Rev Gav
Credibility
Luke 1:1-3 – Introduction. Can we trust in the credibility of Luke’s gospel?
Luke 1:1-3
Introduction
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honourable Theophilus.
Reflect
The first Christians – followers of Jesus Christ – wrote in Greek, and so the Gospel of Luke is written in Greek. Luke’s Gospel is a style of writing called narrative history. Okay, so that sounds a bit boring, but it simply means that Luke’s telling us the history of Jesus in the way that you might tell a story. He’s used his skill as a writer to arrange and link together all the different stories about Jesus.
We live in a media-saturated society, where we don’t really trust journalists or things we see or hear in the news. We know that stories can be spun and facts presented with bias. And headlines such as, “Man gives birth to cabbage” don’t help do they? So, given that we live in a world of media mistrust, how can we trust this guy Luke?
In his introduction, Luke tells us why he’s writing his book. He claims that his research is thorough and that his words are trustworthy. He wants us to know that it’s based on eyewitness accounts and is credible. But at the end of the day, it’s just his word for it. Or is it? You see, countless people, including me, also claim that Luke’s words are true – that something special happens when you encounter this person called Jesus.
I suppose we can either choose to believe Luke or not. There’s a saying in English – “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” In other words, maybe we won’t be able to decide if Luke and his writing is credible until we’ve actually read his book.
Do
Right at the beginning of Luke’s gospel, open your heart and mind to God. This means making a conscious decision to allow God to speak into your life.
Pray
Holy God
As I engage with Luke’s account of Jesus,
through the words of Luke’s gospel,
help me understand what Luke is saying,
and apply the teaching of Jesus to my own life.
This day and for ever.
Amen.
Think
In our modern, western culture, what makes someone or something credible?
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Your recommendation to open our hearts and minds to God before we read Luke’s Gospel is a great idea. It’s like our moment of silence at the beginning of church service, where we prepare and pray to ready ourselves to receive God’s message.
One of the best pieces of advice I was given when I was a Director was “Trust, but verify.” It works well in my personal life too.
what makes someone or something credible? Their reputation and past behaviours, supporting evidence, among many other things. 🙏🏾