What Jesus Did! 'A Gospel for God-seekers' — Luke 1:1-3

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, ...
— Luke 1:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Theophilus means friend of God. We can't be sure whether the name refers to an actual person or if it is symbolic to speak to each person who is seeking to live as a friend of God. In either case, Luke wanted us to know that his gospel was written after other accounts of Jesus' life had been written or circulated in stories. As he began his gospel, Luke also emphasized the great care he took to be accurate and thorough in his account of Jesus' life and ministry. He wanted us to know he was writing from the perspective of the work God accomplished through Jesus' life. Then, he invited us, his readers, to seek after God and to honor him with our lives. Jesus promised that if we seek after him, we will find him! [1] Let's accept both Jesus' and Luke's invitations to open our hearts to God's work through Jesus our Savior!

[1] Luke 11:9.

Today's Prayer

Father, as I start this New Year, I want to know you more fully through what Jesus did in his earthly ministry so that I can serve you more fully in my daily life. Please reveal Jesus to me as I study his life from the Gospel of Luke this year. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 11:9-13
  • Luke 7:16-17
  • John 1:17-18

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Careful Compilation
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[The people who wrote previously about Jesus] used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated..."
EGHT: All Seekers Welcomed Here!
Article by Phil Ware
In the Bible, sometimes a person's name was changed because of something that person did or because of something that God was going to do through that person. Phil Ware continues his series called 8GT -- Eight Truths that Turned the World Upside Down and focuses on finding those seeking Jesus.
Hidden Treasures
Article by Phil Ware
Where can you find history's greatest treasures? Phil Ware reflects on Mary treasuring the memories of Jesus' birth in her heart and finds reason not to sweat the small stuff, not miss the moments of grace in Christmas, and not lose the opportunity to lock away treasures in our own hearts this time of y
Lonely Places as Usual
Article by Phil Ware
Can my life be characterized by my intentional time away from the noise to be with the Father? Jesus' life was framed by prayer, but do I find my "as usual" and "lonely places" moments in the presence of the Father in prayer?

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:1-3 NLT — Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, ...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 1, 2023

God's Holy Fire
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'Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Lives!' (Ga. 5:16)
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."
Today's Verse
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Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
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'Heirs of Abraham' (Ga. 3:1-14)
"Dear Father, Thank you for giving us your Spirit, not through works of law but through faith in our hearts. Even Abraham was saved by faith, for he....."
Daily Wisdom
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Psalm 34:14
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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