Luke: The Investigative Witness

Getting Started

Your Story. Before we dig into the Gospel of Luke, it’s important
to reflect on our own stories in relation to Jesus. All of us, no matter
what our backgrounds and experiences, have a story about our knowledge of
and relationship with Jesus. Even those of us from non-religious or non-Christian
backgrounds have some thoughts and opinions about Jesus. They may be warm,
indifferent or angry opinions. That’s okay. We want to establish an accepting,
open atmosphere where we listen to each other and grow together.

Take some time now
to share your own stories or thoughts about Jesus and your relationship
with him at this point in your life. (Note: you can give significant
time to this sharing as the rest of this first study is relatively short.)

1. Turn to Luke’s
own introduction to his Gospel, Luke 1:1-4. Have someone read the passage
as everyone follows along. From these four verses, what do you learn about
the Gospel of Luke? What do they tell us about its historical accuracy?

2. Trace through
these verses how the “events that were fulfilled among us” came to be
written down into “orderly accounts.” What process did the writers go
through?

3. Who do you think
some of these “eyewitnesses” might be? What does Luke say about the others
who have written accounts?

4. In verse 3 Luke
tells us he wrote to Theophilus. What can we learn about Theophilus from
the text? Why did Luke write to him?

5. How do you think
Luke’s emphasis on talking to eyewitnesses and writing an orderly account
will help you as you study his Gospel in the coming weeks?

6. Suppose Luke just
came in the door of your room and told you excitedly about his investigation.
He’s been talking to eyewitnesses about Jesus and putting together an
orderly account. What would you like him to investigate, to find out about
Jesus? What should he find out from the eyewitnesses? Share some of the
questions you come up with, and keep them in mind in the coming weeks
to see if Luke gives you any answers.

In Closing

What is it that you would most like to learn or experience about Jesus
in the coming weeks? (You may want to spend some time in prayer as
a group asking Jesus to reveal himself to you in deep and powerful ways.)

Many thanks to
those who gave valuable feedback in the writing and editing of these studies:
the Iowa staff team led by Lindsay Olesberg, Beth Krysl, Judy Johnson,
Fred Neubert, Shelley Soceka, Glen Ewart, Nancy Fox, Suzy Gaeddert, Scott
Eddlemon, Ann Beyerlein, Bob Wolniak, Paula Esealuka, John Seiders and
Donna Snow. Special thanks to Kathy Burrows (design) and Jeff Yourison
(editor). -Bob Grahmann

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© 1995 InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the USA. All rights reserved.