Jumping into the Gospel According to Luke these past few days (in our 4/90 Challenge all-church study), I have found myself lingering over and appreciating the purpose statements. Here’s my list so far:
Luke’s purpose: certainty of what you’ve been taught
In Luke 1.4, the traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (who is Luke) shares his reason for writing this orderly account of what has been accomplished amongst those who have put their trust in Jesus as the Son of God: That you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
What have you been taught? Is it based on truth? Is it delivered with compassion? Is it for your good and God’s glory? Are you certain of God’s so-great love for you that He sent His only Son to die a horrible physical death to bear the punishment for your sins?
John the Baptist’s purpose: a people prepared
In Luke 1.16-17, the angel of the Lord concludes his message to Zechariah, informing him of the son his wife Elizabeth will bear in their old age (whom we come to know as John the Baptist) with this purpose statement: “He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God … to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
A people prepared. I love that phrase! Not a people afraid, a people uncertain, a people uncaring, but a people prepared. In order to encourage others along the path of becoming a people prepared, we have to be, ourselves, a people prepared. That’s the implication of our mission at PCC … passionately connecting our community to Jesus so God is glorified and lives are changed forever!
In Luke 3.2, we read of how John fulfilled the angel’s stated purpose for him: He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus’ purpose: preach the good news, calling sinners to repentance
In Luke 4.43, some who loved Jesus wanted to keep Him close with them but He told them: “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
The always-intent of God’s love and forgiveness was that it was not only for a select few but for all who would believe in His message of forgiveness of our sins through belief in His Son. It is not a secret gift to be guarded, to keep hidden, but a message to be shared confidently and graciously, with compassion.
In Luke 5.31-32, Jesus’ response to His critics is a straightforward statement of the problem and the solution, again the purpose of His ministry amongst us … “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
The good news is for those who realize they need that good message. New, not-yet-known good news of rescue from sinful lives from which we cannot save ourselves. Except for acknowledging and repenting of sin followed by obedience and reliance on the Lord Jesus as our Savior.
The purpose of sharing the good message falls to every believer – with our attitude, our words, our invitation to come and find out about the best this life has to offer – new life because of Jesus’ work on the cross!
Alleluia and Amen! Blessings, Colleen