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 started the Luke Challenge today-July 31, 2019
I’m beginning today, August 1, 2019.
Starting today! I believe this is just what I need right now!
August 1, 2019
I’m excited to start the Luke challenge today.
I had an awesome time at LPL in Eugene last weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing what the Spirit will reveal to me about This Jesus during this challenge and the Acts challenge.
Thank you Beth, Travis and the LPL team for an amazing weekend!
Starting today!
This is the day The LORD has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!!! Psalm 118:24
This is the day I start my Luke Challenge!! Woot!!!!
Starting the Luke Challenge today. I’m in search of THIS JESUS!
Here we go Luke Challenge!!! Starting August 1!!!!
I began the 30-day Luke challenge on July 29, 2019.
Beth — you always inspire me! Thank you and your team for the beautiful misic, the dance oarty and the wonderful message about know This from That. i’ starting my Luke Challenge today, August 1st.
I’m starting the Luke challenge today: August 1st!
So excited to get started today, August 1st 2019! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend Living Proof Live in Eugene. Beth, you are a blessing!!! Thank you for your unashamed sharing of THIS Jesus!
I’m starting today! I’m so excited to get to know THIS JESUS on a deeper, more intimate level. Thank you for the challenge, Beth!
Starting today to find THIS JESUS!
August 1. Starting challenge today.
I started the Luke challenge today!!
Today, August 1st I begin the Luke Challenge! I am full of anticipation of the new things God will speak to my heart through the book of Luke!
It’s August 1st and I am starting the challenge.
I am starting the challenge today
I’m starting with a group of 25+ women from our church today – August 1.
Starting today aug 1!
Starting the Luke Challenge today August 1!
I was at the LPL Eugene and I am taking the Luke Challenge starting today. Hooray! My 2 daughters, who were there, are also taking this. What another wonderful way to share this amazing experience. Blessings, Kris
I started this morning 8/1!! I had to finish up another study I was doing, but the entire time I was anxious to get going on this one. Right out of the gate on day one, I love how Jesus is affirming his love and care and blessings for women (Mary and Elizabeth) and also, the thought came to mind that they were blessed to be filled with the Holy Spirt before a man…Zechariah. I never noticed that before!! So cool!
I’m starting the Luke Challenge today-August 1st!
I’m so thankful for my weekend at LP Eugene. I’m starting my Luke challenge today August 1st.
Wow! Anyone else having trouble getting through a full chapter each day??? There’s just soooo much!
I’m in! Starting today -August 1st
1954 11th Ave SE
If I only have two words to describe my experience in Eugene, they are “THIS JESUS!!” Those two words have already given me the courage to do a more in depth bible study with my granddaughter’s class I’ll be teaching this fall.
I am starting the LUKE CHALLENGE today!! I’m excited to KNOW my Jesus even better!!
I am starting the Luke challenge today Aug. 1st.
Starting today August 1,2019
I’m in and starting today, Aug 1!
Wow! Luke is mainly where I met Jesus when I was young (saved at 7 yrs old). It has always been my favorite Gospel. Moreover, my view of Jesus was “fogged” by trauma 35 yrs ago. I searched for my Jesus for many years (what I felt I lost of Him). In recent years I quit searching for my childhood Jesus and started seeking a new, more mature view of Him. This is perfect. He is so Perfect. Thank you! I am beginning today August 1, 2019.
I can’t wait for all that I will learn through this experience. I have often wondered where to stay”reading”I’n the bible and this is a great answer!
I’m so excited to start this! Thank you, Miss Beth and team for giving us this guideline and for listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. I am starting today with my cousins, sister and mom! 😀
Oh I need this! Starting August 3rd.
Happy to start the Luke challenge today. !
I am beginning August 1 in search of This Jesus!
I started right away when I got home from Eugene! Just finished chapter 4 today! I’m loving it and God is definitely showing up and teaching me new things! Thanks for the challenge!
I was fortunate to be able to attend the Eugene event and it was such a blessing to my life! I am starting on the Luke Challenge today, August 1st.
I started today ❤️
Day 2 August 1st 🙂
Starting the Luke challenge today!
I started the 30 day Luke Challenge today August 1st. I’m soooooo excited to discover “This Jesus”!!!❤️
I am starting the Luke Challenge today, August 1st! The Eugene Living Proof Live was so amazing!
Just getting started today – August 1st. Went to Eugene with a group of amazing women and brought back the challenge to even more.
I’m starting the Luke challenge today!
Starting today <3
As we dug into the book of Luke last weekend it occurred to me that I haven’t read completely through the book of Luke ever, in 25 years! I’ve only caught the highlights. So, I’m excited about this assignment. I’m all in! I can’t wait to hear from This Jesus!!