anecdotes, but Luke does not do that. In his very first chapter, Luke gives us two visits by angels, two seemingly impossible conceptions, a baby leaping in the womb, and a priest who has a ten-month spell of muteness. Except for verse 37, how could any reasonable person believe these incredible stories?
I have to admit to breezing through Luke 1 in the past, especially since many of the churches that I have attended begin the Christmas story with Luke 2:1. As I studied it more thoroughly this time, I was amazed at how much stuff is in this chapter. What really struck me was the amount of research that Luke put into his subject and that he wasn't writing about things that were legends, stories, fables, or myths. He wrote about what he determined to be factual.
Then it struck me that, if this is true, then why is my response so tepid? Why does my life not reflect the fact that I know God is capable of adjusting history in any way He chooses and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins? The only possible response is to live a life of worshiping Him, as Paul suggests in Romans 12:1-2. But why do I see so many other people who claim to know Jesus to be so lukewarm? Have we so softened this message so that we think it is OK to be less than a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?
Please join me in slowing down to meditate on what it means for this story to be true.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe the Bible is true?2. Does your life reflect your answer to question 1? If not, why not? What do you intend to do about it?
3. Have you had any experiences in your life that would have been impossible without God? Have you shared those experiences with others?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
MARK 13-LUKE 1 (FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 2)
Read Luke 1:26-56.
• What did the angel tell Mary?
• Who was the baby going to be?
• What did Mary do in verses 46-55?
• Make a list of ways that God has been faithful in your life and in your family's life?
Activity: Make a book of "God's Faithfulness!" Each person takes one of the times that God has been faithful and draws a picture or writes the story of God's faithfulness in that particular situation. Do this for the entire list. One page for each time He was faithful. Put this book somewhere where you can add pages to it. Any time you are having a hard time believing that God is with you, pull out the book and remember His serial faithfulness.
Sue Bohlin
March 2, 2012 06:27 AM
Paul, I love how you highlighted the way Luke was mightily used by God as a first-class historian, and connected it in your questions to the simplicity of the challenge: do we believe the Bible is true, and does our life reflect it? This weekend I am surrounded by people whose lives are changing because the Bible is true and they are learning to let that be reflected that in their lives. I have the privilege of encouraging about 50 young people from around the world who are standing against their homosexuality and daring to trust God with their hearts and their identity. Last night, as our leader preached from 2 Timothy about Paul's call to not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, he asked, "What one thing is keeping you from sharing your testimony of God's work in your life? What is the thing where you feel shame?" Then this morning I read in v. 25 how Elizabeth expresses that God, invading her life with grace ("looking with favor") is what is destroying her shame over being childless, her "disgrace among the people." The grace of God is so powerful, it can blow apart the chains of shame that bind us, shining most powerfully in the area where we are most DISgraced. Grace takes away disgrace like light dispels darkness. (See also Watermark's re:generation ministry) God is SO good!!
Carlton Kupp
March 2, 2012 06:38 AM
Paul, Thanks for pointing out how careful Luke was to make sure the reader knew he had thoroughly investigated the facts surrounding Jesus. You are an inspiration as a doctor, and I bet Luke was too. He would be happy to see that you as a fellow physician are a follower of Jesus too! Carlton
Paul Rutherford
March 2, 2012 08:26 AM
Mister Muncy, I was also struck by how much happens in this chapter. It is longer than many chapters, even still a lot of things do happen. I look forward to hearing an account of the gospel from doctor Luke. As a researcher myself I appreciate a perspective that is well researched. This has been good so far. I look forward to more.
Jim Wimberley
March 2, 2012 09:32 AM
Thanking God with you Paul for all of the incredible stories in Luke 1, and praying that all of us on The Journey will expect the unexpected as we pray and live our lives today remembering Luke 1:37, "For nothing is impossible with God".
Gary stroope
March 2, 2012 09:40 AM
Paul... Thanks for the reminder to slow down and think about what is true. Imany days I don't need new truth but to live and capture the depth of our Fathers love, power and intent. Thanks friend
Scott Jones
March 2, 2012 12:50 PM
Paul - thanks for reminding us of how important it is that the Bible is true. 26 years ago when I was an unbeliever, it was crucial to me to settle the question of the truth of the Bible. I am an egineer and I wanted evidence. Thanks to some faithful friends, the Holy Spirit, and after 8 months of study, I put my faith in Jesus. One thing I find intriguing about Luke is that I think it very possible that Mary was one of his sources. Notice the details about Jesus' early life in chapters 1 through 3 - much more than in the other gospels. I'm especially struck by Luke 2:51b "His mother kept all these things in her heart." Who else could have told him that?
Riis
March 2, 2012 12:58 PM
Doctor, Let me get this straight: one of my favorite physicians is writing about another one of my favorite physicians who is writing about my absolute favorite Physician! Great job of mining the miracles of Luke 1. Love serving alongside you and Betsy and watching Him heal separated and divorced folks--He does make all things new! Riis
Ben Pinto
March 3, 2012 07:39 AM
Paul - thank you for sharing such a unique and creative view of this chapter, that is from inside the head of Luke. Considering the depth of his research, his training in the sciences and his unique position inside the sphere of influence of the major players in these events, we simply must not miss the message. "For nothing will be impossible with God." I pray that I will daily embrace Luke's message. So much so, that others will see a real difference in me. For if I am truly Luke-WISE how can I ever be Luke-WARM.
Mark Reeves
March 3, 2012 09:34 AM
Doc, I am honored to have been in community with you all these years. As a man of the arts, it's natural for me to get swept up in the mystery of the gospel. But it's so heartening when men of science, like yourself, remind me constantly of your assurance that the facts are true. God is so good to have given us artists and scientists both what we need to know Him.
Allison Koons
March 5, 2012 08:08 AM
Paul, your key verse is one I've ran past for so long without noticing Luke's effort and heart. It's such a blessing to see a man of science, being who God intended and wanting others to know the exact truth. I wish I had always taught the same way. I've been quick to disagree with scientists and others who say they can separate their faith from their work, but then God brought to mind.... who supported, taught, and set the example of this lie before them? "...everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher". Luke 6:40b That's the moment I realized I should be asking forgiveness instead for focusing more on pleasing parents, students, and school leadership, than their Maker.