INVITATION

INTRODUCTION

• As we conclude our investigative expedition through the Gospel of Luke, we should talk about journalism.

• While Luke was not writing for a newspaper between doctor visits and patient check-ups, his work is quite similar to a journalistic piece, which is distinct from the more personal works of authors like Paul and John we find in much of the New Testament.

• Luke gives us a different take. He’s approaching his 57,800-word thesis with robust research, interview notes, thorough examination, and more details than we need.

• Why did he do this? I believe it’s because he wanted people to fact-check him, which is very important in the realm of news.

• Historically, and even presently, fake news has proven to be a problem.

ILLUSTRATION: Share a story when “fake news” caused a significant impact.

• We shouldn’t believe everything we read.

• In 1835, The New York Sun published a series of articles that suggested humans had discovered life on the moon.

• There were even depictions of these demon-looking creatures with horns and pointy tails floating around the moon.

• These critters appeared right beneath the headline: “Life Discovered on the Moon.” The nation freaked out. “We are about to be invaded by space devils!” people thought.

• These articles, falsely attributed to Sir John Herschel, a renowned astronomer, sent waves of panic through the country—for a week.

• However, they were quickly debunked and forgotten when someone just called up John to ask if the story was legit.

• Once he confirmed it was a hoax, the articles disappeared faster than free samples at Costco.

• Now, let’s pivot our attention to Luke’s pursuit of truth about Jesus. While a moon hoax was debunked in the blink of an eye, Christianity is still going strong all these centuries later.

• While the sheer sustainability of our faith is interesting, that’s not proof in itself.

• Numerous ancient religions, many older than ours, persist long after their founder left the scene.

• The fact that the gospel spread within a few weeks of the death of Jesus remains a resolute reason I am so dedicated to this message.

• Any other possibility would be a logical fallacy or impossibility.

• Rome really enjoyed making a display of their criminals’ corpses, so they must have spent a fortune looking for Christ’s body.

• It was never uncovered. All of the Roman Empire, the most powerful kingdom of the time, was on the case, and no one could find the body or prove the whole resurrection rumor a hoax.

• I cannot help but think that’s interesting.

• What’s more, every disciple except for one was arrested, tortured, and murdered for Jesus.

• All they had to do was admit it was a lie and they’d be free, but they didn’t.

• Who on earth would die for a lie?

• Luke thinks the same thing, which is why he also focused on martyr stories in Acts. Luke’s conclusion is the same as mine.

• Any investigation into the spread of Christianity suggests the resurrection was indeed a reality.

• This wasn’t a mere collection of stories; it was a relentless quest for truth. In an era when debunking this would be as effortless as disproving moon life, Luke remained an unwavering believer.

• His Gospel and Acts serve as the evidence binder you’d find on a detective’s desk. Simply put, Christianity isn’t a cold case.

• The fire that burned then is still burning now.

• But let’s pump the breaks. The disciples, some of Luke’s dear friends, didn’t know that Jesus truly rose from the dead.

• They likely thought he was talking abstractly or it was some kind of parable.

• Although they saw him raise people from the dead, the thought that He could do that to Himself—that was unimaginable.

• Unfortunately, their worst nightmare became a reality. Jesus was murdered in the middle of Jerusalem.

• Rome scoffed, and everyone taunted them.

• Their beloved rabbi was wrapped up in fabric in a tomb He didn't even own due to his poverty.

• Rome won. Jesus lost.

• However, everything changed after a walk down the road to Emmaus.

• In the very last chapter of his investigative gospel, Luke shares a head-scratching story that gives us three practical principles about our personal journeys with Jesus.

1: Be in the Word

• Imagine a dusty road in the tranquil Judean countryside, with the setting sun casting a warm glow. Two travelers, sad and heartbroken, embarked on a trek down this slightly dangerous path.

• To pass the time, they were discussing recent events: specifically, the crucifixion and the strange stories of an empty tomb as reported by Mary.

• Out of the blue, a stranger started walking with them.

• As they spoke, they told Him what had been going on. What they didn’t realize was that this stranger was actually Jesus, risen from the dead.

• Jesus, whom they didn’t recognize yet, started explaining the scriptures to them and connecting ancient prophecies with recent events.

• With every word, their minds raced. This random fellow was oddly wise. How did He know so much about the prophecies and the Messiah?

• Finally, with aching feet, they arrived at their destination. “Welcome to Emmaus,” read the sign as they crossed into town.

• Famished, they sat down to eat some food. With the breaking of bread, which Jesus asked his disciples to do in remembrance of Him, they finally saw Him for who He truly was—their best friend, savior, and mentor.

• Jesus, whom they saw get brutally murdered, had been with them all along.

• “Then their eyes were opened.” I adore that line in Luke’s closing chapter. They were talking about the Word, the prophecies, and Jesus.

• Next thing you know, Jesus was walking right there alongside them.

• He was there all along, but their eyes were not opened until they began really wrestling with the Word.

• If you want to really expand your mind in faith, you must devote yourself to the Word of God. • Read it daily.

• Meditate on it often. • Investigate it like Luke would.

• Your investigation will lead to greater devotion.

2: Be a Worshipper

• After recognizing Jesus, they transitioned from bewildered uncertainty to full-fledged worship. Luke 24 paints a picture of worship, awe, and reverence. They were talking about Jesus, being present with Jesus, and worshipping Jesus in the same story.

• These two fringe followers go on to find the eleven core disciples to confirm that they met Jesus.

• Worship broke out as a result.

• The last verse of Luke explains, “Then they worshipped Him.”

• He closes his book with a call to worship. Investigation prepares us for adoration.

• When you explore the depths of Jesus’s true identity, your worship becomes a symphony of love and wonder.

• It’s like listening to music with a surround sound system instead of your iPhone speaker.

• Sure, they both make the same sound, but one does it way better.

• Reading these stories in Luke is one thing, but experiencing the power of Jesus is completely different.

• It entrances you, consumes you, and captivates you.

• Worship and wonder are natural byproducts.

• Investigation is often the key that unlocks the door to a richer, more vibrant worship experience.

• Study, often seen as separate from worship, directly correlates to worship.

• The deeper we delve into knowing Jesus, the more our hearts are drawn towards Him.

• Honestly, investigation doesn’t hinder our worship; it fuels it.

• While worship is wonderful, God has something else in store for us and for his disciples. Every worshipper is also called to be a witness. This brings us to the closing point of our investigation into Jesus.

3: Be a Witness

• Worship was their initial response. Sequentially, the disciples transformed into witnesses. As we have alluded, Luke’s work is actually two books in our Bibles— Luke and Acts.

• These same men went on to lead the revival at Pentecost, where thousands came to know Jesus.

• Notice that Luke specifically wants us to know that the disciples worshipped on their way to Jerusalem. • What were they doing heading there?

• It was ground zero for the execution of their Messiah, after all. Honestly, it was a dangerous place for them to visit.

• That didn’t stop them. They knew every single word from the mouth of their Lord was true. So, they headed right into dangerous territory without a single worry.

• Within a few weeks, the Christian faith developed from nearly a thousand followers to somewhere close to ten thousand, and that number kept climbing by the thousands.

• Today, the same still unfolds all over the world.

• Your investigation ends with an invitation. Jesus is calling out to you. He wants you to follow Him, be His witness, and spread His message.

• He sets people free.

• He heals. • He saves.

• He changes lives.

• This is the gospel, the good news, that we get to bring to the world.

• The disciples experienced it and then advanced it. Do the same.

• There is no greater act of love than helping someone see the truth that there is a real God who really loves them and wants the best for them.

• So, get out there and be a witness.

• Spread His love.

• Share His message.

• Shout His praise.

• Jesus will be glorified, and people’s lives will be eternally changed because of it.

• Be a witness. Be an evangelist. Be like the disciples.

• Your boldness to share may change the census of heaven

Landing:

Way to go! You should be proud of yourself. Like a good detective, you have examined all the evidence, looked at the research, and followed the logical flow.

• Now, it’s my hope you see that Jesus is who He claimed to be. Jesus is a resurrector, miracle worker, brilliant teacher, healer, and savior.

• At face value, this is just information. But because we are talking about God, this information cultivates transformation.

• What should you do with all this transformative information?

• Tell someone about it. Be a witness. • Investigation leads to an invitation. The disciples’ Bible study and worship on the road to Jerusalem was the prelude to their mission.

• In the same way, our worship is not an endpoint but a launching pad. Now, let your witness become a source of inspiration and transformation for others.

• Be like Luke—tell people about what you’ve investigated. Your testimony may change eternity.

TALK IT OUT Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Ice Breaker: Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week and what was the lowest part of your week?

Ice Breaker: Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week and what was the lowest part of your week?

What’s one thing that stood out to you from today’s message?

Why do you think Luke chose to write his Gospel in such a detailed and investigative style?

Discuss how worship and investigation can go hand in hand in your faith journey.

How does a deeper study of God's Word lead to more profound worship experiences?

Application: What are some ways you can live out the invitation to be a witness for Jesus in your daily life? How can you share the message of love, healing, and salvation with those around you? Share specific ideas and steps you can take.

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Luke 20:27-47

Luke 21

Luke 22:1-38

Luke 22:39-71

Luke 23

Luke 24

Psalm 45

Do the following with each passage:

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.