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Luke

Luke 
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Day 5

Luke 1:1-4 "GREAT EXAMPLES"

Day 5 – Luke 1

Text: Luke 1:1-4

GREAT EXAMPLES

The Apostle Paul was most conscious of the importance of being an example for others to follow. He saw his own life as a “pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (1 Tim. 1:16). He also wrote to Timothy to be “an example to the believers…” (1 Tim. 4:12). Great examples impact others significantly, even though they may not be fully conscious of their influence.

“JUST AS THOSE WHO FROM THE BEGINNING WERE EYEWITNESSES AND MINISTERS OF THE WORD DELIVERED THEM TO US…” Luke 1:2

Luke was most conscious of the fact that his work was directly impacted by the “eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word” (Luke 1:2). Who were these “eyewitnesses?” Who were these “ministers of the Word?”

The obvious reference would be the original disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the exception of Judas Iscariot. Luke in his Gospel would write about these eyewitnesses. In a later book, in his sequel we call “The Acts of the Apostles” we will see further how Luke was impacted by their examples.

AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF AN EYEWITNESS AND MINISTER OF THE WORD

One outstanding example of an eyewitness and a minister of the Word would be the Apostle John. In his first general epistle, we read the following words.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life- the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us- that which we have seen and heard, we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).

Let’s list a number of things we should notice about John as an eyewitness and a minister of the Word:-

1. The focus of John was not his personal experiences, but the Person of the Lord Jesus Himself. He called Jesus, “The Word of Life.”

2. John was conscious of the fact that he was charged by the Lord Jesus Christ to bear witness for Him. This he did, and faithfully, till his death! He bore witness of his faith in the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

3. John was concerned about teaching people about the Lord Jesus so that they too can have “eternal life” and fellowship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The disciples of the Lord Jesus became powerful and significant “ministers of the Word.” They were well trained by the Master Himself. When the disciples spoke, people noticed that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

They bore witness for the Lord, because it was their privilege to have had the chance of a lifetime- to be trained by the Lord Jesus Himself as His disciples! However, what was more impressive was the fact that these eyewitnesses who were once people of very ordinary and humble origins, became mighty ministers of the Word, who led thousands of people to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is very likely that Luke was one of the people impacted by the fervour, zeal and faith of these eyewitness and ministers of the word. His mention of their contribution to his understanding of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is his way of thanking them and honouring them for their input and impact.

HAVE WE BEEN IMPACTED BY ANYONE?

It is obvious that Luke had been impacted by a good number of people. The “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” must have impacted his life greatly. Through them, he came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In time, he too became a disciple, and in turn he sought to impact others through sharing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

That’s how life works. Somewhere in our life, we will be impacted by someone. Our lives can be changed dramatically. Our hearts can be touched so deeply, that an indelible impression has been made. Our lives will never be the same again. We have been introduced to the Lord and He makes the ultimate impact in our life. God’s impact is both deep and profound.

THE CHALLENGE TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF OTHERS

What has God done in your life? Is the Lord challenging you to re-order your life in such a way that you can make an impact on others? How significant our lives will be when we live in such a way that we can impact others profoundly.