Day 30 – Why Jesus’ friends wrote about him

Bible reading: Luke 1:1–4

A disciple called Luke wrote these words at the start of his account of Jesus’ words and actions.
We do not know who Theophilus was. His name means ‘friend of God’.

Luke writes the facts about Jesus

1 Many people have written about the things that have happened in our country. 2 Some people were present when these things started to happen. They saw everything that happened and they told us about it. They are the people who wrote down the Good News for us. 3 I have checked the facts about what really happened. So now, I know about all the things that happened from the beginning. I am writing to make the facts clear to you, my important friend Theophilus. 4 People have already taught you about these things. Now you can be sure that they are true.

Luke 1:1-4 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)

Bible reading: John 20:30–31

A disciple called John wrote these words at the end of his account of Jesus’ words and actions.

The purpose of this book

30 Jesus did many other miracles while the disciples were with him. I have not written about all of them in this book. 31 But I have written about these things, so that you will be able to believe the truth. You will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Because you believe in him, you will have life with God.

John 20:30-31 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)

Reflection

If you have read these accounts about what Jesus did, what he said and who he was, there may be two final questions in your mind. ‘Is this true?’ and ‘Why does it matter?’ Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry, but lots of his friends were. He was a respected writer about history. He tells us of the careful research he did in order to give a clear, reliable account of Jesus’ ministry.

Modern research has shown how reliable Luke was wherever his accounts can be tested.

Yes, the Jesus story is true.

Eyewitness account

But why does it matter? John, who was an eyewitness, gives us his answer. Thomas, you remember, has just confessed Jesus as his Lord and God. John wants his readers to do the same. So he tells them that the information he selected for his book intends to bring the reader to the same conclusion as John himself, along with Thomas and the others. That is, to be convinced that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Saviour who had brought God into human history. But that conclusion was not enough.

A call for personal trust

John wanted them to have a personal trust in this risen Jesus which would start them on completely new quality of life.

It still does today! Can I suggest that you consider the evidence, and then put your trust in Jesus? To start, it's enough to say, as Thomas did, ‘You are my Lord and my God.’ It’s a demanding and exciting step into a new quality of life.

If you would like to consider it for yourself, continue to the next message to find out more.