Luke 1 - What Do These Two Cousins Have in Common?
Today we begin the gospel of Luke. If you would like an overview of the gospel of Luke, click on this link.
Insight for Living Introduction to Luke
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Introduction
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Our author, Luke the Physician, tells says many people who have written down accounts of the story of Jesus. Some of those accounts were handed down by eyewitnessed. I.e. The apostles Peter, John, and Matthew.
Luke was a doctor, so he knew how important details were. Luke investigated the details and wrote them down for "most excellent" Theophilus. His name meant "love of God:, or "friend of God". He was most likely a Roman official due to the way Luke addresses him. He had obviously had some instruction already and may have been a Christian. Luke wanted him to have confidence in what he believed in.
I like the phrase, "Faith seeking understanding". Hopefully that is why you are reading the Daily Bread.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In 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. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
There are many things unique to Luke and one of them is the background he gives on John the Baptist's birth, and his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were both from the priestly line of Aaron, who was Moses' brother. Both of them were ardent followers of God, and though they had been unable to conceive and were both very old, they continued to trust and pray.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
Zechariah was on duty in the temple serving as the priest that night. He was chosen by lot to go into the temple and burn incense while the people waited outside.
To a godly man like Zacharias, this was probably the biggest event of his life, a tremendous privilege, a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Surely he wondered what it would be like to enter the holy place, and if God had something special to speak to him in this special event of his life. -Guzik
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 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 before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Zechariah was met by angel that night, which caused him great fear. But the angel told him not to be afraid and that his prayers have been heard. One can only imagine how many years he had prayed for a baby for he and Elizabeth. God honored his lifestyle of devotion, and his perseverance in prayer.
Not only would she bear a baby, but he would be honored in the sight of many. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. This infers that the rest of get the Holy Spirit after our natural birth. He was to be set aside by his parents with what was called a "Nazrite vow". He was never to have any wine or other alcoholic drink touch his mouth.
His message would cause many Israelites to return to the Lord. His ministry was also to make people ready for the Lord, who we will soon see is the Messiah.
Sometimes though are prayers are not answered in our timing, God's timing is much better. In this case Zechariah and Elizabeth's patience made them the parents of one of the greatest prophets in all of history.
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Unfortunately John doubted the angel Gabriel's message. His punishment was that he would not speak until John was born. When John returned outside to the people who were praying, they realized by his length of service that something special had happened. John went home, Elizabeth became pregnant, and stayed by her side for 5 months.
It isn’t that Zacharias doesn’t want to believe this; he does. It is simply that he feels it must be too good to be true, and he has probably protected himself from disappointment by not setting his expectations too high. We rob ourselves of many a miracle by the same attitude. - Guzik
Zacharias paid a price for his unbelief. His unbelief did not make God take his promise back; it just kept Zacharias from enjoying it. - Guzik
Elizabeth did not go away to hide her pregnancy; she was gone for the first five months, the time when she would be least noticed as pregnant. She went away to spend time with the Lord, and to meditate on the destiny of the child within her. - Guzik
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Gabriel had more work to do. This time with a much younger woman, who was not even married. She was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of David. Jewish people who knew the Old Testament knew that the Messiah was prophesied to be from the lineage of David. Gabriel had a wonderful greeting for Mary. He told he she was favored and the Lord was with her.
"Mary is clearly said to be a virgin. There is no ambiguity about the idea here – Mary had never had sexual relations with any man. The conception of John the Baptist, the forerunner, was miraculous; we should expect an even more remarkable conception of the Messiah." - Guzik
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Once again Mary was taken back by Gabriel. He was a powerful angel. His name had military overtones, and meant "intimidator". Mary's news was similar but even more significant than Elizabeth's. Not only would she conceive, but her son's name would be Jesus, which means "God saves". He would be called a "Son of the Most High". He would be given the throne of David reserved for the Messiah. He wold rule over the people Israel forever and his kingdom would never end.
Can you imagine how this young teenager felt?
Jesus would be the son of Mary, but not only her son; He would also be, and be known as, the Son of God. The throne of His father David: He will be the Messiah prophesied to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), who has the rightful authority to rule over Israel, and of His kingdom there will be no end. You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son: Mary knew exactly what Gabriel was talking about because she was a woman of the word of God. When Gabriel said this, Mary knew he quoted from Isaiah 7:14: the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son.
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
Mary asked a very obvious question, "How can this be if I am a virgin". The angel gave her even more perplexing answer. The Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of God would overshadow her and she would bear a son. I have always liked this phrase "overshadow". It is a good visual for us to remember. I like to think God overshadows me. I can dwell in the shadow of His wings.
As proof, her relative Elizabeth would be six months pregnant even at her old age. She was probably a second or third cousin of Mary. God's word from Gabriel his messenger would not fail for Elizabeth, and it would not fail for Mary. These two miraculous births from this two faithful and willing women would change the world forever.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Mary got ready right away to see if what the angel said would come true. If it came true for her cousin Elizabeth, it would probably come true for her too. When Mary came in the house, John the Baptist leapt in her cousin's womb. Remember John the Baptist would filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit too.
One of the distinct emphases of Luke is the Holy Spirit. We will see an emphasis on the power and work of the Holy Spirit all throughout Luke.
The word overshadow means “to cover with a cloud,” as in the cloud of Shekinah glory (Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 24:16, 34:5, 40:34) or the cloud of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:34). Guzik
This doesn’t have the same impact on us today because of our unfamiliarity with the idea of being a Son of God. But Mary (and all other Jewish people from her culture) knew what this meant: this child would be equal to God (John 5:18). Jesus did not become the Son of God; He was called the Son of God, recognizing His nature from all eternity.
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
These words are magnificent. It shows why God picked her to the mother of Jesus, His Son. She trusted in God's Word.
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Mary's song is called the "Magnificat" and has been throughout the centuries in the church.
This song (often called the Magnificat, after the Latin translation of the first few words) resembles Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, but it also has at least 12 other allusions to the Old Testament. This means that Mary was a woman who studied and knew God’s Word. The Scriptures were on her heart, and came out through her song. - Guzik
“It appears by the whole frame of this holy song, that the blessed Virgin was well versed in the Scripture, which she here makes so much use of in sundry passages…She had by her much reading made her bosom Bibliothecam Christi, Christ’s library, as a Father saith; and may seem to have been exercised in the good word of God from her infancy.” (Trapp)
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
It would be tradition to name the first baby after his father. But Elizabeth heard his name must be John so she made it known he would be called John. To confirm it they turned to the Father, Zechariah,, who was still without voice. Since he couldn't speak, he wrote the name on a tablet, and as soon as he did, his voice came back. He broke out in spontaneous praise. The people were amazed and knew John was destined for greatness.
Now, Zacharias responded in total faith. It wasn’t “I think his name should be John.” For Zacharias, this was recognition of a fact, not a suggestion. Even though he had failed before, God gave Zacharias a second chance at faith. He gives the same to us today. - Guzik
"This was a return from the point of unbelief, and the exercise of will in the appointed way.” (Morgan)
Zechariah’s Song
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn[c] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 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,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[d]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
We see another worship song authored by the Holy Spirit. This time it is Zechariah who was filled with the Holy Spirit.
We see the prophet nature of his role to announce and prepare the way for the Messiah when he sings,
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, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
Just as Gabriel said, Zacharias could speak again. He spoke, praising God. It was fitting that Zacharias’ first words were praise to God. His chastisement for disobedience had not made him bitter. Instead, it made him want to trust God all the more, at every opportunity. The prophetic voice of the Lord had been silent for 400 years. Now, God spoke through Gabriel (Luke 1:13, 1:28), through Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-42), through Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and now through Zacharias. When God spoke again, it was all connected to the theme of Jesus and His work. - Guzik
What are you waiting on in prayer? Is it for a child? A job? Salvation for someone you love? Healing? Remember the perseverance of Elizabeth and Zechariah. The reward for their faith was the man who would introduce the Savior to the world. It was worth the wait!
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