SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:1-4
Who is the ‘most excellent Theophilus’ (whose name means ‘friend of God’)?
Is he a person (actually named ‘Theophilus’) or a pseudonym to protect his identity (‘friend of God’)?
Either way, the gospel writer Luke wants to bring together the many stories about Jesus into one orderly account (see also Acts 1:1).
John makes the interesting observation about the abundance of Jesus stories: “Jesus also did many other things. What if every one of them were written down? I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25)
The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) each give a different perspective on Jesus and His life.
I’ve compared these four gospels to four different newspaper accounts on one story, each with their own emphasis:
— Matthew is a more ‘conservative’ view (like the National Post), with a Jewish perspective on Jesus as Messiah
— Mark gives a short, punchy angle (like the Toronto Sun), stressing the servant-like actions of Jesus
— Luke presents a more ‘liberal’ view (like the Toronto Star), stressing the humanity of Jesus
— John gives a ‘end of week’ perspective (like Macleans), showing the dawning realization of Jesus’ divinity
Four different perspectives, all unique, all true – the many faces (multi-facets) of Jesus.
Each one presents gives a fuller experience of Jesus.
And though there are differences, they all agree on the significance of Jesus’ life, death and victory.
If you are a friend of God, you too will benefit from this multifaceted (like a diamond) picture of Jesus.
“I want you to know that the things you have been taught are true!”
Or to quote John again: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in front of his disciples. They are not written down in this book. But these are written down so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. If you believe this, you will have life because you belong to him. (John 20:30-31)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for leaving a legacy, not only stories about Yourself but an impact that has reverberated through history. As I read this Gospel, may I know and experience You!
Observation/Application
A different view point of seeing the same as the others – the Gospels – all telling you and me the Good News – Jesus saves!
Each of God’s people are created with different characteristics and with those givens we see what we see. The Gospel writers have seen and heard and are writing the Story from their vantage point, their givens – to share with the world the miracle of it all. They were gifted to write, enabled by the Spirit to tell the wondrous story and so must I in my daily life of service.
Help me this day to shine for Jesus in all I do and say to share the Good News – He lives! Emmanuel – God with us.
Prayer
Thank You Lord that the world comes to a stop at least one day to celebrate – Christ Jesus. Help me to celebrate life in Him each day anew!
I serve a risen Savior, he’s in the world today;
I know that he is living whatever men may say;
I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I needhim, he’s always near.
Chorus:
He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talkswith me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!
You ask my how I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahsto Jesus Christ the king!
The hope of all who seek him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.