SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1
INTRODUCTION:
Luke was a Greek medical doctor and historian who wrote the book of Luke and Acts. Luke affirmed Jesus’ divinity but he emphasized on Jesus humanity. Luke was the longest of the Gospels which had the fullest and most orderly story of Jesus’ life. He was also a close friend and traveling companion of Paul thus he was able to interview the other disciples, had access to other historical accounts and was an eyewitness to the birth and growth of the early church. Luke wanted to tell the good news of Christ and show that his coming brought joy as well as hope and salvation to a sinful world.
LUKE’S PURPOSE IN WRITING (vs. 1-4)
To Theophilus: Many people have written accounts about the events that took place among us. They used as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of what God has done in fulfillment of his promises. Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you, to reassure you of the truth of all your were taught.
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST FORETOLD (vs. 5-25)
During the time of Herod king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren.
When Zechariah was on duty serving as priest, he went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was gripped with fear when he saw the angel. But the angel told him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Zechariah did not believe it because he was an old man and his wife was well along in years. Angel Gabriel told him that because of his disbelief, he will not be able to speak until the day when the child was born. When Zechariah came out, he could no longer speak to the people They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months she remained in seclusion.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD (vs. 26-38)
God sent angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to virgin Mary, who was pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel said to Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (vs. 28-33) “How will this be since I am a virgin?” Mary asked. (v. 34) The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” (vs. 35-37) Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (v. 38)
MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (vs. 39-45)
Mary got ready and hurried to Judea where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” (vs. 42-45)
MARY’S SONG (vs. 46-56)
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm, he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (vs. 57-66)
When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, her neighbors and relatives shared her joy. On the eight day, they came to circumcise the child and her father wrote in a writing tablet to name the boy “John”. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loose and he began to speak praising God.
ZECHARIAH’S SONG (vs. 67-80)
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David ,(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us – to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
THOUGHTS:
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN THIS CHAPTER:
- Zechariah – Even though he did not have a son, he still faithfully served the Lord. He had the faith to keep on praying, but when the answer came, he was in disbelief. He looked at his limitation rather than God’s great power. Unbelief has silenced him but faith opened his mouth in praise to God. How about you? Do you truly believe in God’s almighty power and promise?
- Mary – She was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. She humbly submitted to God’s will even though her decision would bring shame, sorrow and suffering for her. And she sang about the Lord, what He did for her, for all who fear Him and for His people Israel. How about you? Are you willing to submit to God’s plan for your life? Will you sing for the Lord?
- Angel Gabriel – He served as messenger to bring God’s message. He delivered a special message to Zechariah not in a dream or a vision but in visible form. He appeared to Mary to announce a Savior to be born. He appeared to Joseph to take Mary as his wife. He also appeared to prophet Daniel more than 500 years earlier. Are you bringing the Good News of salvation to the people around the world?
“Theophilus” means “one who loves God”. The book of Luke and Acts written by Luke were addressed to Theophilus because he may have been Luke’s patron who helped to finance the book’s writing. Theophilus was a Roman acquaintance of Luke with a strong interest in the new Christian religion. These books were dedicated to all Christian readers.
“John” means “The Lord is gracious” and “Jesus” means “The Lord saves”. Both names were prescribed by God not chosen by human parents. John was forbidden to drink wine because he was consecrated to God to prepare the way for the Lord. His role was to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God. He was known to stand up against evil rulers.
Jesus, a Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua” which means “the Lord saves”. Just as Joshua had led Israel into the Promised Land, so Jesus would lead His people into eternal life.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were both godly people but they were suffering humiliation and hopelessness because they were childless. In ancient times children were considered a blessing and childlessness was seen as a curse. But God was waiting for the right time to encourage them and take away their disgrace.
Mary was young, poor, female – all characteristics – not suitable by God for any major task. But God chose Mary because of her obedience. Do not feel that your ability, experience or education are not suitable for God’s service. God can choose you and use you if you trust Him and obey Him.
Mary risked her life and reputation when she agreed to be conceived by the Holy Spirit. Despite of the possible consequences, she said: “May everything you have said come true” (v. 38). She willingly obeyed to serve Him. Are you willing to offer your life to God?
Responses of people when God announce the birth of a child:
- Sarah, Abraham’s wife laughed. (Gen. 18-9-15)
- Zechariah doubted (Luke 1:15)
- Mary believed (Luke 1:38)
- Hannah, mother of Samuel promised to dedicate her son to God (1 Samuel 1:11)
Mary sang a song often called the “Magnificient” to recognize and accept the gift God had given here. She used the gift to praise God and serve Him. Be sure to thank God for the gifts he has given you and use them for His glory.
Zechariah praised God with his first words after months of silence. His song is often called the “Benedictus”. Zechariah prophesied the coming of a Savior who would redeem his people, and he predicted that his son, John would prepare the Messiah’s way.
John lived out in the wilderness in isolation from the world to enhance his spiritual growth and to focus his message on God. By being in the wilderness, John remained separated from the hypocritical religious leaders of the day and the economic and political power so that he could aim his message against them.