Jesus and the Gospels (Week 1) Birth

The major milestones in the New Testament narrative of the life of Jesus are his Birth, Ministry of John, Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.

THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND JESUS

The annunciations, the birth, infancy, and the childhood of both John and Jesus.

The Setting: God Breaks the Silence

Key Texts: Luke 1:5–25; Luke 1:26–38; Matthew 1:18–25

For 400 years since the prophet Malachi, Israel had not heard a prophetic voice. The birth announcements of John and Jesus mark the breaking of that silence—God is now fulfilling His promises through miraculous births that signal the coming of His redemption plan.

The Birth of John the Baptist – The Forerunner

The Announcement to Zechariah

Luke 1:5-25

Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were righteous yet childless and advanced in years.

While Zechariah served in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared and announced that they would have a son.

The child would be named John (“Yahweh is gracious”) and would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah.”

Zechariah doubted, so he was struck mute until the child’s birth.

Teachings / Lessons:

God’s promises are not limited by human age or circumstance.

Divine purpose often begins in quiet faithfulness—Zechariah was serving when God spoke.

Doubt can delay our declaration, but God’s faithfulness remains sure.

John’s mission: to prepare a people ready for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

The Birth and Naming of John

Luke 1:57–66

Elizabeth gave birth; neighbors rejoiced.

Zechariah confirmed the name “John” on a tablet, his speech was restored, and he praised God.

Teachings / Lessons:

Obedience to God’s Word opens the mouth of praise.

John’s birth symbolizes the dawn of God’s mercy after centuries of silence.

Zechariah’s Song

Luke 1:67–80

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied over his son and praised God for redemption.

Key Themes in His Prophecy:

Fulfillment of Covenant: God remembers His promises to Abraham and David.

Forgiveness of Sins: Salvation is spiritual, not just political.

Light to the Nations: “The sunrise shall visit us from on high” (v. 78).

Preparation for Christ: John will “give knowledge of salvation to His people.”

The Birth of Jesus – The Savior

The Announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26–38)

The angel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth, announcing she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.

She would bear a son named Jesus (“Yahweh saves”), the Son of the Most High, who would sit on David’s throne forever.

Mary humbly submitted, saying, “Be it unto me according to your word.”

Teachings / Lessons:

God uses the humble and willing to accomplish great things.

The virgin conception declares Jesus’ divine origin.

True faith responds with surrender, not full understanding.

Jesus fulfills the Davidic covenant as eternal King (Luke 1:32–33).

The Angel Appears to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25)

Joseph discovered Mary was with child and planned to quietly divorce her.

An angel appeared in a dream, assuring him the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The angel confirmed the name Jesus, for “He will save His people from their sins.”

Joseph obeyed immediately, taking Mary as his wife.

Teachings / Lessons:

God honors obedience that arises from faith, not fear.

Jesus’ name reveals His mission: Savior from sin.

The virgin birth fulfills prophecy (Isaiah 7:14).

Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–45)

When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby (John) leapt in her womb.

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, called Mary “the mother of my Lord.”

Teachings / Lessons:

The Spirit affirms Christ even before His birth.

Fellowship among believers strengthens faith and joy.

Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46–55)

The Magnificat — Mary’s response of praise.

Magnifying God’s mercy: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Reversal of human status: God exalts the humble and brings down the proud.

Faithfulness to covenant: God remembers His mercy to Abraham’s descendants.

Teachings / Lessons:

Worship flows naturally from trust in God’s promises.

God’s mercy overturns worldly expectations.

The Birth and Early Recognition of Jesus

Luke 2; Matthew 2

A. The Birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7)

Event Summary:

A Roman decree led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2.

Jesus was born in a manger—humble beginnings for the King of kings.

Teachings / Lessons:

God’s sovereignty works through earthly circumstances.

Humility marks the entrance of the Savior into human history.

B. The Angels and Shepherds (Luke 2:8–20)

Event Summary:

Angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest.”

The shepherds visited the child and spread the news.

Teachings / Lessons:

The Gospel first reaches the lowly and overlooked.

Salvation brings both peace and praise.

True worship leads to witness.

C. The Presentation at the Temple (Luke 2:21–40)

Event Summary:

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

Simeon and Anna, devout believers, recognized Him as the promised Messiah.

Teachings / Lessons:

God reveals truth to the faithful who wait patiently.

Jesus fulfills the Law from birth, showing perfect obedience.

Christ is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).

D. The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12)

Event Summary:

Magi from the East followed a star to Bethlehem to worship Jesus.

They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Teachings / Lessons:

Jesus’ kingship extends beyond Israel—He is Savior of all nations.

True worship involves giving our best to God.

Those who seek Him find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

E. The Flight to Egypt and Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:13–23)

Event Summary:

Warned in a dream, Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.

Herod’s massacre of infants fulfilled Jeremiah 31:15.

They returned to Nazareth after Herod’s death, fulfilling multiple prophecies.

Teachings / Lessons:

God’s plan prevails despite human evil.

Jesus identifies with exiles and outcasts from birth.

The Messiah’s early life fulfills prophetic patterns of suffering and deliverance.