Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Lk 1:1-4
We begin this comprehensive sermon series through the gospel of Luke with its preface, drawing out the background of its author (Luke), its intended audience (Gentiles), and most importantly, its main subject, Jesus Christ. Luke dedicates his account to Theophilus, a Greek officer and believer, hoping to fortify his faith by providing him a thorough account of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being a Greek physician, historian, scientist, and a man of rationality and apologetic, Luke presents his account of Jesus through research, evidence, historical context, and reason. He writes to convince us why Jesus Christ is the One whom we must believe in and depend on for all things; why He alone is infallible, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jesus is the One who was prophesied by God. (“the things accomplished among us…” v.1) Jesus didn’t come into the world without context- He was the One promised by God throughout the Old Testament. There is no difference between a “historical” Jesus and the “biblical” Jesus. The Son of God came from the Father, born of a virgin, and dwelt among us. He taught us God’s Will, and supported His claims with miracles. (Jn 1:14) There are more than 300 prophecies in Scripture that relate directly to Christ. He was promised to be born of a woman, to be the Son of God, to die on behalf of sinners, and many, many more. (Gen 3:15; Gal 4:4; Ps 2:7; Lk 3:22; Is 53:12; Lk 23:43-33) The probability of someone to fulfill all the prophecies is a number so minute it is beyond our minds’ comprehension, but the fact that Jesus has indeed fulfilled every one of God’s prophecies proves only He is the One promised by God to redeem sinners.
The Bible is inspired. The Bible is not man’s word- it is the Word of God. It is inspired, in that the Holy Spirit had complete influence over all that was written, to render it an authoritative revelation from God. Though the text was composed by the minds and wills of men, God inspired not only the writers’ general thoughts, but also the very words each writer used, so that they were in essence merely instruments to write down God’s Word. This inspired book speaks of Jesus Christ; it is what give us the book of Luke. Scripture tells us of Jesus Christ- He is the name above all names, the Savior and Lord of all. (Phil 2:9; Rev 22:20)
History speaks of Jesus objectively. The fact that Scripture is inspired by God does not overlook the way God used a man like Luke to write his account of Jesus Christ. Luke provides an objective perspective on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As a doctor thoroughly reviews a patient’s medical history to make an accurate diagnosis, Luke carefully investigated the facts to present his case of who Jesus Christ was. He captured the details of the life of Jesus to show the historical reality and credibility of the gospel.
God endorsed Jesus Christ alone to save us. There are many false christs who may adorn themselves with eloquence and success, but none are ordained by God to have the authority to save. Jesus Christ is the only one whom we can trust and depend on, because He was sent by God the Father. He is alone is from the beginning; He alone is from heaven. (Jn 19:10-11)
Jesus is the only One who can change us. Luke writes his account so that Theophilus could have a thorough knowledge and conviction of the truth of Jesus that would help him mature and grow as a disciple of Christ. Jesus is the only One who can transform us, because only He has defeated sin and is able to deliver us from sin’s tyranny. Mere self-determination always fails- it is only by the grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ the self can be defeated. He is the One who empowers us to follow after Him. (1Cor 15:10)
That the historical and Biblical figure of Jesus Christ is reliable is a nonnegotiable, unbreakable truth, because Christ Jesus is Lord of all. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Let us all continue to pursue and seek the Lord. If you find that you have not been depending on Jesus Christ, repent, and re-commit yourself to the Lord, for as each of us can say with Paul, it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (1Tim 1:15)
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