Hello Luke, I’m Mary

By Bob Cyphers

The Gospel writers Matthew, Mark and John were eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus. Luke was not, and in fact does not appear in the Bible until his travels with Paul around 50 AD. And while the other three Gospels are extremely similar, nearly half of Luke's text is original, and cannot be found elsewhere, including some sixty stories and parables. The nativity scene we worship on Christmas Eve is from Luke. The only reference of Jesus's childhood, being left at the temple, can only be found in Luke. How does the Virgin Mary's song, the Magnificat, wind up in the Gospel of Luke? "I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you," Luke tells us. And he does, with more detail than the other Gospel writers, who trace Jesus's lineage back to King David. Luke takes it back to Adam and Eve. So how does a man who was not a witness to the life of Jesus, and who does not appear until decades after his death, have the most relevant details on our Savior's life? There can only be one answer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385202805

Bob Cyphers

Bob Cyphers is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award–winning journalist, having spent his professional life writing for newspapers, radio and television stations. He has covered everything from presidents to sports champions, and most recently, has published a book on the search for a serial killer. Now in retirement, Bob is devoting his writing to his faith. His earlier book is titled The Final Hours: Through the Eyes of Those Who Walked with Jesus.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

"God of creation

There at the start, before the beginning of time . . .

60 AD/CAESAREA

As he walked toward another visit with his friend, Luke pondered all they had been through together. How many stops had they made since meeting years earlier in Troas? How many times had they been in dangerous situations? Luke shook his head and laughed. He had barely met Paul the first time before Paul was thrown in prison.

And here we are again, Luke chuckled.

Each time Luke entered the praetorium grounds, he would smile and look around. This certainly wasn’t Philippi. Paul’s cell there was small, cold and dark. But compared to Philippi, Caesarea was a palace. This was Herod’s prison, on the coastline, and Paul already had the run of the place. Guards would check in on him, but usually left him alone, unless of course he was trying to convert them. Friends could come and go. But a chain was still attached to his leg, serving as a reminder if needed.

The guards were always in good spirits when Luke visited, because they were certain to receive some fruit. Today would be no different.

Welcome to Herod’s house! Paul exclaimed when he saw his friend.

Luke could only shake his head and smile. Good morning my friend.

Caesarea Maritima! Paul smiled. If I have to be in a prison, put me in a palace by the sea!

And here I thought it was my job to bring you comfort when I came, laughed Luke.

You always do my friend, Paul smiled. You always do. Did you bring some fruit?

You and the guards have similar tastes, Luke said as he looked around. This sure isn’t Philippi.

Paul smiled as he watched the guards eat. You know what? Before I walk out of here, I will have the guards worshiping Jesus.

Luke could only shake his head in approval. It wouldn’t surprise me if you had them singing Christian songs before you left.

Singing and dancing in the name of Jesus! Paul roared.

Luke noticed Paul was writing when he walked in. He sat down next to him and opened his case to begin writing too.

What are you writing? Luke asked.

There is a problem with the Ephesians, Paul said. They need to get along with each other. I am going to send them this letter.

Luke looked over Paul’s shoulder at what his friend had written.

Walk in love, as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us . . .

That is very good, Luke said. You write well.

For the sake of the church, I need to convince the Jews and the Gentile believers to unify, Paul said. I just wish I could be there to worship with them.

We still can, said Luke. When we get you out of here.

Paul smiled. Well, just in case, I need to get this written. And you need to get your books written too, my friend.

I know, said Luke. I know.

Three things were certain on days when Luke would visit. First, he would bring food for his friend. Second, they would laugh. And third, Paul would ask him about Mary.

Tell me a story, Paul would always say.

And Luke would always laugh. What story would you like to hear today?

Any story, Paul would say. Just tell me about Mary.

And Luke would laugh again. And away the day would go.

Today would be no different.

I need a break from my writing, Paul said.

Luke smiled and waited for the inevitable.

Come on, Paul smiled. You know what I want to hear.

Luke knew these moments were what kept Paul going strong.

I will make you a deal, Luke said. I will tell you about Mary if you tell me about Damascus. I still have some questions about Damascus.

Damascus! Paul laughed. You mean for the one hundredth time?

Now both men were laughing.

Imagine how much easier my life would be if I only had one book to write instead of two, said Luke.

Paul smiled. You mean how much easier your life would be if you did not meet me in Troas.

Easier, yes, Luke said. But if I don’t meet you, and that little trick you played on me in Ephesus, I don’t meet Mary.

Me? Paul smiled. Play a trick?

Luke opened his bag and gave Paul some fruit.

Paul knew he had no choice. All right, he said. You win. Damascus later. But now, tell me about Mary.

Luke smiled. Truth was, this was the highlight of every visit, as the friends would stare at each other and recount the tale of that trip to Ephesus many years ago.

Luke leaned forward. Paul’s eyes got big.

Well, did I tell you what Mary said about Jesus when . . .

52 AD/EPHESUS

They had sailed from Troas where they met for the first time a year earlier. Before Luke knew it, Paul was thrown in a Philippi prison. And there, their bond began. After Troas, wherever you saw Paul on his travels, you saw his companion Luke at his side.

But there was more to Luke’s companionship than just friendship. Much more. He was documenting Paul’s journeys, determined to one day write the story of the beginnings of the Christian Church.

There was much writing to do in the future for Luke. But that could wait. For now, he was traveling with Paul, and he was surprised, but excited about landing in Ephesus. They were supposed to stay in Corinth, but Paul suddenly decided to go to Ephesus.

Luke looked at his notes. They first sailed from Troas to Neopolis. Then from Neopolis to Philippi. Then Philippi to Amphipolis. From Amphipolis to Apollonia. Apollonia to Thessalonica. Then Thessalonica to Bearea. From Berea to Corinth. And now, Corinth to Ephesus.

Through it all, Luke kept detailed notes of where they were, and the efforts of Paul to spread the word of Christ.

Paul would always kid him. You are a doctor, a painter, and a writer. I should be telling the world about you.

Luke would just pull out his scrolls, smile, and continue writing.

When they landed in Ephesus, Luke got ready to follow Paul.

Luke, I need to head to the church to pick up something, Paul said. You stay here and write. I will not be gone long.

I can come with you, Luke said.

No, said Paul. I just need to meet a couple of believers there for a few minutes. You stay here and write. I will be back by nightfall.

And with that, Paul began his hike to the church, and Luke looked for a place to set up for the night and write.

Luke was excited about visiting Ephesus. Not only would there be souls to be saved, but the church had already launched there. And not just any church. John and James were building it.

John and James, who walked with Jesus.

And while Luke was indeed beginning to write about Paul and the believers, there was something else he was also writing about.

The life of Christ.

Luke never witnessed that life. But he had dedicated his life to finding out about it. For years and years and years he had traveled the country, talking to any witnesses he could find. He knew about John the Baptist, and about Jesus’ sermons. He had talked to people incredibly close to Jesus. To disciples. To people who were at the cross. Even people at the tomb. To witnesses who had seen the resurrection. And to Paul, who had heard the words of the Lord. Luke knew he had the story of Christ, as much as he could possibly discover, and someday he would write it.

And Luke had spoken to both John and James before, and could not wait to see them again if they were still in Ephesus. He still had hundreds of questions.

As sunset arrived, Luke looked up from his writing to see Paul rushing toward him with a smile on his face.

Luke, Paul hollered, come here my friend. I have something for you.

Luke rushed over to see what Paul needed.

Yes, Paul?

Luke . . . She is here.

Who is here?

Paul paused, grabbed his friend’s shoulders, and stared into Luke’s eyes.

Mary.

Luke looked at his friend, stunned.

Mary . . . ?

Paul nodded.

Mother Mary . . . ? Luke asked with wide eyes.

Yes, Mother Mary, Paul said quietly.

The two friends stared at each other.

I just assumed after all this time . . . Luke began.

I know, Paul said. But she is still alive. Luke, she is alive!

Moments passed. Both men looked at each other and had a hard time speaking.

Finally, Paul spoke. Luke . . . She wants to see you.

What? Luke said, stunned.

John and James have told her about you, Paul said. She has spoken to other witnesses who told her you had talked to them. She knows you have documented the life of Jesus . . . Luke, do you know what this means?

Luke looked at his friend in disbelief, and couldn’t find the words to say.

Luke, you need to go, Paul said. People at the church got word to me when we were in Corinth that she was here and wanted to meet you. That’s why I brought us here. She wants to see you. Luke, do you realize . . .

Luke fell to a knee. Are you coming with me?

Paul dropped to the ground and hugged his friend.

No Luke. This is your story. They need me in the church. Mary needs you now.

Luke was near speechless. Was it really possible? He would meet the Holy Mother?

How do I find her? he asked.

That’s why I had to go to the church, Paul said. They left us a map. Here. She lives about nine kilometers from here. You will head there in the morning.

Paul gave Luke the map. The two friends looked at each other, and began crying together.

I don’t know what to say, said Luke.

You will, said Paul. You will. God will guide you when the time comes.

Mother Mary, Luke said.

Mother Mary, said Paul.

And they cried and cried.

CHAPTER 2

"With no point of reference

You spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light . . .

60 AD/CAESAREA

They had spent so much time together, and now, suddenly, Luke wondered if it would end here, in a Caesarea prison. Traveling companions, and brothers serving the Lord, they could finish each other’s sentences now.

Both were smart enough to know where this might be heading.

Well, Paul said this might be the time to do what we always said needed to be done.

Luke knew what he meant. They had discussed the possibility many times. But Luke wasn’t sure.

I don’t know, Luke said. I don’t even know how to get started. And you still have so much to do.

God will take care of that, Paul said.

Luke had followed and served Paul faithfully. He knew about Saul’s road to Damascus. He watched and recorded Paul baptize, teach, and spread the word of Jesus Christ. In his heart he believed Paul was the apostle to the disciples.

But so many people still need to be saved, Luke said.

Paul smiled and looked down at the chains tied to his feet. True. But we are not able to help people here. My dear friend, it is up to you now. You must tell the world what you know.

The two men, long now joined at the hip, both knew their roles in history. Paul would preach. Luke would record.

God chose you, Paul told Luke. Just as God chose me. You must finish the Jesus story before it is too late. Imagine the consequences if you don’t write it. You are the only one who can.

The two looked at each other and nodded.

I guess I start in Troas, Luke said. My records show we met there in the year 51.

Paul laughed and shook his head. No, no, no, no. no. I know you want to detail my travels. And you should. Our church is important. The disciples, Peter, all of our travels, they are important, but first, Ephesus and Mary. You can write about our life and faith later. But you must start in Ephesus. Jesus’ story must come first.

Luke knew his friend was right. He had traveled with Paul for years, and whenever Paul was in prison, Luke would travel to Italy and Palestine and other places to meet many key witnesses. But nothing like the one he met in Ephesus.

Ephesus, Paul said. It is God’s will. Tell the story. Tell it just like you tell it to me every time you visit. Write every word that Mary told you.

Luke paused. Every time I think about it . . .

Paul stopped him. God will guide your hand.

Luke nodded.

I know you have the records, Paul smiled. All the witnesses. Nobody keeps records like you do.

I have them, Luke said.

Now, Paul said. In case it ends here, it must be now.

Luke paused.

Write it, said Paul. Write it for the world to read. No more talking. Write.

Luke pulled his notes from his case.

Paul smiled and nodded. Take them to Ephesus, my friend. That is where the answers were.

The guards would occasionally check on the pair. Paul would holler out as they walked by.

Who is the savior of the world?

Jesus Christ, they would holler back. Luke could only smile at what his friend could accomplish.

Where will you start your story? Paul asked.

Luke looked over his notes. I’m not sure, he said. I thought about starting with Jesus’ birth. Mary told me things she said nobody else knows. Then I thought about starting with the pain of his death, or the resurrection. Mary was there for both of those, so I think I just tell the story through her eyes.

Paul looked at his friend. But you have many other stories from many other witnesses besides Mary, correct?

Oh yes, said Luke. Many, many witnesses. And Mark told me he was writing about Jesus also. And Mary said John was going to write. And I think Matthew, the tax collector, talked to Joseph before he died. I know he also talked to witnesses. So others will be telling the story too. It will be great. Glory to God.

Paul moved his chair closer to his friend.

They have witnesses too? Paul asked.

Yes, said Luke. Some of them are probably the same witnesses that I have.

Paul looked hard at Luke.

Do they have Mary?

Luke stared back, and shook his head no.

No, they do not have Mary, Paul said. Only you Luke. Only you.

Luke nodded.

Take them to Mary. Tell them her story. Take them to Ephesus.

52 AD/EPHESUS

Ephesus. Oh, Ephesus.

Luke was up before sunrise. He checked his sundial. August in Turkey. The temperature could easily reach 100 today. He had all of his notes, all of his witnesses, gathered over the years, in front of him. Determined to tell the story of Jesus Christ to the world, he knew that this journey, more than all the others he had undertaken, would be the most important of all. And he knew now was his chance. It might be his only chance.

Paul was waiting for him at sunrise when he left. God has brought us here for different reasons my friend. My job is to preach. He has bigger plans for you.

Paul could tell his friend was nervous. Here are your papers. Follow the map.

Luke nodded.

Luke, Paul said. "This is Mary’s