LUKE — A MAN OF EXEMPLARY FAITH
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There are archetypal figures in the Bible who lived lives of exceptional faith. The New Testament physician, Luke, is one whose faith shone forth brightly into all the world. He chose to pass along his deep faith to future generations of believers through his writings of both the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts.
† What does a faithful life look like?
“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” – Luke 18:8
Luke was faithful in glorifying His Savior throughout his lifetime. His noteworthy kingdom achievement was to put to pen all his knowledge of Jesus and the early church. Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament. He authored the Gospel of Luke… a detailed summary of Jesus’ life and ministry, His healings and miracles… and the action-packed Acts of the Apostles… the beginnings of the early church, including the trials and testing that the apostles faced while spreading the gospel’s good news. Combined, these two books comprise over one-fourth of the New Testament.
“For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.” – 2 Timothy 4:10-11
Luke’s faithful life had a profound impact on the apostle Paul. Paul described Luke as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). Dr. Luke personified the ideal of a doctor. He exemplified a gentle, humble character, a compassionate nature, and a loyal devotion to his patients and to those in his world. He displayed a heart of empathy, coming alongside those in need. Luke staunchly stood by Paul and Jesus’ disciples, offering them much-needed care and encouragement.
“I have… been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked.” – 2 Corinthians 11:23-25
Luke was clearly a godsend in Paul’s life. Paul here describes his own numerous trials and sufferings. Having Dr. Luke as a faithful companion and physician must have been invaluable to this apostle in looking after his health and caring for his wounds. Luke accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys. He loyally stayed by Paul’s side during his prison confinements, keeping him strong, offering companionship, providing comfort and support.
† What does a faith-filled life look like?
“Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you… so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:3-4
Luke’s life was characterized by faith… faith in a Savior he never knew but to whom he was eternally devoted. Although Luke never met Jesus, he believed in Him wholeheartedly. He believed the apostles and took careful note of their testimonies. As a physician, Dr. Luke had a keen attention to detail. He diligently and meticulously researched all that he included in his writings. He made sure that all he wrote was accurate.
Luke walked by faith. He lived out his faith by speaking and writing only the truth. As a historian, he based his writings on accounts from “the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word” (Luke 1:2). No doubt he spent time with Jesus’ followers to hear their experiences. He must have talked with people whose lives were touched by Jesus to hear their stories. All substantiated the accuracy of his gospel writings.
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” – Luke 17:5
Luke wrote extensively about faith… faith through the eyes of Jesus. Jesus often pointed out faith (or lack thereof) when He saw it. He chastened His apostles for their little faith. He commended those who showed great faith. The apostles asked of Jesus what all believers desire… a growing faith. Faith is a gift from God. Yet faith grows as we yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
“She said to herself, ‘If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed.’
Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter… your faith has healed you.’
And the woman was healed at that moment.” – Matthew 9:21-22
Luke documented many miraculous healings by Jesus… often emphasizing how He healed in response to a person’s faith. The miracles Jesus performed must have amazed Dr. Luke. For although physicians were believed to be anointed by God and vessels of His mercy, medical practices were unsophisticated at that time, with less than stellar results. Luke includes more accounts of healings by Jesus than any of the gospels.
Luke placed great value on praying in faith. He observed the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke includes teachings and parables by Jesus, found only in his gospel, concerning the value and significance of a faith-filled prayer life. He records prayers of faith by Jesus unique to the Gospel of Luke. Prayers prayed at key times in Jesus’ life… His baptism, His transfiguration and His crucifixion. Truly, Luke was a man of prayer.
Lord, Lead me to live a faithful life… a life that glorifies You. Make my faith shine brightly in this world. Mold me to be other-oriented instead of self-oriented. Shape me to be humble, loyal and loving. Let me be an encourager. Allow me to come alongside those in need, expressing care and concern, offering comfort and consolation. Lead me to live out a faith-filled life. Let me walk by faith. May my belief in You be authentic and true. Empower me to believe and speak Your truth. Remind me to look to You in faith for my healing. Enable me to be devoted to prayer, praying always in faith, especially at key times in my life. My faith rests in You alone. Amen.
