Luke For All Seasons

Spring

Lesson 1: God’s Plan for a Special Helper (1:1-25)

Section 1: Writing for the Lord (1:1) (1/1)

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us (Luke 1:1).

Observation

Writers are ever busy producing printed material. Libraries constantly provide new shelf space. Scholars in every field of knowledge find it difficult to cope with the flood of material. The digital and computer age provides another torrent of material.

Also in Bible times men were motivated to spread knowledge. Many made their hands busy to share the Good News that God had entered into the affairs of men through His Son, Jesus Christ. During Luke’s lifetime he discovered new ways to spread the written word.  Rolled-up scrolls were giving way to book-like papyri called codices.

Luke sensed that there was room for his writing efforts, too. The Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Most eyewitness records of the Lord Jesus have since vanished. But four remain as God-inspired: Matthew shows us Jesus the King; Mark, Jesus the servant; John, Jesus the Son of God; and Luke, Jesus the Son of Man.

Paul’s beloved physician obeyed God’s call to write, and he produced a masterpiece. Since he emphasized the manhood of our Savior, we will receive much to help us as we compare our walk with Jesus’ peerless life. His humanity and His love for all men will encourage us—earthbound as we are. Let us expect a great blessing.

For Discussion:  What kind of Christian books are you reading? List what you have read and what you want to read.  Do you want help in choosing books?

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Section 2: Luke’s Credentials For Writing (1:2-4)  (1/2)

…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 (Luke 1:2-4).

Observation

Not every attempt at Christian writing achieves wide circulation. Luke’s Gospel, besides being inspired by the Holy Spirit, is an example of the finest in Christian writing. Throughout the Christian era born-again Christians have eagerly read it, preached it, believed it, and lived it. Why? Luke gives us a few of his journalistic secrets.

First, he was sure of his sources. His partner, Paul, had seen the Lord Jesus and also wrote several God-given books. Paul surely provided Luke with much material. Luke sought out other eyewitnesses. No one could accuse him of limited sources. Many believe that Luke interviewed many who knew Jesus while Paul was in prison.

Second, He was sure of his facts. God, who cannot lie, blesses truth. Luke took pains to learn exactly all he could about the life and passion of Christ.

Third, he assembled a readable, accurate, and orderly account that became the greatest story humankind has ever known.

Luke’s writing style warrants imitating and his words warrant careful study. Not all of us can write as Luke did; but under God we can seek to make every communication true, meaningful, and glorifying to God.

For Discussion: What Christian tasks should we take as seriously as Luke did when he assembled and wrote his Gospel?