Sunday: Why Luke Writes — Luke 1:1-4
Under Holy Spirit inspiration, Luke successfully writes the most complete, accurate, and chronological account of the events Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, trials, triumphs, miracles, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection. He desired to more deeply ground Theophilus and other Gentile believers in the faith of Jesus Christ, and to draw unbelievers to saving faith. He also strove to refute the idea that Christianity was merely a subversive, political sect (see Pilate’s conclusions in Luke 23:4, 14, 22).
Monday: The Word in the Beginning — John 1:1-5
This is clearly one of the clearest statements concerning the identity of Jesus Christ in the gospels, yet so profound that it has caused many arguments. It openly points to the preexistent Word of God, with Him in the beginning, “one” with Him. Yet in stating what is so profound to man, it must be noted that if the Word and God were absolutely one and the same, with no differences or separations, then this text would be absurd. John might then have written, “God was in the beginning, and he was Himself,” which is an unnecessary statement. Yet, the Word is unique, standing outside all of creation, for “all things were made through Him” (v. 3 emphasis added). Therefore, the Word is not a created thing, but existed in the beginning. The phrase, “not comprehend it” in verse 5, means that darkness could not overcome, prevent, nor hinder, the shining Word.
Tuesday: The Witness — John 1:6-8
These verses refer to John the Baptist, the “forerunner” who announced Jesus Christ. It is stated and restated for clarity, that John was not the light, but was the one “bearing witness” to the light. This returns us to the Old Testament courtroom language where truth was to be established by multiple witnesses as solid proof of a thing. John’s entire calling was to point to the Savior.
Wednesday: Children of God by Authority — John 1:9-13
These verses are a brief preview of the Gospel of John: vv. 9-10 speak about the rejection of Christ by the Jews, illustrated by John 1-12, while vv. 11-13 tell of the acceptance of Christ by a believing remnant, mirrored by John 13-21. Receiving Christ means not only to acknowledge His person and claims, but to put our faith in Him, and give full allegiance to Him. By this act, God endues us with the full authority (or right) to be His children.
Thursday: Among Us — John 1:14-18
Jesus Christ transcended the status of “representative” or “ambassador,” in His ministry of revealing the Father to us. He Himself was the very expression of God’s existence, personality, purpose, love, justice, holiness, power, glory, mercy, and grace. Jesus not only uttered truth about the Heavenly Father, but His life conveyed the express image of all that God is. While Jesus’ words were powerful, His life among us was the heart of the message.
Friday: Jesus’ Royal Lineage — Matthew 1:1-17
Jesus’ legal lineage is tracked through 42 generations, from Abraham, patriarch of the Covenant, to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. Numbers in the Bible hold great significance, showing God’s perfection and holding symbolic meaning. The number “42” is a product of the number “6” x “7.” Six is the symbolic number of mankind, and 7 is the number of completion. Jesus was born in the 42nd generation, the one to be the completion (salvation) of all mankind. He was perfect in His generations.
Saturday: Jesus’ Natural Lineage — Luke 3:23-38
Jesus’ natural lineage is tracked backward to Adam through His mother, Mary’s, generations. Luke’s genealogy includes no women (not even Mary), but Joseph was the son of Heli “by marriage” (Heli had no sons), and thereby represents Mary. Christ’s natural lineage is tracked all the way back to creation.