Luke 1:1-4
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 1:1-4 noting the language Luke chooses to introduce this letter.
We have seen that each Gospel writer brings a different perspective and unique emphasis to their account of Jesus’ life. Matthew and John were among the disciples who traveled with Jesus and learned from him firsthand. And Mark most likely heard the story from Peter who also was among Jesus’ closest followers during his earthly ministry. Like a good reporter, Luke gathered stories and investigated the facts to provide as accurate an account as possible.
In addition to the four Gospels included in the canon of Scripture, other accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry circulated among the early church, and many of these veered from the main themes and overall message of the Gospels written by Mark and Matthew (John was written later than Luke). Luke seems to be addressing these other narratives when he stresses the accuracy of his account in his opening words to Theophilus.
Luke’s Gospel is much more than an academic account, but he obviously wants his reader to have confidence in the facts he is about to present. Take a moment to think about the process you use to differentiate truth from theories or ideas about Jesus. Then consider asking the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to be your guide as you journey through Luke’s Gospel.
Read Luke 1:1-4 again.
In Luke’s second letter to Theophilus (the book of Acts), he writes about the ways people in various places react to the Apostle Paul’s message about Jesus. After describing a particularly negative reaction in Thessalonica, Luke says this about the people of Berea:
“…the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.” – Acts 17:11-12
It is very uncomfortable when our paradigms (our deeply held models of thought) are challenged. The temptation is to automatically reject any information that conflicts with what we already believe. But following Jesus is a transformational journey, and Jesus will consistently challenge and reshape our paradigms as we come to know him better.
For the last moments of this time of meditation, consider asking Jesus to give you an open mind and an eagerness to have him shape your outlook. Then get quiet and listen to him.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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