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. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (NIV).


Introduction to the Book of Luke:

Nearly two thousand years ago a doctor named Luke began a letter to a friend with these word: "Many have tried to report on the things that happened among us. They have written the same things that we learned from others-the people who saw those things from the beginning and served God by telling people his message. Since I myself have studied everything carefully from the beginning, most excellent Theophilus, it seemed good for me to write it out for you. I arranged it in order to help you know what you have been taught is true" (Luke 1:1-4 NCV).

Luke and Theophilus shared two loves: a love for Christ and a love for the facts. They didn't want legends, they wanted truth. And so Dr. Luke begins to sort the truth and report the facts to Theophilus. The result is part letter and part research paper.

It is part letter because it was written from a friend. What a bond must have existed between these two that Luke would labor so! It is part research paper, because Luke had studied every thing carefully from the beginning and he wanted Theophilus to benefit from his study.

Can't you envision him in the home of Mary? "Tell me again what happened in Bethlehem." Can't you see him peppering Matthew with questions? "Let me see if I got this parable right." Or on long walks with Peter, "When you denied him the third time, did Jesus know?" With the skill of a surgeon, Luke probes for truth.

Why?

So his friend could know that what he had been taught was true.

Did Luke have any idea that millions of us would benefit from his study? I doubt it. All he did was share the truth with a friend.

Can you imagine what would happen if we all did he same?

Max Lucado The Devotional Study Bible




Information about the Book of Luke:

Luke, the author was a non-Jewish doctor. The book was written c.A.D 60.

Key themes about this book is:

*Jesus was fully man and fully God
*Jesus experienced the conflicts of life, yet performed miracles.
*Jesus fulfilled God's mission and taught of God's kingdom.
*Jesus' death and resurrection made possible our relationship with God.

Key verse in the book:
"Since I myself have studied everything carefully from the beginning...it seemed good for me to write it out for you. I arranged it in order to help you know that what you have been taught is true" (Luke 1:3-4)


The book contains:
I. Jesus' Birth and preparation 1:1-4:13
II. Jesus' Ministry 4:14-9:50
III. Jesus' Ministry in the Midst of Conflict 9:51-18:43
IV. Jesus' Last Week, Resurrection, and Ascension 19:1-24:53

Scholars have suggested that these events took place around 6 B.C. during the rule of Herod the Great. God set the stage for the coming of Jesus into the world. The events leading up to Jesus' birth can be summarized by the angel's words, "God can do anything!"

So then, what are your greatest dreams? Remember, God can do anything, and He loves to fulfill dreams. Ask God to show you what He wants you to do, and then ask Him for the power and courage to do it!

Let's begin the Book of Luke...

Mama Barb