Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 – Luke 1:1-38
How sure are you that what you read in the Bible about Jesus is true and trustworthy? Many assume the story of Jesus from 2,000 years ago is like the children’s game, “Telephone.” Kids whisper a message from ear to ear around a circle. The fun part is hearing how much the message has changed when it reaches the last person in the circle. It’s not unlike how the fish always gets a bit bigger every time your uncle tells you that ol’ fishin’ story. It’s in human nature to exaggerate over time. So it makes sense that many would wonder if the miraculous stuff we read in the Gospels is the stuff of legends and not of history.
However, there is a reason why Telephone is a whispering game with young children, not a game where adults pass a written message and copy it for the next person. It’s not very funny or impressive when the message makes it around the circle still intact. Your uncle would probably only tell his fishing story once if he had kept the fish as a trophy and hung it on the wall. When the events are documented, it dramatically reduces exaggeration, confusion, and miscommunication.
Luke opens his Gospel with a note to “Theophilus,” which is Greek for “One who loves God.” He tells “Theo” that he is writing an orderly account of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, so he (and anyone else who loves God) can know what really happened. If you want to be sure, read on and find out for yourself…
Questions for reflection:
- Are there parts of the Bible you find challenging to believe happened in history? Why or why not?
- What is your excitement level to read another account about Jesus’ life? How could the most detailed, researched, and documented account of Jesus’ life benefit your relationship with God?