What Jesus Did! 'A Gospel for God-seekers' — Luke 1:1-3

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, ...
— Luke 1:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Theophilus means friend of God. We can't be sure whether the name refers to an actual person or if it is symbolic to speak to each person who is seeking to live as a friend of God. In either case, Luke wanted us to know that his gospel was written after other accounts of Jesus' life had been written or circulated in stories. As he began his gospel, Luke also emphasized the great care he took to be accurate and thorough in his account of Jesus' life and ministry. He wanted us to know he was writing from the perspective of the work God accomplished through Jesus' life. Then, he invited us, his readers, to seek after God and to honor him with our lives. Jesus promised that if we seek after him, we will find him! [1] Let's accept both Jesus' and Luke's invitations to open our hearts to God's work through Jesus our Savior!

[1] Luke 11:9.

Today's Prayer

Father, as I start this New Year, I want to know you more fully through what Jesus did in his earthly ministry so that I can serve you more fully in my daily life. Please reveal Jesus to me as I study his life from the Gospel of Luke this year. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Careful Compilation
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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:1-3 NLT — Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, ...

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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