Luke Week 3: 1:26-45

What are some of the Perks of Being from a Small Town?

What are some of the down sides of being from a Small Town?

The Town of Nazareth

Nazareth was a town of no more than a few hundred people. It was never mentioned in the Old Testament. It was never even mention in several lists of towns in Galilee.

What we do know about the area. Major Town in the area was Sepphoris. Sepphoris was the administrative center of lower Galilee. It was were trade and commerce would take place and it was also a place of spiritual teaching would take place. There is no mention of it in the Bible this would have been the main town affecting the lives of Mary, Joseph, and eventually Jesus.

Why do you think God Choose a small town like Nazareth for Jesus to grow up in?

Luke 1:26–38 NIV

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.” 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.” 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 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.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mary’s Story

The Story of Mary’s encounter with God contains both intimate, personal details and theological themes.

Mary’s Engagement

Marriage was a process during that time

Brides were either selected or agreed upon between parents

Brides would often be between 12 or 13 years of age.

Gifts would be exchanged as a part of the covenant

Betrothal had the same legal status as marriage, but they would not engage in intercourse until Marriage is complete

The young betrothed women would continue to live in her Father’s house for a time.

Lot of debate on the age of Joseph anywhere between 18-46.

Is it difficult to understand these marriage rules?

We often make the mistake of reading today’s standards into cultures of the Past. For many this creates problems because they can’t get past the details that separate our cultures and society. However, we must be reminded that these are important details and we must be careful to read our own bias and prejudice into the situation. How we may feel may or probably wasn’t how Mary felt at the time.

The Angel Gabriel

The Angel Gabriel is only mentioned here in Luke and in the Book of Daniel (8:16; 9:21)

Most of the information that we have about Gabriel comes from nonbiblical literature like the Testament of Jacob.

Gabriel appears in the same pattern to Zechariah and Mary.

A divine promise Brings a child to an aged barren wife, and then a baby to a young virgin.

Two women at opposite ends of the life and fertility.

Why is it important that it is Gabriel sharing this news?

The Story of Daniel’s Interaction with Gabriel is seen as a major turning point in the history of the Israelite people. It was a time when God was going to restore the dignity of Israel. Likewise we can see the birth of Jesus as a marked turning point in history that is going to change the way the world interacts with God.

The Virgin Birth

This is a hotly debated argument even to this day. Much of it is centered around how the Greek and the Hebrew are translated and the version of Greek that is examined. Some translate it as virgin and there are others that translate it as young woman. Luke’s account does not provide a clear cut answer. However, Matthew’s Gospel (1:18-25) does.

Why do you think the Virgin Birth is important?

The Role of the Holy Spirit is essential to our understanding of Jesus’ conception. IT is important to not read Luke 1:35

Luke 1:35 NIV

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 the Son of God.

as a sexual reference. The idea of God overshadowing can be compared to Exodus 40:35 or Genesis 1 in the creation story where the presence or Spirit of God was hovering over. There is no indication in any of the language or translations that would suggest this is a sexual act between God and Mary.

Jesus The Son

Luke 1:31–33 NIV

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.”

Jesus=Yeshua— “Yahweh is Salvation”

It would have been a common name at the time.

Luke uses the Language of “Son” to describe Jesus. Why do you think that is important?

Son is a designation not just of human relationship but one of divine relationship between God and Jesus. Luke uses the term “Son” for a few reasons.

First, it is the essence of the identity of Jesus in relationship to God. This can be seen through out the Gospel.

Son of God—1:35; 3:22; 4:3, 41; 9:35

Son of the Most High—1:32; 8:28

Son of Man—5:24; 6:5; 7:34; 9:22

The Term son has Political overtones that are important. The idea of Sonship was being used by the Roman empire to help describe the role of Ceaser as somewhere between the divine and mortal. For the Early readers the idea of “Son” would have been a sign of Special status or relationship with God. However, Luke takes it beyond that understanding in v. 35

Luke applies the most exalted titles on to Jesus. He brings in the concept of Trinitatrian theology with the Relationship between the Spirit, Jesus and God. He also makes a bold political statement. Ceaser is not in Control God is.

What do you think of Luke’s Political Statement? Why is it important for us today?

The Role of Women

Luke 1:38 NIV

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

What do you think of Mary’s Response? How is it different than Zechariah’s Response?

Luke is lifting up Mary in this moment. He is sharing with the world that she is standing in faith and she is to be honored for it.

Mary Visits Elizabeth—39-45

This may appear to be a story about Mary and Elizabeth but it is actually a story about the Holy Spirit.