What Jesus Did! 'A Careful Compilation' — Luke 1:2-4

Monday, January 2, 2023

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[The people who wrote previously about Jesus] 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, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
— Luke 1:2-4 NLT

Key Thought

Luke tells us he is thorough and careful in his work recording the story of Jesus for us. His gospel is the longest and fullest account that we have of Jesus' life. Luke wants us to know that it is also carefully researched and written. His purpose is to assure us that we can know the story of Jesus' life accurately. As we journey through this gospel, we will also see that Luke wants us to know that Jesus cares about all people - young and old, men and women, Jews and non-Jews, powerful and outcasts. Luke will show us more about the Holy Spirit, Jesus' passion for prayer, and the importance of meals than the other gospels. Most importantly, he wants us to know that Jesus came to bring salvation for all people, including us!

Today's Prayer

Father, I thank you for the gift of salvation that you have given to me through my faith in Jesus, your Son. I am touched to know that you love me and want me as your child. Thank you for preserving the story of Jesus in such detail so I can know about your Son and your love. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Gospel for God-seekers
Devo: What Jesus Did!
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In the Bible, sometimes a person's name was changed because of something that person did or because of something that God was going to do through that person. Phil Ware continues his series called 8GT -- Eight Truths that Turned the World Upside Down and focuses on finding those seeking Jesus.
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Lonely Places as Usual
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Is my life shaped by intentional time away from the noise to be with the Father? Jesus' life was framed by prayer, but do I find my "as usual" and "lonely places" moments in the presence of the Father in prayer?

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:2-4 NLT — Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.

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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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