Luke 1: 1- 80 Part B
You’re what?
1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house. 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
Today is Christmas. Well, not really, but it is going to be for us since we are going to study Luke’s account of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s birth. So, shall we celebrate the ‘Reason’ for the season.
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
The sixth month is from the conception of John which we studied last time in the first 25 verses of chapter 1. So, the angel Gabriel’s assignment as you remember was to go and tell Zacharias that as the spokesperson for all Israel in beseeching Jehovah Elyon – The Lord Most High – to send to us His Promised Anointed One Who would “Restore” us back to a right relationship with El Shaddai – God Almighty. After completing his Heavenly issued command he returned back to Heaven. I can just picture him showing back up and our Precious Holy Lord telling him, ‘Nice work Gabriel, now I have another message I want you to personally deliver. I want you to go to this young virgin woman by the name of Mary who lives in the town Nazareth and inform her that she has been selected to be the chosen vessel for Me.’
28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Mary has been dealt with unfairly, if you ask me. For one thing she has been deified by many as the Queen of Heaven. No, she is not. As we will read shortly she puts forth a beautiful prayer where she acknowledges her sinfulness and need of a Savior just like you and me.
With a little switching of words you can change things. Mary was selected to be the earthly mom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When others have placed her as the ‘Mother of God’, they incorrectly assign her a position that no human is entitled to.
On the other hand she is ‘Blessed among woman’. She was selected by God to be the vessel in which He would come into the world. She suffered a lot of heartache in her lifetime and she should be highly thought of by us, but not worshiped.
Please notice how, like Zacharias, she was affected by the appearance of Gabriel.
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Please note that unlike Zacharias who was frightened at the appearance of the angel, Mary was troubled at what Gabriel said. His words clearly signified that something great and wonderful would be expected of her.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
As a new believer I had some problems rectifying the name of our Lord given here compared to what the prophet Isaiah said about His Name in chapter 7, “14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Again, May God be Glorified. He Is Amazing how He Is able to accomplish the impossible. You see Isaiah’s son was also called ‘Immanuel’ or ‘God Is with us’
Isaiah was instructed to say that a virgin would conceive and call the boy ‘God Is with us’. The question is this, ‘God Is with us’, to do what? He Is come to Save!
Our Lord Jesus’ Name means – ‘Yahweh Is Salvation’ Now, can you see the correct match.
Now, you might still be asking yourselves this, ‘ then how come God didn’t just name Him Jesus in Isaiah?’ Good question. If you have some time look up our study of chapter 7 of Isaiah and you will find out why Isaiah is instructed to use the name ‘Immanuel’.
I wonder if Mary was able to recognize the significance of Gabriel’s words when he said – “32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
If you look at the passages we have read you will note that both David and Mary were from the direct lineage of king David. Instead of being established as royalty and living the life associated with this birth rite here you see both of them struggling along to make a living. The reason for this was because of the nation of Israel’s sins. They had lost the right to have a king ruling their land. In fact now, they didn’t even have a Jew in charge of the nation. They had Herod who was not a Jew as ruler placed there by the Roman Government.
The angel Gabriel informed Mary that her child would sit on the throne as king.
Now remember, back in the chapter 7 when Zacharias was confused as to how this could happen, now Mary is likewise confused.
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
How come the angel is okay with Mary’s question but he wasn’t with Zacharias’s?
Zacharias was a priest and knew the Scripture. He knew how God had given a child to Abraham and Sarah when they physically could not conceive a child. Mary here explains that she as a virgin has not been with any man? This is a totally different question. This is why Gabriel just explains how God would cause it to happen. And in fact he encourages her by letting Mary know that the impossible was also now being done to her relative who couldn’t have children.
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
The angel Gabriel encourage Mary by saying, ‘Do not worry Mary. You think having a baby without a man is impossible. Well, right now, your relative Elizabeth, you remember her, right. You know how she and Zacharias did not have any children. And how they were now old passed the time of being able to have a child. Well, guess what? Elizabeth is six months pregnant. Remember, Mary God can do the impossible.’
What is beautiful, is that Mary believed Gabriel. She accepts her calling and says,
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
His work completed the angel Gabriel departed. Now for a moment stop and think with me about Mary’s situation. How old do you think Mary was? In truth, no where in Scripture are we informed how old she was. I believe that she was around 13.
Boys are recognized as being a man at the age of 13. Girls on the other hand mature earlier and are recognized as a woman at the age of 12. If you have ever traveled to third world countries then you would see my theory in action. The young girls around 13 or 14 are quite beautiful. However, because of the difficulty of living conditions women in their twenties look old. Remember, marriages then were arranged by the parents. So, I believe that Mary was engaged to Joseph around this age.
Now, you ladies would be more understanding of this point – How are you going to break the news that you are pregnant to your parents? ‘Hey mom and dad, guess what? An angel appeared to me and said that I am pregnant. I have remained pure and Joseph and I have not been together, but God Is the One Who caused this.’ How well do you think this would be believed? It must have been a amazing stressful position Mary had to deal with. I am sure once this information was shared with her parents and don’t forget she had to tell her future husband Joseph the news also, it was good to get out of town.
39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
Just seeing Elizabeth brought relief to Mary.
41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
The realization of seeing the words of the angel Gabriel fulfilled, moves Mary emotionally where she expresses her amazement to God’s personal involvement in her life. Please note, that in Mary’s own words, she needs a ‘Savior’ just like you and me.
46 And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Now, remember when Mary first found out about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, which was six months. Mary stayed until Elizabeth’s son was born and went back to Nazareth.
56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house. 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.
It was now time for all the relatives and friends to come and see the new baby. The best time for a ceremony party was on the eight day in which all boy’s were circumcised.
58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.
The crowd who showed up for the circumcision party was startled when Elizabeth told everyone that the boy’s name would be called John since no one in their family was called John. I can just imagine Zacharias seeing the commotion realized what was going on so he signaled for someone to hand him a writing pad. Then he confirmed Elizabeth’s words by writing that the boy shall be called John. Then you want to experience even greater surprise, look at what happens next.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Here is a man who has not said a word for over 9 months. Many relatives think that somehow he had a stroke or something like that which caused him to lose his ability to speak. And then – wham! Not only is he talking, he is praising God and giving witness of God’s direct personal work. Don’t forget, it was over 400 years since God had communicated with the Israelites. Now, all this great stuff was happening. It was like a revival taking place.
The chapter ends with the reference to John now growing up. My guess was that by this time John’s parents had died. Now he was out in the wilderness.
80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
