Why Jesus’ friends wrote about him

When you read these accounts about what Jesus did, what he said and who he was, there may be two final questions in your mind. ‘Is this true?’ and ‘Why does it matter?’ Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry, but lots of his friends were. He was a respected writer about history. He tells us of the careful research he did in order to give a clear, reliable account of Jesus’ ministry. This was so that Theophilus, a senior Roman official and possible publisher, could know the truth of the stories he had heard.

Modern research has shown how reliable Luke was wherever his accounts can be tested. Yes, the Jesus story is true.

Eyewitness account

But why does it matter? John, who was an eyewitness, gives us his answer. Thomas, you remember, has just confessed Jesus as his Lord and God. John wants his readers to do the same. So he tells them that the information he selected for his book intends to bring the reader to the same conclusion as John himself, along with Thomas and the others. That is, to be convinced that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Saviour who had brought God into human history. But that conclusion was not enough.

A call for personal trust

John wanted them to have a personal trust in this risen Jesus which would start them on completely new quality of life.

It still does! Can I suggest that you consider the evidence, and then put your trust in Jesus? To start, it is enough to say, as Thomas did, ‘You are my Lord and my God.’ It’s a demanding and exciting step into a new quality of life.

If, like Thomas, you feel that you can say, ‘You are my Lord and my God,’ then, here is how to start. First, think about it carefully. This is the biggest decision you will ever make. The Lord wants to remove the bad things in your life. He wants to give you his joy, peace and guidance.

But it is challenging to follow him in a world which often rejects him. Are you willing to try to please him in what you do and say? Are you willing to be known as one of his friends, and to join with others? Are you determined to turn away from what you know is wrong?

If so, here is a wonderful promise for you. It’s from the Jesus who died to remove your shame and is alive again to be your friend. He does not want to be just an example that you try to follow. He wants to be the spiritual power inside you.

He says, ‘Look, I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.’ (Revelation 3.20.) Of course, Jesus does not physically enter our lives, but his unseen self, his Holy Spirit (as the Bible calls him) does come in ... when we invite him, but not before then.

Our life is like a house that needs serious repairs. Jesus can do the repairs, but he can’t do it from outside! We need to invite him to come in and make what changes are needed. He says, ‘l will come in.’ But only if you ask him – and he never breaks his promises. So …

• Find a place where you can be quiet, and sit or kneel.
• Thank him that he loves you so much that he went to the cross for you and is alive again to help you.
• Ask him, in your own words, to come into your life. You could say something like this: ‘Jesus, I want to welcome you as my Lord and my God. Please come into my life and give me the strength and courage to follow you loyally for the rest of my days.’
• Go and tell a Christian friend, if you have one, that you have taken this great step. It will strengthen you, and will delight your friend.
• Realize that this is just the start of a wonderful relationship with God. Christians all share a common symbol (baptism), a common meal (the Communion) a common book (the Bible) and a common family (the church). These are all given us to help us grow in our friendship with Jesus, which is life as it was meant to be!

Your decision

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