"Luke, an accountant" sermon preview

As we wind down our series on the Stories of God's People, we also conclude our look at the gospel writers.  In the last several months, we have already looked at Mark, John, and Matthew.  This Sunday we will consider Luke, the author of both The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles.  He is often referred to as the doctor or the physician because of the reference to him in Colossian 4:14.  But I wonder if perhaps we should consider him as an accountant.

I suggest this in part because Luke was behind the scenes, quietly working on pulling things together until it was time to share his findings, much like the work of an accountant.  Although we don't know for sure that the authors and the characters correspond, when we considered John, Mark and Matthew, we looked at them as characters that appeared in the narrative of the New Testament who also wrote about Jesus.  Luke however does not appear in the New Testament narrative specifically.  We learn of him through references in letters that Paul wrote.

The title of accountant also seems fitting to me because The Gospel of Luke reads mostly like a third person narrative of the events that took place during Jesus' earthly ministry.  Luke seems to be reporting on what he has heard about.  And while the book of Acts reads much more like an eye witness account of Paul's journeys, Luke doesn't specifically mention himself in the narrative beyond using "we" language.  Rather it seems Luke takes up the work of creating an "account" of the gospel and with only a brief reference to volume one, picks up with an account of the early church and the work of the Holy Spirit.  Thus Luke is an "account-ant."

As you consider Luke, an accountant; reflect on these questions in a time of silence, through journaling or in group dialogue.

1. Luke accounts for the work of Jesus both while He was on earth and after his resurrection through the early church.  In what ways does this account continue through you today?

2. Luke's contribution to the New Testament in significant between his gospel and the book of Acts and yet he remains in the background.  In what ways do you participate in kingdom work from behind the scenes?

3. In his writings, Luke provides a testimony of how the Holy Spirit was moving in his midst in Luke's time and place.  How do you observe the Holy Spirit moving in your midst today?

May Jesus richly bless you in this week ahead, leading you in His kingdom purposes. Amen