There are many Bible writers I hope to meet in  heaven, but close to the top of that list is Luke. Luke was a physician, and I am a physician. Luke and I are both Gentile believers in Jesus, but Luke—under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—set out on the task of writing a history of Jesus’ life (Luke’s Gospel) and of the early church (Acts). He probably had no idea of how many people would read these works when he penned them.

Luke’s purpose in writing—like the other gospel writers—was to show that Jesus was who He claimed to be, the Son of God. However, Luke brought to his writing his experience as a physician. And he wrote of the One who could heal both body and spirit.

While Luke was not present at the occurrence of the events that he reports, he was meticulous in his research concerning the life of Jesus. No doubt many interviews and testimonies from eyewitnesses gave rise to this biography of Jesus. And no one seriously questions his factual presentation in his writing. His ability as a historian rivals that of other first-century authors such as Josephus.

In addition, Luke showed a fascination with the parables of Jesus, scattered like flowers throughout the garden of Jesus’ actions. Many are not found elsewhere in the other gospels, including our favorites like “The Good Samaritan” and “The Prodigal Son.” Luke must have believed that a picture was like a thousand words as he quoted Jesus’ word stories.

No one can say that Luke was a disinterested third party. He was a devoted disciple of Jesus, just as I want to be. He used his medical training to amplify details of many events in his gospel. I have been blessed in many ways in reading and reflecting on his writings.

What about you? Have you seriously taken the time to admire what Luke wrote? Please comment on your favorite part of his writing in the box below. Also, please leave your email address to subscribe to my newsletter about my upcoming book on the Gospel of Luke! You won’t want to miss it!