Two Challenges and Two Questions from Investigating Jesus: Week One

I began a new series on Sunday called “Investigating Jesus” from the Gospel writer Luke. 

If you have not seen or heard this message yet, click here. On March 26, I made two challenges and asked two questions. 

Challenge #1:  Read the Gospel of Luke in 15 days. 

Luke has 24 chapters; read two a day, and you will complete his Gospel in twelve days. Throw in Luke’s sequel, the book of Acts, and you could read both in 15 days averaging just over 3 chapters a day. The Center for Bible Engagement discovered that the greatest predictor of spiritual maturity is choosing to read the Bible. I would include applying what your read. 

Challenge #2: Pray & fast until Easter Sunday. 

Give up something to focus on God and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. I will not drink any caffeinated products until Easter Sunday. Fasting is not a burden; fasting creates focus. You could fast from a particular food (not lima beans if you hate lima beans😊) or some drink.  Coffee for you, Diet Coke for me. You could fast from watching the news or listening to certain Sports broadcasts. You could fast from Social Media altogether. 

I also asked two questions. 

Question #1: Who is Luke?

The Apostle Paul best answers our question, He refers to Luke three times in three of his letters. Colossians 4, Philemon 1 and 2, and Timothy 4. Dr. James Smith referenced early Jewish tradition and said, “Luke came from Antioch of Syria, that he, like Paul, was single, and that he lived to the age of 84.”

Question #2: Was Luke telling the truth?

The negative way of saying that would be – did Luke lie? Honestly, what would Luke gain by lying? I think Luke spoke the truth because of what Paul said to Timothy. Paul is in a Roman dungeon. He’s waiting to be executed by Emperor Nero. He said this,

2 Timothy 4:11: Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

Why would Luke be in prison if Jesus was a fraud? 

If you need additional proof that Jesus existed, read this article written by Dr. Jim Denison called “Why Jesus?” Maybe your investigation will mirror Luke’s results. Jesus wasn’t just anyone. He was and is God in the flesh, and I pray you will put your faith in him. If you have additional questions, email me at greg@wcchurch.life, and let’s talk this through.