Luke 1:1-25, 57-79
We are beginning a new series today, the Gospel of Luke. Between Luke’s Gospel and its sequel, Acts, Luke wrote more words of the New Testament than any other author. His Gospel was written primarily to a Gentile Audience, so you see his handling of OT prophecies a little different than say, Matthew, who wrote to a primarily Jewish audience. Many scholars believe that the different Gospels paint pictures of Jesus by emphasizing different characteristics since no Gospel could capture the fullness of Him, as John tells us. Following that thought, Matthew shows the Kingship of Jesus, as we do not see the shepherds at His birth, but wisemen. Mark shows the servanthood of Jesus, as there is no nativity scene because a servant’s ancestry is not important. John shows the divinity of Jesus, telling us the Word was with God in the beginning, the Word was God, and the Word took flesh and dwelt among us.
Luke then, shows the humanity of Jesus. Luke’s summary of Jesus’ genealogy in Chapter 3 goes all the way back to Adam, connecting Him to each of us. Luke shows a humble birth observed by humble people, letting each of us know we can worship our Savior.
- Luke’s Purpose and Effort (vv. 1-4)
- Not an eyewitness, but visited with many
- Many were alive at the writing
- Detailed historian, well-educated Physician, who was an excellent Greek writer.
- Spent much time with Paul, noted by the “we” passages that pop up throughout the Book of Acts
- He tells us how he has followed the things of Christ
- He wrote it for the audience to have certainty
- The Other Christmas Birth (vv. 5-25)
- John’s birth is miraculous, but not Divine
- Elizabeth was barren, which at that time, would have meant scorn and shame
- Most looked at barrenness as a curse from God and there was open hostility towards barren women in those days.
- Luke makes sure that we understand that Elizabeth’s sinfulness is not the case here, but God’s plan
- Zechariah was a Priest, of the Tribe of Levi. There were many descendants of Levi, so they were broken up into 24 sub-family groups
- Each group would serve for about two weeks out of the year and then return to their homes, most likely to other occupation
- Burning incense was a privilege. Lots were cast to see who would get the honor and once you received that honor, you could not do it twice.
- Most priestly workers never got this opportunity and it would have been a great honor for Zechariah
- Gabriel, the promised son, his role, etc.
- Zechariah’s doubt, his sign, and punishment,
- He would have been supposed to offer prayer upon leaving (Num 6:23-27)
- His prayer must wait
- Responding to God’s Miraculous Work (vv. 57-79)
- Specifically (VV 76-79)
- There is salvation in Christ
- There is forgiveness of sins
- Our God displays His tender mercy upon us (Oh what a beautiful God we serve, who bestows tenderness and mercy upon us who least deserve it!)
- A new sunrise shall visit us from Heaven, a possible picture of the re-creation of our persons through this wonderful Work of the Lord!
- This sunrise shall give light to those who are in darkness and death’s shadow! What light there is now that leads us to our physical deaths, because our physical death means presence with Jesus! We no longer have to worry about what lies beyond our last breath as Christ has defeated this greatest of enemies and conquered death, walking triumphantly out of a borrowed tomb!
- This light guides our feet to the way of peace! How thrilling that is for those who previously sat in darkness! Just as the blind saw at His healing ministry, our blind hearts receive their sight by His power upon our lives!
SERMON LINK
Speak These Things- Titus 2:15 