The Doctor’s Perspective
It’s nice to have a doctor in the family.
To quote Dr. Seuss, “Everyone should have one of these at home!”
We have an especially kind one that never minds us asking medical questions. His knowledge and perspective are invaluable, and because we love and trust him, his opinion matters.
I have also had the same family practice physician for 20+ years. She doesn’t just know the facts about my physical history, she knows me. This is her chosen profession. Yes, I pay her to give me medical advice, but she is more than just a person who wants to share medical knowledge. She cares. She knows the names of my children. She knows my personality (I don’t like to take meds!), and she gives me practical as well as medical advice about my health. I absolutely trust her opinion.
There’s a doctor in the Bible you should know about.
In the first chapter of Luke, the author writes, “… since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you… so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.” (v.3-4) This author, affirmed to be a physician named Luke (based on several key factors), writes this book to “provide an orderly account of the beginnings of Christianity so that the reader would have reliable information about Jesus Christ.” [HCS Study Bible] His professional experience paled in comparison to the Great Physician’s power to heal. With his investigation of eye-witness accounts he carefully recorded the events surrounding Jesus, and detailed His life from beginning to ascension.
Since it’s existence, the Bible has endured much ridicule over authors, dates, times, and accuracy– but not in my heart. I have read books and commentaries on the authenticity of Scripture, and can give you facts that continue, even in recent history, to validate that the historical writings truly are the written, inspired Word of God. So when I read the gospels, which are personal accounts of the life of Jesus, I have no problem trusting them. Each of the gospel accounts tell the same story–each from their own perspective–similar, yet different, much like a group of witnesses who would testify in a court setting. Same story–different perspective. Luke’s account is more inclusive, writing in sequence–paying particular attention to the dates of certain events. (i.e. “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar…” 3:1)
Luke shows Jesus as Messiah and Savior but also emphasizes His compassion as He encounters the humanity that He came to save. His writings show not just a Savior who came to fulfill a responsibility or a duty, but One who cares. Luke is a physician with a heart– one who couldn’t possibly fathom all of who Jesus is, but one who knew enough to make an intelligent observation based on the facts:
Jesus lived. He walked among men. The crowds looked to Him for answers. For hope. For healing.
Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, the leper. He brought the widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17) and Jairius’ daughter back to life (Luke 8:40-56).
He weeps over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and at the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus (John 11:35).
Then Jesus is put to death. In the same city He wept over. He is mocked and tortured and crucified and confirmed dead.
But He didn’t stay in the tomb. The women returned to find it empty! He rose from the dead and appeared to the women, His disciples and to over 500 believers.
Luke the physician had no problem accepting the evidence surrounding Jesus. Faith doesn’t demand evidence, but Luke’s careful record would provide a detailed picture as he examined the life of Jesus. What he couldn’t do for mankind, Jesus could, and he wanted to make sure that it was carefully recorded.
And we are the ones who receive the benefit.
The doctor’s perspective matters.
This book matters. God preserved and protected these books of the Bible for our benefit.
Our Great Physician wants us to understand the enormity of His plan for our ultimate healing:
Jesus replied to them,
“It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:31-32
Because of Luke’s detailed reminder of what faith really looks like, I am choosing Luke 18:27 to memorize in my Scripture Memory Challenge. Won’t you join me in memorizing this simple truth? Hiding God’s Word in your heart is a proven benefit to heart health!
