When you start reading Luke’s Gospel, it may feel like a strange new world. It’s easy to be put off. But the writer, Luke, reassures us right at the begining that he has written a well-researched account of the life of Jesus Christ by talking to the eye witnesses.

The danger is that we write off the evidence because we presume certain things just are not possible.

Luke doesn’t want you to switch off your brain. He wants you to consider the evidence and make up your mind about Jesus. Who was he? What was his mission? Why did he have such an impact on people, especially those who had given up on the idea of God?

As the account begins we see two couples, both awaiting the birth of their first child. One sets the stage for the other. The second child is introduced as the Son of God. Witnesses testify, historical records are cited, angels speak. And from his own lips the 12-year-old child calls the temple of God, ‘my Father’s house’.

Read for yourself and make up your mind.

You will have lots of questions. Scribble them down and start interacting with the evidence.

This is the account of an extraordinary life. A profound life. One of scandal, passion, love, and sacrifice. A life that changed the world forever.