“So you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.” (Luke 1:4 MSG)
Luke writes an account of the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ so that Theophilus can know. So that we, two thousand years later, can know.
Why do we need Luke’s account? Because he’s an outsider, the only gentile in the New Testament cast. That may not read like a big deal to us in modern context: most of us rub shoulders with other cultures all day long. But in the ancient near east, this was not the case. Jews did not associate with non-jews (gentiles). They did not go to their houses or eat meals with them. They did not make trade agreements or hold conversations with those outside their faith. Consider again, Luke, an outsider invited by Jesus into the inner circle. Luke’s account is precious to Theophilus (who is likely Greek and therefore gentile) and also to us. Luke shows us that Jesus invites the outsider in. He pulls us close and shares His life, death and resurrection power with us.
Secondly, we note that Luke was a doctor by trade. Now I know a few doctors and they are skeptical in nature. It’s understandable, they are trained in logic; physical symptoms have reasonable roots, find the root, repair and eliminate the symptom. Doctor Luke included more details than any other gospel, as if he inherently understood how unbelievable this account might be. He addressed the cynic; thorough and convincing, so that we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is true and Jesus is Lord.
Luke is not the only New Testament contributor who writes with such confidence. John echoes his co-laborer’s sentiment near the end of his ministry:
“My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion.” (1 John 5:13 MSG)
We can know because of eyewitness accounts but we can also know because the confirmation we find in our own story. Scripture rings true with our experience, doesn’t it? We have felt God move in our own lives and then been fortified by the words we find in scripture.
We enter this season with the unshakeable joy of knowing. Yes, we have hope, but we also have confidence. We know who this baby is and what He came to accomplish. We celebrate Christmas with the hindsight that comes from walking through Easter and Pentecost also. We receive the Christ child with full knowledge of what He came to do.
Lord, thank You for making Yourself known. We are so grateful for the twofold story of scripture and experience. We know You as Savior, personally and historically. We know Your plans are for life and not death. May we receive You anew this season with great joy, being in on the mystery of at least some of Your good purposes. May we rejoice as they continue to unfold. Amen.