We are called to be a witness and share the Good News about Christ to the world.

Luke 1:1-4

1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eye-witnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, 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, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

This introduction shows how seriously Luke is taking his responsibility. Unlike Matthew, Mark and John, Luke starts off his book by explaining his role. He tells us that he has carefully investigated everything from the beginning. He is not afraid to share the Gospel, rather he sees it as an honour. His purpose was to give a historical account which would show Theophilus that what he had already learned about Christianity was soundly based. Luke also defends his work as an evangelist by mentioning that others had already written Gospels, and he points out his own qualifications to do so. Even though he is addressing Theophilus, he is still writing to the world at large and his message is for us as well. He wants everyone to be certain of the Gospel.

Even though he had to rely on fellow eye witnesses (the apostles), he was still determined to write an accurate account of what had happened. He also wrote Acts as well as Luke so he had a commitment to sharing the Gospel. He sets an example that we can all follow because he was a witness. He was willing to share the truth about Christ. We don’t have to write books about it, but we must always be prepared to give an answer about the hope in Christ that we do have (1 Peter 3:15). We are called to be witnesses to the hope that we have and to share the Gospel with our neighbours.

I have to admit I struggle with this and find that sometimes the words just don’t come out. This is where I’m amazed at the courage of people like Luke and Paul who are willing to share the Gospel no matter what. They set a great example to follow in leading people to Christ.

Head: Why do you think that Luke wrote an introduction to the book, whereas Matthew, Mark and John didn’t write one?

Heart: How does it make you feel knowing Jesus died for your sins? How do you feel knowing that there are people out there that don’t know that?

Hands: What is one thing you can do to share the Gospel with someone? Who can you talk to about it?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. I really hope that you can give us the courage to share the Gospel with people who don’t know you. I also hope that we can be reliable witnesses and that our words and actions can help lead people towards Christ. May we all follow in the example of Luke in sharing the Gospel and hopefully it can lead people to following Jesus. In your name, amen.

A song to listen to: The One Who Made us One

Mick Lather

For these holidays, we are revisiting our Grow Dailys from the beginning of Luke.