Luke 1:1-4 – Luke carefully studied the life and lessons of Jesus to communicate them with a dear friend. We ought to know the gospel message so well that we can share it with others.
When you know the gospel clearly, you’ll share the gospel eagerly.
1. A Shared Message — “Many have undertaken” (v.1)
- Luke joins others in writing about Jesus, but he aims his account for a specific Gentile audience.
2. A Continuing Work — “Things accomplished among us” (v.1)
- He records the ongoing mission of Jesus and His followers, preserved in his two-volume contribution of Luke and Acts (27.5% of the NT, written in the early 60s).
3. A Trustworthy Testimony — “Eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” (v.2)
- Luke learned from those who observed Jesus firsthand and then lived out what they witnessed.
4. A Careful Study — “Having followed all things closely” (v.3)
- Luke researched like a scholar, interviewed like a journalist, and wrote like an evangelist.
5. A Credible Messenger — “to write an orderly account” (v.3)
- As an educated physician and missionary companion of Paul, Luke models a credible, committed witness.
6. A Meaningful Recipient — “Most excellent Theophilus” (v.3)
- Luke did hard work so someone else could find it easy to be a “friend of God.”
7. A Certain Purpose — “That you may have certainty” (v.4)
- Strengthen what someone already knows until it becomes unshakable certainty.
Luke’s mission from Jesus’ example: Whatever the cost, seek and save the lost.
- Who is your Theo?
- What do you need to share?
- When do you need to share it?
