Hey, everyone! This is a challenge I pitched out to the attendees of Living Proof Live Eugene, Oregon because it corresponded with our concept but anyone is invited to participate! Here’s a bit of background:
At our Living Proof Live in Eugene, we studied the repetitions of the powerfully placed words “this Jesus” in the Book of Acts, particularly in the first and second chapters. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke was intent on the reader understanding that the one who is both Messiah and Lord is “this same Jesus” (1:11 CSB/NIV) who was arrested, beaten, crucified, raised from the dead, who ascended to the Father in Heaven and who will descend again to earth in like manner. The challenge is to know “this Jesus” not second hand but straight from the pages of Scripture. While He can be found in the full stretch of Scripture, what He was like when He took on human flesh and blood and walked among us can most clearly, concentratedly be seen in the canonical Gospels.
My objective was to keep it completely uncomplicated even in the title. We’re simply calling it The Luke Challenge.
All you need is a Bible, a pen and a simple spiral notebook.
Write on the front of it with a marker: In Search of This Jesus
Choose a 30-day period of time in which you commit to read the book of Luke, 1 chapter a day, for all 24 chapters. Your 6 extra days are there when you miss and need to catch up. Start at any point but don’t leave it open ended. Really try to conclude in 30 days so you don’t lose momentum. Leave a comment to this post on the day you’re beginning as a means of strengthening your commitment with a bit of accountability. I don’t know about you but that always works better for me.
2 ground rules:
1. PRAY: Each time before you read, ask Jesus for two specific things: A) to open your mind to understand the Scriptures and B) to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
2. WRITE: Take notes and make comments on each chapter with particular emphasis on who Jesus was/is and what He was like. Freestyle anyway you wish and get as detailed as you like but here’s the catch: do so in dialogue straight to Jesus. Your notes, in effect, become prayers. Communications. He speaks to you through His Word. You speak back through your pen. For example, “Lord, I’m seeing these characteristics in you in Luke 4” and “I wonder what was going through Your mind when Peter…” and “this about you is particularly confusing/fascinating/troubling/comforting/exhilarating to me,” etc. Get the idea? Record what seems to draw Jesus near to a situation and also note what seems to repel Him. Recount to Him what you see happening around Him in the scene. Record how people responded to Him, both positively and negatively. Describe Him to the degree Scripture describes Him. Record your responses to Him. Do it any way you wish but make this an exercise entirely between you and Jesus.
One of our major points at Living Proof Live was that there is a difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus. This 30-day period focuses on knowing “this Jesus” who is both Messiah and Lord.
Anyone can do it with you and anyone is welcome to participate.
THEN, watch for a blog to follow this one in 30 days so that you can report having completed it and share your primary takeaways. THEN!!! If you liked it, DO THE SAME THING WITH THE BOOK OF ACTS! Luke wrote it, too, and it’s the perfect follow up.
We’re so happy to serve you here at Living Proof. We exist entirely for this purpose: to encourage people to come to know and love Jesus Christ. THIS Jesus of Scripture.
Enjoy Him!
P.S.  Our comments are all moderated so don’t panic if you don’t see yours show up right away. It’s there! You’ll see it on the next work day!
I am starting the challenge today. My soul has been ignited and I want to know this Jesus intimately. July 29, 2019
I am beginning the Luke Challenge today! (07/29/2019)
Began 7/29/19
Excited to start through this new bible study!
I am beginning The Luke Challenge today…July 29th. YES!!!
I am starting the Luke challenge today!
I am taking the Luke Challenge and starting today, July 29, 2019.
My heart wqs so stirred by your message Friday night. Is there any way to hear that message again?
Great!!! Begin August 1
Today, I’m hearing His voice and starting The Luke Challenge!
Beginning today. Just wrote instructions in my brand new journal/ledger – It feels like the first day of school at age 61. I love it!
Thank you for all you do, Living Proof.
Sandy
Starting my 30 day challenge now! I’m fired up and ready to know THIS JESUS more 🙂
Starting today, July 29…on what would have been my daddy’s 82nd birthday.
I’m starting the Luke challenge today!! Very excited!
Started the Luke Challenge this morning! The first mention of “My Lord” is in verse 43 when Elizabeth refers to Mary as the mother of “My Lord!” Looking forward to deepening my love of “My Lord” through this study!
I’m starting today! 7/29/19
Starting the Luke Challenge!…7/29/19
Thank you Miss Beth!!!
I’m beginning the Luke Challenge today! (Monday, July 29th)
I started the Luke challenge today. As I read I was filled with renewed hope and confidence that This Jesus is a Jesus who rescues, gives mercy, and nothing is impossible for Him. I am thankful for His word .
After wading through theologians this summer, I am definitely in need of some one-on-one time with Jesus. This is a great idea! Count me in.
Began 7/29/19
Started today and passed the challenge on to my husband as well.
Starting the Luke challenge today!!
I began my Read Bag of Luke on Monday July 29
July 29, 2019 at 7:45 AM. Started the challenge this morning. Such a fresh way to read this gospel, and spend time with Jesus. Thank you for this challenge! I’m in search of THIS JESUS 🙂
Starting the Luke Challenge today.
7/29/19
I’m starting the Luke Challenge today 7/29/19
starting today
I am going to start August 1. New month, new study!
Starting now!
I started the Luke Challenge on 7/28. I felt like God answered a prayer when you gave this homework. I was wanting to draw closer and study but sometimes you just don’t know where or how to start.
I’m in
Starting The Luke Challenge today :O)
I am starting the Luke Challenge today!
I’m in!
I started 7/28/2019
I am beginning the challenge today 07/29/2019. Thanks for the challenge!
On Aug 1, the group that attended LP Live will join together for the Luke challenge. Looking forward to diving in and to sharing with my sister in our church family. Thanks for suggesting Beth!
Starting the Luke challenge today. On a road trip and sitting at Mojo’s Coffee Shop in Winslow, AZ.
Thank you for this challenge.
I am so excited to begin this study on August 1! Thank you!
I was at the LPL in Eugene!
I’m starting the Luke Challenge today, July 29th ♥️
I’m in!! Thank you!!
Starting today 🙂
I am starting the Luke challenge! I want to know Him. ❤️ Philippians 3:10
I’m sitting down to start the Luke challenge right now. I once knew Jesus very intimately but in the past few years life got me a little off track. I desperately need to seek Him and know Him better than I ever did. I’m hoping that this challenge will be the start of a closer and deeper love for Jesus, my Lord and Savior who saved my life and put my feet on solid ground.
I’m in!
Can’t wait to start this tomorrow morning.
I commit to reading a chapter a day for the next 30 days.
Planning to take the Luke Challenge, starting today! Thank you Beth for coming to Eugene, Oregon last weekend.
I’m starting this on August 1st. =)
Started July 28!