Luke 1:1-4
“Notice what you notice.” I’m taking those words to heart this year, especially when we have really short readings like today. So my first “notice” today was “many”, as in “…many have written…” or “…many have compiled…”. I have always heard that Luke had copies of Mark and Matthew in front of him as he wrote – and possibly other letters or synopses from other sources. Luke confirms that himself in his own writing. But he goes on to say (or imply) that he had also interviewed primary sources and searched historical records, probably even speaking at length with Jesus’ mother, Mary. His intent was to write an “orderly account” – to get it right, if you will.
Luke has always been my favorite Gospel. He has always seemed so much more down-to-earth, not excessively wordy. He also had more to say about money, riches, and poverty than all the other Gospels – that’s the economist in me coming out. But maybe my attraction to Luke is his “orderly account” focus; maybe that’s what appeals to the academic, the teacher in me, to provide an orderly account of the world around us.
So, can each of you provide an orderly account of the Good News that’s been handed down to you?
Good points, Fred.
Notice what you notice . . .
For me, the phrases “so that you may know” (emphasis mine) and “the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
We can approach the accounts in the gospel as researched and written by a trustworthy enquirer who wanted to get things right, not a flaky weirdo who had some sort of “experience” whether real or imagined.
I think that’s important to remember when we present the story of Jesus to others!