Enduring Word Bible Commentary Luke Chapter 1 (2023)

A. Introduction to the Gospel of Luke.

The first four verses of Luke's gospel are one sentence in the original Greek. They are written in a refined, academic and classical style. But then, in the rest of the gospel, Luke did not use the language of scholars, but of the common man, the language of the city and the street. Hereby, Lucas told us, “This account has all the proper scholarly and scholarly credentials. But it is written for the man in the street. Luke wrote so that people would understand Jesus, not so that they would admire his intelligence and literary ability.

1. (1-2) Mention of earlier accounts of Jesus' life.

Since many were concerned to put in order the narration of the things that were fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word taught us,

a.Many took the hand: Luke wrote his gospel knowing that many had already written stories from the life of Jesus. This could be a reference to the works of Mark and Matthew (most people think that John was writtenafterLuke), and may also refer to other biographies of Jesus not directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Yo. Some researchers claim that writings about Jesus did not appear until two or perhaps three generations after his death on the cross. But the work of the German papyrus expert Carsten Thiede (in December 1994) suggests that we do indeed possess copies of Matthew that date from around the same time as Jesus. Thiede's findings are based on a careful analysis of the handwriting used on the newly discovered fragments.

b.The things that came to pass between us: The above-mentioned writings contain things already commonlyknownybelievedamong Christians in Luke's time. By the time Luke wrote, most Christians already knew everything about the life of Jesus, both from the oral accounts transmitted by the original disciples and from the biographies already written.

Yo. with the wordfor us, Luke placed himself in the community of Christians who believed and received the accounts of the life of Jesus. Luke was Paul's companion (Acts 16:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24) and Paul called himbeloved doctor(Colossians 4:14). Luke was a physician and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his life story of Jesus.

ii. By all indications, Luke was a Gentile. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he was not a Jew because he was not included in the groupwho are circumcised. This makes Luke unique in that he is the only New Testament writer who was a Gentile.

iii. God gave this lonely Gentile writer a great privilege. Because he also wrote the book of Acts (which makes up the second volume of this Gospel), Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other human writer (assuming Paul didn't).noauthor of the letter to the Hebrews).

C.just as we were taught by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word: Luke tells us that earlier accounts of Jesus' life were based on the words ofeyewitnesses.

eu.Those who from the beginningThey were undoubtedly the apostles, who were with Jesus from the beginning. Butthose who from the beginningit would also include people like Mary herself, whom Luke likely interviewed in his research for this story of the life of Jesus.

ii. Luke wrote to a first-century world that was weary of living "if it's good, do it"; however, he took offense at the wacky superstitions of most religions. The world then, as today, longs for what Christianity offers:faithfounded indone.

2. (3-4) Luke explains why his account was written.

It also seemed good to me, after having had a perfect understanding of all things from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may be sure of those things in which you were instructed.

a.it also looked good: Luke wasn't one of those who was aeyewitnessof eventsfrom the beginningof Jesus' ministry. However, he aligned himself with others who wrote their accounts of Jesus' life from first-hand experience (such as Matthew and Mark) because his account was based on diligent research and careful thought.perfect understandingof events.

b.To write an orderly account: Having already read the account in Matthew and Mark, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on understanding and order. Therefore, Lucas is the mostintegralGospel. It documents the story of Jesus from the annunciation of John the Baptist to the ascension of Jesus.

Lucas is the mostuniversalGospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often placed in a favorable light.

The Gospel of Luke is most interested in the roles ofwomen,children, yousocial outcasts.

The Gospel of Luke is the most interestingprayer. There are seven different references to Jesus praying found in this gospel alone.

The Gospel of Luke is the one that most emphasizes theHoly Spiritis athappiness.

The Gospel of Luke is the one that most emphasizes the preaching of the good news (theGospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel), as well as fifteen more times in Acts.

C.His Excellency Theophilus: Luke addressed his gospel to a man namedtheophilus, but it was also written with a wider audience in mind.

I. hair title (the most excellent), we deduce that Theophilus was probably a Roman government official. It is very likely that the books of Luke and Acts constitute Paul's defense for his trial before Caesar, since Acts leaves Paul awaiting that trial.

ii. Whoever Theophilus was, he already had some instruction in the faith (in which you were instructed).

B. The announcement of the birth of John the Baptist.

1. (5-7) The time and people who begin the life story of Jesus.

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the class of Abijah. Your wifeeraof the daughters of Aaron, and their nameseraIsabel. And they were both righteous before God, walking blameless in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both many years old.

a.in the days of herod:These events occurred at a definite time..This was the man known asherod the great, which was at the end of a long and terrible reign. Ethnically, he was not a descendant of Israel but of Jacob's brother Esau, therefore an Edomite or Idumean. He was known for his spectacular building programs, but even more so for his paranoid ruthlessness, which led to the execution of many, including members of his own family.

b.A certain priest named Zechariah... His wife... was Elizabeth:These events happened to definite people..zechariahyIsabelthey were just and obedient, but also stigmatized for their sterility (but they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren).

C.Of the division of Abijah: Priestly divisions (including thedivision of Abijah) were noted in 1 Chronicles 23-24.

2. (8-10) Zechariah's temple service.

And it came to pass that while he was serving as a priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him to burn incense when he entered the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the city was praying outside at the time of incense.

a.According to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him to burn incense: Only priests of a certain lineage could serve in the temple. Over the years, the number of priests multiplied (there were said to be up to 20,000 priests at the time of Jesus), so they used thebatchto determine which priests would serve when. Hebatchserving can fall to a priest only once in his life.

Yo. For a godly man like Zechariah, this was probably the greatest event in his life, a tremendous privilege, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You may have wondered what it would be like to enter the holy place, and if God had something special to speak to you at this very special event in your life.

ii. It is also easy to imagine that Zechariah asked the other priests who had already performed this service what it was like; asking them if they had any unique spiritual experiences when ministering before the Lord. The entire event was filled with enormous anticipation.

b.burn incense: According to the Law of Moses, incense was offered to God on the golden altar every morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8). Back then, there was an established ritual for the practice.

Yo. There were several plots to determine who did what at the morning sacrifice. The first batch determined who would clean the altar and prepare the fire; the second lot determined who would kill the morning sacrifice and sprinkle the altar, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense. The third batch determined who would come and offer incense. This was the most privileged duty; those who received the first and second installment would repeat their duty at the evening sacrifice, but not with the third installment. Offering the incense would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

ii. Before dawn, hundreds of worshipers gathered at the temple. The morning sacrifice began when the priest of incense entered the temple from the outer courts and struck a gong-like instrument known as theMagrefa. At that sound, the Levites assembled and prepared to lead the assembled people in songs of worship to God.

iii. The other two priests chosen by lot that morning went up to the temple on either side of the chosen priest to offer the incense. The three entered the sanctuary together. A priest placed burning coals on the golden altar; the other priest arranged the incense so I was ready to go. Then those two priests left the temple, and the priest of incense was left alone in the holy place.

4. Before him was the golden altar of incense; it was 18 inches square and 3 feet high. On that little table lay the burning embers, from which small wisps of smoke rose, ready for incense. Behind the golden altar was a huge, thick curtain, and behind that curtain was the Holy of Holies, the Holy of Holies, where no one could enter except the high priest, and that only on the Day of Atonement. When looking at the golden altar of incense, to its right would be the table of showbread, and to its left would be the golden lampstand, which provided the only light for the holy place.

C.And the whole town crowd was praying outside at the time of the incense: When the people outside saw the two men leaving the temple, they knew that the time had come to offer the incense. These hundreds of people bowed or knelt before the Lord and held out their hands in silent prayer. They knew that at that moment the priest of incense was praying in the holy place, in the presence of God, for the whole nation.

Yo. Several minutes of dead silence ensued throughout the temple precincts as Zechariah stood in prayer in the holy place during the most solemn experience of his life.

ii. The connection between burningincenseAnd prayer may seem strange to some, but in the Bible burning incense is a strong image of prayer (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8).

ii. Why did Zechariah pray? You must have thought carefully beforehand. You might even have picked up a list of prayers, although it's more likely that you've memorized it. He also knew how long to pray, because he had attended the morning sacrifice as a worshiper many times before, and he knew how long the priest of incense stayed in the temple. He must have prayed for both the needs of the nation of Israel, which was occupied and oppressed by the hated Romans. He must have prayed that God would send the Messiah. He probably would have thought it wrong to throw away his personal needs at such a sacred time!

3. (11-17) The angel's announcement to Zechariah.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah sawto him,he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard; and Elizabeth, your wife, will give birth to a son, and you will name him John. And you will have joy and joy, and many will rejoice at your birth. For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord and will not drink wine or strong drink. He too will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. And he will lead many of the children of Israel back to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him with the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of fathers to children,' and of the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.

a.Then an angel of the Lord appeared: The angel just stayedon the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah probably had his eyes closed in passionate prayer, and when he opened them he saw this angel.

b.When Zechariah saw this, he was troubled and fear fell on him.: HeangelThe one who appeared to Zechariah was not a romantic figure, or a naked baby with wings. This angel was a glorious, fearsome and amazing creature. Like most angels in the Bible, the first thing this angel has to say to his human contact is"Do not be afraid."

Yo. Zacharias must have thought, “Does this happen to everyone who does this? The other guys didn't tell me anything about it!"

C.Your prayer is heard; and Elizabeth your wife will give birth to a son: It is doubtful whether Zechariah ever prayed for a son when he was at the golden altar of incense. First, it might have seemed like such a selfish need. Second, since he and Elizabethboth were very advanced in years(Luke 1:7), they probably gave up on that prayer a long time ago.

Yo. Sometimes we pray for something for a long, long time. We pray for the salvation of a spouse or child. We pray for a calling or ministry. We pray that God will bring us that special someone. But after years of sincere prayer, we gave up in discouragement. Zechariah and Elizabeth probably prayed years of passionate prayer for a child, but they gave up a long time ago and stopped believing in God much longer.

ii. When we are in that place, sometimes we begin, even in the slightest, to doubt God's love and care for us. But God always loves and care for him never stops.

iii. Zechariah's reaction to the angel's promise was probably to think, “I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't pray for a son. We are old, you know. I gave up on that phrase a long time ago. I am praying for the salvation of Israel. I'm praying that God will send the promised Messiah." Little did Zechariah know that God would answer both of his prayers at the same time and use his miracle baby to be part of the Messiah shipment!

4. Zechariah had no idea that God would grant his heart's two greatest desires at the same time. He had probably completely given up on the idea of ​​being a father; it was a hope that had been crushed by years of disappointment. But God had not given up, even though Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up.

d.Will you call his name John: The child was given a name even before it was conceived. This was a command from the Lord to name the childJohn.

mi.It will begreat in the eyes of the Lord, and shall not drink wine or strong drink: This is likely a reference to the vow of a Nazarite found in Numbers 6. His son John would be especially consecrated to God all the days of his life, like Samson.it shouldhe was.

Yo. Although John wasgreat in the eyes of the Lord,by the grace of God,the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he(Matthew 11:11).

F.He too will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb.: His son João would have a unique filling of the Holy Spirit, beingfull of the Holy Spiriteven while in the womb.

Yo. Calvin, on John being filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb: "Let us learn by this example, that from infancy to late old age, the operation of the Spirit in men is free."

grama.He will bring many of the children of Israel back to the Lord their God: John's great work would be to prepare the way of the Messiah, by turning hearts to God before the Messiah came. The model for his ministry would be the great prophet Elijah:in the spirit and power of Elijah. Jesus later said that this was fulfilled in John (Matthew 11:14 and 17:12).

H.To convert the hearts of fathers to children: This quote from Malachi 4:5-6 is significant for more than its reference to Elijah. Those were essentially the last words of the Old Testament, and now God's revelation picks up where he left off.

Yo. Elijah was a man who called Israel to radical repentance (1 Kings 18:20-40).

4. (18-20) Zechariah's doubt and silence.

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? Because I am old and my wife is advanced in years. And the angel answered and said to him: “I am Gabriel, who am in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak with you and bring you this good news. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day that happens, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in due time.

a.How will I know about it? Because I am an old man and my wife is very advanced in years.: Zechariah's attitude was, “Thank you for the promise, angel. But knowing my wife's and my condition, that's great. Can you give us a sign to prove it?

Yo. It's not that Zechariah doesn'tto wantbelieve it; he does. It's that you think it must be too good to be true, and you've probably protected yourself from disappointment by not setting your expectations too high. We steal many miracles with the same attitude.

ii. Zechariah looked first at the circumstances and what God might do in the end; we are tempted to think this is logical; but if God is real, there is nothing logical about placing circumstances before God.

b.I am Gabriel who is in the presence of God: Gabriel reminds Zacharias of whohe isand where it came from There is a great contrast betweeni am an old manyI am gabriel– Which had more weight? Gabriel also "preached the gospel" to Zechariah (brings good news).

Yo. It was nothing but good news for Zechariah that not only would he have a son, but that the son would play an important role in God's plan of redemption. This is the good news that Gabriel brought to Zechariah.

ii. This gives you a better idea of ​​what preaching the gospel really means: bringing good news to people in need.

C.My words that will be fulfilled in due time: If there is no Zechariah, there is no John the Baptist. If there is no John the Baptist, there is no herald to announce the coming of the Messiah. If there is no herald to announce the coming of the Messiah, the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah will not be fulfilled. If any of the Old Testament prophecies about the first coming of the Messiah are not fulfilled, then Jesus did not fulfill all things. If Jesus didn't fulfill all things, then He didn't complete God's redemptive plan for you and me, and we must perish in our sins! Thateragood news!

d.But behold, thou shalt be mute, and thou shalt not be able to speak.: Zechariah paid a price for his unbelief. His unbelief did not cause God to go back on his promise; it just kept Zacharias from appreciating it.

Yo. When we don't believe God's promise for our lives, we don't necessarily destroy the promise; but we destroy our ability to enjoy the promise. What made this punishment so severe was that Zechariah had good news to tell.

ii. Strangely, many Christians would not consider this a punishment; they don't mind keeping silent about the good news of Jesus.

5. (21-23) Zechariah appears to the crowd.

And the people waited for Zechariah and marveled at his delay in the temple. But when he left, he couldn't talk to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, because he had done signs to them and remained mute. And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed for his own home.

a.And the people waited for Zechariah and marveled that he took so long.: It was customary for the priest to leave the temple as soon as he had finished praying, to assure the people that God had not mortally wounded him. Zacharias' delay began to unnerve the crowd.

Yo. After the incense priest finished, he left the holy place through the great temple gates and found the other two priests outside the gates. Then the priest of incense raised his hands and blessed the people with the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26. The hundreds of assembled worshipers knew what to do; they replied saying, "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting."

ii. After all this, the Levites began the worship of singers and musicians. They started with a blast of special silver trumpets; then a priest sounded the cymbals, and the choir of Levites began to sing the psalm of the day. The choir was made up of no less than twelve voices, mixing young and old for a wide range of sounds and probably some excellent harmonies.

b.But when he left, he couldn't talk to them.: When Zacharias had gone out, he was to stand on the temple steps, facing the multitude, and pronounce the priestly blessing over the people (Numbers 6:24-26), and the other priests would repeat it after him. But Zechariah couldn't speak!

Yo. Doing her best through hand movements, she told the story of what happened to her in the temple. It's hard to know if everyone believed him!

6. (24-25) Elizabeth's conception and joy.

Now after those days, Elizabeth, his wife, conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, Thus did the Lord deal with me in the days that I lookedto me,to take away my reproach from the people.”

a.His wife Elizabeth conceived: Zechariah had normal relations with his wife; partnership with God to fulfill the promise. I hadn't counted on this child coming from a miraculous conception.

b.He hid for five months: Elizabeth was not hiding her pregnancy; she was gone for the first five months, the time she would beat leastreported as pregnant. He went to spend time with the Lord and meditate on the destiny of the child within him.

C. The announcement of Jesus' birth.

1. (26-27) Gabriel is sent to Mary inNazareth.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. the name of the virgineraMaria.

a.In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel: Gabriel's work did not end with the announcement to Zechariah in the temple. At thesixth monthElizabeth's pregnancy, she went to a city in Galilee.

b.A town in Galilee called Nazareth: Chronologically, this is the first mention ofNazarethin the Old or New Testament. Nazareth is perhaps remarkable for its common nature; it is not mentioned in the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the writings of Josephus.

I. emboraNazarethIt is in the general region of Galilee, it is 15 miles from the Sea of ​​Galilee. It is six miles from the nearest main road.Nazarethit did not have a good supply of water; just a rather weak well in the center of town.

ii. Jesus would forever be identified with this place, being repeatedly calledJesus of Nazare(Mark 1:24, John 18:7, John 19:19, Acts 2:22). Followers of him were also called "Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5).

C.To a promised virgin: Maria wentpromisedfor Joseph There were three stages to a Jewish wedding that day.

·Commitment(a formal agreement made by the parents).

·Engagement(the ceremony where mutual promises were made).

·Married(about a year later when the groom came looking for his bride at an unexpected time).

Yo. when a couple waspromised, they were under obligations of fidelity and divorce was necessary to break the engagement. This was no casual promise.

d.The virgin's name was Mary.: It is clearly said that Maria is avirgin. There is no ambiguity about the idea here: Mary never had sex with any man.

Yo. The conception of John the Baptist, the forerunner, was miraculous; we must expect a still more remarkable conception of the Messiah.

ii. "The name 'Mary' is the Greek form of the Hebrew namemiriam, the sister of Moses. It means 'exalted', an apt description of the future mother of the Messiah." (Crown)

2. (28-29) Gabriel greets Mary.

And entering, the angel said to her: Rejoice, gracedone,The Lordeslike you; blessedsonyou among women! But when he sawto him,she was disturbed by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this was.

a.The angel told him: Gabriel said three things to Mary. Each of these things certainly applies to Mary, who had the unique privilege of living among all people.

·She washighly favored.

·What theknighteraswindlerthey are.

·She wasblessed.

Yo. However, all these things are true of the believer in Jesus. We are greatly favored as Mary was (Ephesians 1:6), the Lord is with us (Matthew 28:20), and we are blessed (Ephesians 1:3).

ii. The Roman Catholic prayer that begins with “Hail Mary, full of grace” is accurate. Mariaerafull of grace, and so is the believer. But Mary's grace was areceivedgrace, not grace to give to others.

b.But when she saw him, she was disturbed by his words.: The fact that Mary hasworried about what he saidshows his humility. Mary was surprised to hear such extravagant words from her.

3. (30-33) Gabriel announces the birth of the Messiah, born of Mary.

Then the angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall call his name JESUS. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

a.You have found favor with God... you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son: The focus was not on Mary, but ona son, be calledJESUS(a common name). ThatSonhe was unmistakably identified as the Messiah foretold by the Old Testament.

eu.he will be great: No one has influenced history more than Jesus Christ. “Isn't it proven to be great? Conquerors are great, and he is the greatest of them. Liberators are great, and he is the greatest of them. Liberators are great, and he is the greatest of them. The saviors are big, and he is the biggest of them. (Spurgeons)

· Jesus is great in the perfection of His nature.

· Jesus is great in the greatness of his offices.

· Jesus is great in the splendor of his accomplishments.

· Jesus is great in the number of those he rescues.

· Jesus is high in the esteem of His people.

ii. Theywill be called Son of the Most High: Jesus would be the son of Mary, but notonlyyour son; He would also be and be known as the Son of God.

iii.Your father David's throne: He will be the Messiah prophesied of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), who has legitimate authority to rule Israel,and of his kingdom there will be no end.

b.You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son: Maria knew exactly what Gabriel was talking about because she was a woman of the word of God. When Gabriel said this, Mary knew he was quoting Isaiah 7:14:the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.

4. (34-37) Mary's question and Gabriel's answer.

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, if I don't know a man?" And the angel answered and said:"HeThe Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now your relative Elizabeth also conceived a son in her old age; and this is already the sixth month of what they called barren. Because for God nothing will be impossible."

a.How can this be, since I know no man?Mary's question was logical. She asked the same question Zechariah did (Luke 1:18), but his question was asked in skeptical unbelief, and her question was asked in awe-filled faith.

b.The power of the Most High will overshadow you: Gabriel replied thatthe power of the Most High, in the person ofHoly Spirit, fariaeclipseMaria.

I. wordeclipsemeans "to cover with a cloud", as in the cloud of the Shekinah glory (Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 24:16, 34:5, 40:34) or the cloud of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9 :7, Luke 9:34).

ii. This cloud was a visible manifestation of God's glory and presence; this means that the same power of God that was with Moses and others in the Old Testament would now do a unique work in Mary's life.

iii. "This delicate expression dismisses gross ideas of a 'marriage' of the Holy Spirit to Mary." (Morris)

4. "Technically speaking, however, the angel predicted a virginconception, instead of a virgin birth. As far as anyone can tell, the actual birth of Jesus was normal; this is not his design. (Crown)

C.That saint who will be born: Because this will be the way of His conception, He would be thethe sacred(unlike everyone else), and Hewill be called Son of God.

Yo. It doesn't have the same impact on us today due to our unfamiliarity with the idea of ​​being aSon of God. But Mary (and every other Jew in her culture) knew what that meant: this child would be equal with God (John 5:18).

ii. not jesusbecomeThe son of God; He wascalled Son of God, recognizing His nature from all eternity.

d.Now, your relative Elizabeth also conceived a son in her old age.: With such an incredible promise, Gabriel also brought proof, explaining that Isabel was pregnant. If God could do that, he could do what he promised Mary.

Yo. "While believers are satisfied with the one word of God, they do not despise any of his works which they consider conducive to strengthening their faith." (Calvin)

mi.With God nothing will be impossible: The point is clear. More literally, this could be translatedbecause no word of God will be powerless. God will absolutely fulfill what he said.

Yo. The words 'for nothing' (literally, 'not a word') 'it shall be impossible for God', recall the divine promise of a son addressed to Sarah (Genesis 18:14 [Septuagint]), and in so doing provide another example which confirms God's ability to fulfill his promise to Mary. (Crown)

5. (38) Mary's response of faith.

Then Mary said: “Here is the handmaid of the Lord! Be it done to me according to your word ". And the angel withdrew from her.

a.Behold the servant of the Lord!Maria first responded by agreeing with what Gabriel said about her. Sheerathe servant of the Lord, and it was not his place to debate with his Master, but to accept what He said.

Yo. “It was inevitable that clouds would gather around her character, which would deeply perplex the good man to whom she was betrothed. But as soon as she realized that God had ordained this fate for her, he humbly agreed with these model words of patient faith. (Meyer)

b.Be it done to me according to your word: Mary then responded with an affirmation of faith. “Be it done to me according to your wordis the proper response of every believer to every promise of God.

Yo. All of this required more trust in the Lord than we could have imagined. Maria agreed to receive a pregnancy that would be seen as suspicious, and that in a culture that had the potential death penalty for adultery. Mary identified with sinners so that God's purpose could be fulfilled.

ii. Spiritually speaking, there are similarities between God's work in Mary and her work in every believer.

· Jesus lives in the believer spiritually, as in Mary physically.

· Jesus lives within us spiritually by His word, as He did physically in Mary.

· Jesus becomes visible to the world through us, as he was physically visible through Mary.

iii. "Truly our Lord spoke when he said to his disciples, 'These are my mother, my sister, and my brother.' made, took body in reference to him (Spurgeons)

C.And the angel walked away from her: We do not know the exact moment when Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary. It could have been when Gabriel spoke to her, or soon after. Wherever it went, the cloud of God's gloryeclipsedMary (Luke 1:35), and Jesus was miraculously conceived in Mary's womb. The birth of Jesus from this conception is what we callvirgin birth.

Yo. As we approach the event we call the Virgin Birth, we have to agree with Paul's analysis:great is the mystery of mercy(1 Timothy 3:16). But the message of Scripture is clear regarding the virgin birth. There can be no doubt about the virgin birth, only questions about the authority of Scripture.

ii. The virgin birth is unique. Many mythologies have legends about a god who had sex with a woman and produced children, but the idea of ​​a godvirginbirthdayIt is unique to Christianity.

D. Mary's song.

1. (39-41) Mary's visit to Elizabeth.

So Mary got up in those days and ran to the mountain, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened that, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the creature trembled in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

a.Mary got up in those days and ran into the hill country.: Mary heard from Gabriel that her relative Elizabeth was with child (Luke 1:36). So he traveled a considerable distance (between 80 and 100 miles) from the region of Galilee to themountainous countrysidefrom Judea for a visit.

Yo. Mary probably understood that few people could understand her experience with Gabriel and the miraculous conception. If anyone could understand that, it could be Elizabeth.

b.The baby jumped in her womb: When Elizabeth saw Mary, her unborn child - John the Baptist -jumpbecause it was full ofhappiness. Although John was not yet born, he had a spiritual conscience and could respond to the Spirit of God.

Yo. “There is such comfort in the presence of Christ (though only in the womb) when he made John leap. What will there then be in heaven, we think? (trap)

2. (42-45) Elizabeth's blessing to Mary.

Then she spoke aloud and said, "Blessedsonyou among women, and blessedesthe fruit of her womb! But whyesThat's itguaranteedto me, that the mother of my Lord may come to me? Because as soon as her greeting voice reached my ears, the creature in my womb jumped with joy. Blessedesthe one who believed, because the things that were spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled ".

a.Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!John the Baptist was not yet born and Zechariah was still mute. However, Elizabethbelievedthe word of the Lord given to her husband Zechariah when he was in the temple. At the temple, Gabriel told her that her promised son would beprepare a people prepared for the Lord(Lucas 1:17).

Yo. Elizabeth believed this, and she also believed that the baby in Mary's womb was theknightfor whom Elizabeth's son would prepare the way (my master's mother). This faith was in Elizabeth because shewas filled with the Holy Spirit.

b.Blessed is she who believed, because these things will happen.: Elizabeth recognized that Mary's faith played an active role in her receiving the promise. God's promises must never make us passive; they should lead us to lay hold of them by faith. Elizabeth wanted to encourage Mary's faith, so she declared "the things that were spoken to you from the Lord will be fulfilled.”

3. (46-56) Mary's song of praise to the Lord.

And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior.
because he looked upon the lowliness of his handmaid;
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
Because he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holyesYour name.
and your mercyesabout those who fear him
From generation to generation.
He showed strength with His arm;
it spreadheproud in the imagination of their hearts.
He overthrew the mighty ofthey arethrones,
and exaltedhehumble.
he filledhehungry for good things
YheRico fired him empty.
He helped his servant Israel,
in memory ofThey aremerited,
As he spoke to our fathers,
Abraham and his seed forever."

And Maria stayed with her about three months, and returned to her home.

a.My soul magnifies the Lord: This song (often calledthe magnificent, after the Latin translation of the first words) resembles the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, but also has at least 12 other Old Testament allusions. This means that Mary was a woman who studied and knew the Word of God. The Scriptures were in her heart and came out by her singing.

Yo. “It appears from the whole structure of this holy canticle, that the Blessed Virgin was well versed in the Scriptures, of which she makes so much use here in several passages... She had made her chest full with reading.The Library of Christ, library of Christ, as a Father says; and it may appear that he was trained in the good word of God from infancy. (trap)

ii. Maria was highly talented, highly privileged. She did exactly what these blessed people should do:Mary magnified the Lord. This corrects pride and complacency and is something every blessed believer must do.

b.My spirit rejoices in God my Savior: This means that Mary needed asalvador, it's heryou knewthat she needed asalvador.

Yo. “Mary responded to the Roman Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which states that, from the moment of her conception, Mary was 'kept free from every stain of original sin' by the grace of God. Only sinners need a Savior." (Liefeld)

ii. “Mary was a member of the sinful race…but the honor accorded her was very high, and our thinking about her, our language about her, at least should not lack the dignity and respect manifested in Gabriel's word. Hers was the crown and glory of all motherhood, and we should ever think and speak of her with reverence." (Morgan)

C.He who is mighty has done great things for me: This song primarily celebrates the goodness, faithfulness, and power of God. Maria's song shows the futility of trusting yourself, trusting political power or trusting wealth. Mary's trust was in God and she was rewarded.

I. pastehas done great things for me:: “No small thing can fall from such a big hand. He gives like himself."

ii. Mary rejoiced and glorified in God, although the child was not yet born. "Brothers, there are some of you who cannot even sing of a mercy when it is born, but here is a woman who sings of a mercy not yet born." (Spurgeons)

iii. “Mary was granted the beatitude of being the mother of the Son of God... But that same beatitude was going to be a sword to pierce her heart. It meant that one day he would see his son hanging on a cross." (Barclay)

E. The birth of John the Baptist.

1. (57-66) The birth and appointment of John the Baptist.

The time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy, they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they went to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by her father's name, Zechariah. Her mother answered and said, “No; His name will be John." But they said to him, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." So they signed to the father; what do you want him to be called. And he asked for a tablet to write on, and he wrote , saying, His name is John. Then they were all amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongueloose,and he spake, praising God. Then fear came over all those who lived around them; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. And everyone who heardtheysustainedtheyin their hearts, saying, What kind of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.

a.She gave birth to a son: The promise was fulfilled exactly as God said it would be. God always keeps his promises.

b.they rejoiced with her: This fulfilled Gabriel's promise recorded in Luke 1:14 (many will rejoice at your birth).

Yo. William Barclay reports the custom of the time: “As the time of birth approached, friends and local musicians would gather near the house. When the birth was announced and it was a boy, the musicians began to sing and there was universal congratulations and rejoicing. If it was a girl, the musicians would leave silently and with regret!

C.They would have called him by the name of his father Zechariah: Both Zechariah and Elizabeth knew that the child's name should be John, according to the angel's command (Luke 1:13).

d.They waved to the father: They treated Zechariah as if he were deaf, not dumb. That must have been constantly irritating Zacharias.

mi.Your name is John: Now Zechariah answered with full faith. It wasn't "I think his name should be John". For Zacharias, this was an actual acknowledgment, not a suggestion.

Yo. Though he had failed before, God gave Zechariah aSecond chancein faith He gives us the same today.

ii. "This was a return from the point of disbelief and the exercise of will in the manner indicated." (Morgan)

F.Immediately her mouth fell open.: Just as Gabriel said, Zechariah was able to speak again.He spoke, praising God. It was fitting that Zechariah's first words should be praises to God. His punishment for disobedience did not embitter him. Instead, it made him want to trust God more at every opportunity.

2. (67-80) The prophecy of Zechariah.

Now his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:

"Blessedesthe Lord God of Israel,
Because He visited and redeemed His people,
and raised a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets,
OMShe wassince the world began
May we be saved from our enemies
and by the hand of all those who hate us,
to perform mercypromisedfor our parents
and to remember his holy covenant,
The oath he swore to our father Abraham:
To grant us that we,
being delivered from the hands of our enemies,
I could serve you without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
And you, son, prophet of the Most High will be called;
For thou shalt go before the face of the LORD to prepare his ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to His people
For the remission of your sins,
By the tender mercy of our God,
with which the dawn visited us from above;
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
To guide our steps on the path of peace.”

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

a.Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: The prophetic voice of the Lord was silent for 400 years. Now, God has spoken through Gabriel (Luke 1:13, 1:28), through Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-42), through Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and now through Zechariah. When God spoke again, everything was related to the subject of Jesus and his work.

Yo. Zacharias could actually say, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” It was as if God were present in Israel (have visited) in a way not experienced for a long time.

ii. Zechariah's song was calledBlessed, from its first words in the Latin translation.

b.He raised up a saving power for us in the house of his servant David: We know this was truly a Spirit-inspired prophecy because the first focus of his prophecy is the unborn Jesus, not Zechariah's new son John.

·Jesus isthe horn of salvation for us(Lucas 1:69).

· Jesus is the one who saves us from our enemies (Luke 1:71).

Jesus is the only oneto fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers(Lucas 1:72).

Jesus is the only oneto remember the pact(Lucas 1:72).

Jesus makes us able toserve you without fear(Lucas 1:74).

Yo. "It was a song of salvation and contains a deeper truth than the singer probably understood." (Morgan)

ii. Zechariah not evensabreJesus still, but he praised him, loved him and was in love with Jesus. We know a lot more about Jesus than Zechariah, so what can excuse the coldness of our hearts?

iii. to takeby the mouth of your holy prophets: "There were so many prophets, but they all had only one mouth, so sweet is their harmony."

C.And you, son, will be called a prophet of the Most High: After the initial focus on Jesus, the Holy Spirit led Zechariah to talk about his newborn son and his place in God's great plan.

John was a true prophetthe prophet of the Most High(Lucas 1:76).

John had the unique vocation ofgo before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways(Lucas 1:76).

John taught andgive knowledge of salvationto the people of God (Luke 1:77).

John showed peoplethe remission of your sins(Lucas 1:77).

John wouldgives light to those who dwell in darkness(Lucas 1:79).

John wouldguideGod's peopleon the path of peace(Lucas 1:79).

d.The boy grew up and became strong in spirit.: The promise of God was fulfilled in the life of John. John wasin the desert until the day of his appearancebecause that is where God trains many of His prophets.

©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission