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

Monday, January 2, 2023

Your Gift Makes a Difference

Donations are vital to help us keep the light shining!

 Donate Now
[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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Gospel for God-seekers
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"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....."
EGHT: All Seekers Welcomed Here!
Article by Phil Ware
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.
Hidden Treasures
Article by Phil Ware
Where can you find history's greatest treasures? Phil Ware reflects on Mary treasuring the memories of Jesus' birth in her heart and finds reason not to sweat the small stuff, not miss the moments of grace in Christmas, and not lose the opportunity to lock away treasures in our own hearts this time of y
Lonely Places as Usual
Article by Phil Ware
Can my life be characterized by my 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, January 2, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Brilliant Star' (Ph. 2:14-18)
"Dear Father, Help me do what is needed without complaining or arguing, so that I may be blameless and pure. Let me be your child without fault, a..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray and Confess Your Sins and Your Nation’s Sins'
"I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people, pleading with the Lord my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 13:11
"Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow."

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.

More What Jesus Did!