The Luke Challenge

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!

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673 Responses to “The Luke Challenge”

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Comments:

  1. 651
    Heather says:

    My sister and I will be doing this in December. Perfect Christmas story!! Thank you!

  2. 652
    Lauren says:

    I was at Living Proof in Eugene, inspired and renewed. I’m not delaying another day!! I’m starting the Luke challenge today, Oct 17, 2019, Finally!! Life is busy, but it can’t be too busy for my relationship with Jesus anymore!! Thanks Beth

  3. 653

    Thank you so much for the Luke Challenge. This has revolutionized the way I spend my quiet time. Reading a portion of scripture then journaling through it. I spent September and October reading, writing and journaling in my Bible what struck me. I look forward to my quiet time more than ever before and I look forward to Acts. I Praise God for you. Keep impacting people for Christ even though putting yourself out there draws fire. Dare I say “friendly fire”. The worst kind. Your Siestas know that you are a sincere follower of this Jesus.
    Love and prayers
    Charlotte Carty

  4. 654
    Glenda Patton says:

    I postponed the start of the Luke Challenge in hopes of getting the whole family involved at the same time. I cannot say that they have joined with any consistency, but I am loving the “perspective” this version of journaling brings! Since I brought it up as a family activity, it does give opportunity for sharing insights/observations etc. Thanks for the “homework” and for continuing the work of making “this Jesus” more real to us all.

  5. 655
    Denora says:

    I finished the Luke Challenge and now am working on Acts. My biggest takeaway is although I am not perfect in the daily reading, I am back in the word. This was needed, because I had been a slacker. That wasn’t good and was hurting my spiritual wall and witness!

  6. 656
    Beth says:

    Great idea!! I can’t wait to start and end 🙂

  7. 657
    Susan M says:

    This is perfect timing for Advent. Starting today. Thank you.

  8. 658
    Marilyn Hain says:

    I am beginning the Luke Challenge tomorrow. I do like to be held accountable when I do things like this. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for serving yhe Lord and his people this way.

  9. 659
    Kathleen Partin says:

    Beth,
    I am starting the 30 day challenge. I need the word of God so badly! Prayers welcome!
    Kathleen.

  10. 660
    Sparki2003 says:

    I decided that it would be a great idea to try your Luke Challenge, today; December 27, 2019 . . .

    In Christ’s Love, Jennifer Olmstead
    Janesville, Wisconsin

  11. 661
    Daphne Weller says:

    I’m starting the Luke Challenge for February! I’m very excited about this and praying I will know Jesus even more through this.

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