December 10 – Birth and Historical Account of Jesus Begins

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Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Luke is a physician, an early Christian as a follower of the Way, and a companion of Paul, who records an account of the life of Jesus by collecting historical accounts and eyewitnesses stories. Luke’s attention to detail and abundant eyewitness accounts serve him as a credible historian for the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Today I want to bring attention to the historical account of Luke’s choosing, by the Holy Ghost, the spirit of truth, to compile the things God accomplished among them. He first says that many have undertaken to account of these wondrous events. He has been chosen to begin at the beginning, to vet eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Those who had seen and heard, to gather these accounts, to set them in an orderly sequence.

It is amazing that Luke, a physician, is chosen to do so. In light of that He begins with Mary and the angel’s visitation, establishing her as a virgin to bring forth the son of God. For a physician to, who has seen many births, write of this impossible yet supernatural event, of conception, being a virgin is incredible.

He tells Theophilus, that he has taken the time to investigate fully and carefully—not leaving one stone unturned from the beginning. He has done this so he and we can know the exact truth from the beginning. Not just the facts, but what we have been taught concerning the things God had done. The insight into the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God, and what it means to them and those who shall believe in generations to come. 

He begins in Luke 2, “In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken of all the inhabitants of the earth.” He documents the rulers of this time and the people were to register in their own city. Joseph’s city was Bethlehem as the prophet foretold of the city where the Messiah would be born.

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” – Micah 5:2 NASB2020

Luke establishes the time by those who were ruling and the place where everyone was required to register for the census, where their origin took place. Joseph and his betrothed Mary, great with child, came to Bethlehem because Joseph was of the house and family of David. Even though he was not the father, the prophetic lineage of Jesus was, as prophesied, In the city of David. He would come forth to be ruler in Israel. What was prophesied long ago has now been confirmed historically. As Luke wrote: That we may know the exact truth.

Glory to God in the Highest. 

-Keith Curlee