If you missed Sunday Mornings Message...here it is: Profiles of People in the Bible:Luke - Dr Luke with Immanuel Weir Doctor Luke March 16, 2014 Luke is an amazing character. His background was Greek. He was a Physician, a missionary, historian, traveler and writer. Luke contributed ¼ (28%) of the entire New Testament writings – Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. The book of Acts is a continuation of the gospel of Luke. Being a doctor Luke was very thorough and interested in facts. Like many of us today, he would want proof and scrutinize what he had gathered. You can imagine him a little bit like a ‘C.S.I’ agent and news reporter. With a university like education under his belt he was well educated and could prepare a thesis and document things properly. There can be a lot said about Luke. Today were going to look at three attributes of this disciple: Writer/Historian; his compassion; and his loyalty. Luke the Historian/Writer One of the many nice things about Luke is that he was objective. Because of Luke’s background and education he compiled the writings of the Gospel of Luke in a very meticulous way. Luke begins the gospel bearing his name by mentioning the sources from which he compiled his writing: Luke 1:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP) 1 Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to put in order and draw up a [thorough] narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished and fulfilled in and among us, 2 Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [official] beginning [of Jesus’ ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God], 3 It seemed good and desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 [My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been orally instructed. There are three ways listed here that Luke used to compile the gospel. 1. Written documents about Jesus Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to put in order and draw up a [thorough] narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished and fulfilled in and among us, (Luke 1:1) 2. Eye Witness Reports 3. Oral tradition 2 Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [official] beginning [of Jesus’ ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word (Luke 1:2) Luke makes a point of compiling together written documents about Jesus from various sources of the time. This would be done in similar fashion when a lawyer gathers together evidence, reports, and documentation about a person and/or event(s). Someone with a higher level of education would do this very thoroughly and would catch mistakes and contradictions if any should arise. Secondly, like a news reporter, he gathers together eye witness reports from those that saw Jesus and experienced him in one way or another including the disciples of Jesus. Many of them would be getting quite old at this time, so it was important for him to do this in a timely manner as this was the last chance of eyewitness reports. It was common in Jewish traditions to pass down information through oral traditions. Luke used this together with his eye witness reports and previously written documents. You can imagine Luke back in his day being like a reporter as he interviewed eye witnesses after eyewitness. You could almost see him talking to Mary, asking questions like: ‘what was it like when the angel told you would be pregnant – tell me more?’ It would have taken time for Luke to interview so many people and travel the lands that Jesus walked. Amongst those that were interviewed would be those that had been freed from demonic possession, were blind, lame, paralyzed etc., and but had been healed by Jesus. As a doctor not only would he be curious but he would probably be a bit skeptical from a medical point of view. His position as a doctor may have allowed him to talk to other doctors about some people and their illness and healings. Luke probably asked to examine them himself. From a unique Physicians point of view you can imagine the pain staking and meticulous process he would have undertaken to write down the details of facts – a process which is expected of a doctor when writing reports. When Luke records the miracles/healings of Jesus, he would have had to be sure that it occurred that way before writing about it in a report – anything less would be an insult to his intelligence and education. Some have felt that this compilation was done at the request of Theophilus, a Roman official who wanted to know the facts about Jesus. Theophelus perhaps funded Luke to undertake this task. Whatever the case, Luke is clearly addressing this man by name. This in itself required of Luke to be diligent and faithful in his reporting. What do we learn from this about Luke? He is faithful, trustworthy and truthful. He is a truth seeker and wanted others to know the truth. As an educated man, he wanted to research information about Jesus. His faithfulness and integrity are reflected in his writings. Luke the Compassionate One As a doctor Luke had compassion for people and this is reflected in the gospel too. When we read the gospel of Luke we see Luke’s tender heartedness for the sick. As a gentile outsider, Luke demonstrates sensitivity to other outsiders. He also recognizes women and shows how Jesus honoured women throughout His ministry (five accounts regarding women are not found in any other gospel.) Some examples: o Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead Luke 7:11-17 o A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet Luke 7:36-50 o A group of women travels with Jesus Luke 8:1-3 o Jesus visits Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 o Jesus heals a crippled woman Luke 13:10-17 o Weeping women follow Jesus on his way to the cross Luke 23:27-31 Luke makes specific mention of women: Luke 8:1-3 (NIV) 8 after this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. In the culture of the time, events regarding women and even more so a testimony of a woman (which culturally was considered not trustworthy) was typically left out. Not only does Luke mention ‘women’ but does so by name and what Jesus did for them. Luke records Jesus visit to Mary and Martha: Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” The two women are singled out in this account and given honourable mention by name. Today, we may not have the same roles as did Mary and Martha but we can relate to ask ourselves ‘ are we being like Martha being distracted by everything else that we do not take time to sit at the Lord’s feet like Martha? This is not merely about coming to church on Sundays, but truly putting Christ first. If other things take place or priority over our time with God and the commission He has given us - what will we say to Him when He asks us why we chose worldly things over Him? Something to think about. Luke the Faithful and Loyal Companion Luke was a humble and faithful companion of Paul. He is mentioned by name three times in the N.T. by Paul and is included in the ‘we’ sections of Acts. (e.g. Acts 16-18) Acts 16:11-15 (NIV) 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. This is one of the many passages that demonstrates Luke’s presence during several different missionary trips led by Paul. Luke never sought to be in the lime light but rather was humble and faithful friend to Paul. Paul mentions Luke by name calling him a dear friend and fellow worker. Colossians 4:14-15 (NIV) 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. Philemon 1:23-24 (NIV) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. Paul points out that Luke was not only a faithful fellow worker and friend but that he was loyal, sticking with Paul when everyone else had left him. (compare Proverbs 18:24) 2 Timothy 4:09-12 (NIV) 9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. Paul tells us that only Luke is here with me. What an example of a faithful friend and companion of the gospel! What about us? Do we stand side by side those serving the Lord? Where is our faithfulness, despite external circumstances and personal difficulty? Loyalty is admirable in God’s sight. Conclusion: Personal Life Application Luke followed Paul wherever he went. Luke had his own practice and left this to be a support to Paul in evangelizing. Luke’s role gives us some encouragement as to our role in the church. Use talents for God: James 1:16-18 (NIV) 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Give of our time: Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Give of our finances: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Mark 12:44 (NIV) 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Compare Acts 2:35 and 1 Timothy 5:3 Luke is a good example for us to follow. Can we be like him? Can we take the time to research information about Jesus Christ? Many of us will not be leaders, like Paul, but can we be of support to the ministry of the gospel? Can we contribute our talents, time and finances to advance the gospel? Luke did this humbly without expecting anything in return. Can we stand beside a leader faithfully supporting them, encouraging them? Let Luke’s example encourage your heart to serve God, His people with whatever God has given you – and be humble. References: Wilkinson, Bruce ; Boa, Kenneth: Talk Thru the Bible. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1983, S. 327 Life Application Bible: Tyndale House Publisher, Inc. Illinois and Zondervan, Michigan, 2005, page 1853.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 06:19:14 +0000
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