Good News According to Luke - Part 1
The Life and Infancy of Jesus
Luke 1:1-80
by Paul George
The Preface: Luke is writing a historical account
of the acts and teachings of Jesus' carefully researched, historical and
eyewitness accounts so that Theophilus may have a true knowledge about the
nature of his faith, that he has been taught. (1:1-4). He begins his account
with the announcement of the Birth of John the Baptizer (vv 5-25) and the
announcement of the birth of Jesus (vv 26-56).
During the reign of Herod the Great over Judea there was a priest named
Zecharias and his wife, Elizabeth who were righteous and blameless before God,
but they were also old and without children because Elizabeth was barren
(1:6-7). An angel of the Lord appeared to Zecharias when he was serving as a
priest in Jerusalem and told him Elizabeth would give birth to a son whose name
was to be John. When Zecharias expressed unbelief by questioning the prediction
the angel rebuked Zecharias telling Zecharias he is Gabriel who stands in God's
presence and Zecharias will be unable to speak until the child is born
(1:18-20). When Zecharias came out of the holy place unable to speak the people
knew that he had seen a vision in the temple (1:22).
After Zecharias completed his priestly duty in Jerusalem, he returned home, and
Elizabeth became pregnant (1:23-24a). Elizabeth kept her self in seclusion for
five months praising God for taking away her disgrace (1:24b-25).
The Announcement of the Birth of Jesus: Gabriel was sent from God to Mary, a
virgin engaged to Joseph of the descendants of David, who lived in Nazareth of
Galilee during the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy (1:26-27). Mary
responded to Gabriel's greeting with great confusion wondering what this meant
(1:29). Calming Mary's fear by assuring her of God's grace towards her, Gabriel
announced to Mary that she would conceive a son whom she would name Jesus who
would inherit the Davidic throne, and reigning over Israel forever (1:30-33).
When Mary inquired as to how this could occur, Gabriel explained that it would
be through the power of the Holy Spirit, and then confirmed his words through
God's work with Mary's relative Elizabeth, whereupon Mary humbly submitted to
God's word, and the angel departed (1:34-38).
The Fulfillment: In search of the confirmation Mary immediately went south to
the hill country of Judea to Zecharias' house in Judah and greeted Elizabeth
(1:39-40). When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting the baby in her womb leaped for
joy (1:41a). Elizabeth loudly proclaimed both Mary and the child in her womb as
blessed (1:42). Mary responded to Elizabeth's confirmation by exalting and
rejoicing in God her savior (1:46-47).
One reason Mary rejoiced in the Lord was that He had shown regard for her, His
bondservant (1:48-50). Mary rejoiced in the Lord because He had shown Himself
faithful to those like her who feared Him from generation to generation (1:50).
Mary rejoiced in the Lord because He had shown His strength in bringing
greatness out of lowliness (1:51-55). Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three more
months and then returned to her home (1:56).
The Birth of John: At the appropriate time Elizabeth gave birth to a son and her
neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her for the mercy which she had received
from the Lord (1:57-58). When Zecharias and Elizabeth came on the eighth day to
circumcise the child, the family was going to name him Zecharias, but Elizabeth
insisted that he be called John (1:59-60). The family objected to Elizabeth's
intention because there was not anyone in their family who was named John,
Zecharias wrote on a tablet that the child's name would be John, and God loosed
his tongue so that he began to praise God (1:63-64). Zecharias blessed the Lord
because He has graciously brought about salvation through His servant from the
house of David for the nation Israel in accordance with His promise to Abraham
(1:67-74). Zecharias told the people that his son would prepare the way for the
Lord by proclaiming salvation through the forgiveness of sins in accordance with
God's tender mercy as He sends one who will shine upon those in darkness and
bring about peace (1:75-79). The forgiveness of sins will come through the
tender mercy of Israel's God from whom one rising like the sun (Malachi 4:2). He
will visit His people and give light to those who sit in darkness and guidance
leading to peace (Isaiah 9:12; 42:1-9).
John grew to become spiritually strong as he lived in the deserts, as a prophet,
until he publicly appeared to Israel (1:80).
To top of
page |
