During this study, we will examine each person and place involved with the birth of Jesus. We will be reading sections of the Christmas story or related Scriptures, looking at a particular person, place or idea. In this reading we will look at the reasons Luke and John wrote down the things they did about Jesus and his life on earth.
Luke 1:1-4
Dedication to Theophilus
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
1 John 1:1-7
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.
Walking in the Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
Where did Luke get the things he wrote down? (1-3)
Why did Luke write down the things he did? (4)
How did John know the things he was telling others? (1-3)
Why did John write these things down? (3-4)
What does John say is the message? (5-6)
What is the light? What happens if we walk in the light? (7)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
Why do you believe you can trust what Luke and John wrote down?
What will believing the things they wrote do for you?
What does it mean to walk in the light?
Why is walking in the light critical for having fellowship with God and other believers?
PRAYER:
Thank God for the men who wrote down the message that they saw and heard. Pray that you would trust and follow the message as they did, walk in the light, and be cleansed from your sin so that nothing would separate you from Christ.
FOCUS VERSE: 1 John 1:2
The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.