Luke 1

PageLuke 1

Chap1 _Luke

Luke

Overview

This book is the longest of other Gospels. More than half the references to events are unique to all other Gospels.

Luke is a Gentile and book is written for Gentiles. This is addressed to Theophilus, a Gentile name. No one knows him, but this book is a very lengthy and thorough letter. This means that Luke spent significant time in investigation. It almost seems to be in the form of a report. - Was possible that Theophilus was a Gentile sponsor.

Luke wrote in classical Greek; not Konia. Therefore, his writing was superior and more precise in meaning.

He was also a trained professional, a physician. Seems likely that he was intelligent and trained to observe, diagnose, and knew how to study and differentiate right from wrong meaning. He was very meticulous and curious. The writings is historical basis or genre.

Luke wrote more than any other person in the N.T. About 28% of N.T. was written by Luke

He was not an eye witness to Jesus. But he was almost certain to have read the accounts of Mark and probably Matthew. He may even have questioned Mary to get the details of His conception and birth. He went to numerous sources.

He noted things for the benefit of Gentiles such as describing location, and the timing by referencing the names of specific Roman rulers who were governing. He also traced the genealogy of Jesus back to Adam versus starting from Abraham. He used some Greek terms rather than the Jewish term found in the other gospels. He does not quote as extensively to the O.T and he used the Septuagint bible [Greek translation of OT] instead of the older Masoretic text [Hebrew Aramaic]]. He also was not as critical of Rome as Jewish authors. For instance, he wrote about Paul being rescued by Romans, and Paul’s privilege as a Roman citizen and shoed both Herod and Pilate’s reluctance to crucify Jesus. He also wrote that Christians were not a new religion, but fulfillment of the OT Abraham, Isaac , and Jacob.

Luke leaves out much of the Jewish references found in other Gospels [ though he does reference Jesus’s Jewish origin - circumcision, and he also adds much that was not mentioned in any other Gospel. The additional info is the sinner woman washing his feet in the Pharisee’s house, , parables of lost sheep, lost coin, lost son.

Luke explained who this Jesus was . In book of Luke Jesus is mentioned as the Prophet, the “son of man” 26 times, the Messiah and defines what this means for the Gentile, the Lord 18 times [ 50 times in Acts], the friend of outcasts[Samaritan, lepers, tax collectors, poor, etc.].

Luke also refers to the holy Spirit 17 times

Luke also wrote extensive account of early church in Acts.

Book of Luke was written prior to Acts. Probably written in the 50’s; but before destruction of Temple in 70 A.D. In Acts, Luke he was writing about Paul’s early imprisonment almost like house arrest and he was most likely beheaded around 68 A.D.

Another perspective- Why Luke? I think that a primary purpose was as an independent, non-biased [not Jewish] auditor who validated the accounts of Matthew and Mark and later gave the growth and start for the new body of Christ, the church. proclaimed the early church. The church was also evidence of the existence, influence of Jesus. It

Luke emphasized 1, the universal acceptance of Jesus. Gentile and Jew were the intended benefactors of the King. 2. He also stressed individual accountability towards God and not so much as a national behavior or Israel. He often spoke of joy, sinners, repentance, and prayer.

It is interesting how the emphasis in Luke 1 is almost like scenes shot for an adventure movie. There is one objective that is being pursued, but there are two different people going towards the objective and the scenes continually shifting between one person to the other. First you have Zach and wife, then shifts to Mary and Elizabeth, and then to Mary, and then back Zach and Elizabeth, then back to Mary and finally back t Zac. Really keeps you on pins and needles. Both families moving towards the single objective of the birth of Jesus.

OOOOOOO Luke 1:1–4

(ESV) 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke says that many have written narratives other than the eyewitness testimonies and servants of the word have been handed down. So Luke since has been investigating all from the beginning , he felt that he wants to write a orderly and sequential observations of what occurred. His address of “most honorable or most excellent” Theophilus. This is the typical address given to a Roman official. But Luke is doing this so Theo would know with certainty about what Theo has been learning. So you have one Gentile basically doing an in- depth, accounting of all that actually occurred and doing this for another Gentile. You can imagine all the stories and writings which were floating about at this time to account for the miraculous resurrection.

OOOOOOOOO

Luke 1:5–25

(ESV) Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Luke begins with the who, when, where of the events leading up to the story of Jesus. Remember God had been silent to the Jews for around 400 years and the greatest miracle begin with accounts about the front man for Jesus, John the Baptist. Now after the apparent silence of God to his people, the first stirrings of something great, something new and powerful is approaching.

Background: Now all the sons of Aaron were priests. They took care of the Temple. There was only one Temple, it was not like the neighborhood synagogue. The Temple sat on high ground and was 20 stories tall and gold plated. This was the residence, or rather the only point of connection, between the people and God. Architecturally, the Temple was the focal point of all Jerusalem, but for the nation it was the spiritual focal point.

The priests were highly regarded as they cared for this impressive, divine Temple.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were special as they were both in the genealogy of Aaron. However, they were childless. This was a serious issue- some said that it could be the basis for a divorce. This could be interpreted that they had violated God’s edict. As seen in

Genesis 1:27–28

(ESV) 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…….

- reproduction of other beings in the image of god was a command, a directive as well as a blessing. Being without child was often thought as some kind of punishment for sins before God.

It was a honor to be a priest. There were about 20,000 offspring of priests in Jerusalem. Within that priesthood there were 24 divisions- each division served for 7 days, twice a year. During the high holy days- Pentecost-Passover, all the divisions worked. The priests handled the morning and evening sacrifices. The daily Temple offering, morning and evening consisted of a burnt offering of a one year old, unblemished lamb along with flour, oil, and wine. When you take out the Holy Days, you probably 700 unblemished lambs sacrificed per year, a ewe has 1-3 lambs. assume 2,000 per year excluding holy days so a herd of 8,000 sheep just for sacrifices. A survey made by Cestius [Governor of Palestine] said that about 265,000 labs were sacrificed during Passover. Each year and that was because a limitation was place. There were flocks of sheep kept to support the priestly sacrifices . on the number of animals a single family could sacrifices So a herd of sheep would probably be at least The operation of the Temple with sacrifices was no minor effort- it was a major economic and labor sacrifice.

The Temple with maintenance, priests, sacrificial items [doves, sheep, etc.] selling spiritual artifacts, spiritual tourism - the Temple was probably the main economic force of the area.

Before the morning offering and after the evening sacrifice was burned to carry the sweet savor and aroma up to God. It was a special privilege to be able to offer or burn the incense. There were so many priests that lots were drawn to see who would perform these re burning of incense. It could be a once in a lifetime event for any priest.

OOOOOOOOO 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. So lots in those days were viewed as not a random coin toss, but something that reflected the will of God. Remember that the 12th apostle to replace Judas was chosen by lot.

So the crowd of faithful and hopeful Jews are awaiting for the evening blessing.

People gathered to for the time that the aroma a/incense was offered to the Lord. The pleasing aroma rising heavenward were the prayers of the people Israel - this was a national sacrifice. So even though a daily event, it was also significant. The sacrifice was made in the Court [or Hall ] of the Priests, while the crowd awaited beyond in the Court [or hall]of the Israelites. After the evening sacrifice the priest would come out to the railing that separated the two courts and give a blessing to the crowd. In Europe they have a daily changing of the guard [ Denmark] and people come especially the tourist. It is a very solemn procession that it performed to perfection. But this is more. This is not something done for a king or like a parade, this blessing is coming from the priest who made the incense offering. This is from the man who went before the one and only God in the one and only Temple. People probably wanted a blessing from the priest and would wait for him to come out of the courts for the blessing. And in the evening

But while they are waiting outside, Zechariah is experiencing a confrontation, a visitation from the greatest of God’s host. The angel Gabriel appears

OOOOOOOOO 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will 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 and he will 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 for the Lord a people prepared.”

Note that Luke must have talked to Zechariah or someone who had detailed message. Luke was very specific, very detailed in his description- and said that the angel stood to the right side of the altar of incense. The right hand or right side was a position of honor, strength, and acceptance.

Zech is disturbed or terrified. This angelic being just appears and Zach is overcome he is scared to death.

The angel reassures him and says don’t be afraid - I’ve come so because your prayer was heard. God himself listens to an ordinary priest, who is righteous but t childless. You will have a son from Elizabeth. And you will rejoice and many will also rejoice with the birth. Not just any child, but he is not any son- he will be consecrated to God [no wine or hard drink]. This was in essence a Nazirite vow. The Nazirite Vow [a special vow of separation or holiness, dedicating him/herself to Yahweh for a specified period, up to and including the whole of one’s life and he is referred to as a “Nazirite.” The legislation concerning this particular phenomenon is found in Numbers 6 .

Num. 6:2–21.

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins. 5 “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.

The Nazirite vow is specifically mentioned in Judges 13.

:1pertaining to a 1000 years earlier pertaining to a Nazarite called Samson

Now to return to the verses in Luke - He will be even in the womb filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the lore. And he will go before God and in the power of Elijah. Changing the hearts turning the rebellious to wisdom and righteous to prepare the people for God. WOW what a proclamation - a harbinger a forerunner, before coming of God in the spirit of one of the greatest prophets. Elijah - the one who challenged the priests of Baal to a contest between their god and his God. The Baal prophets were mocked because they could not get Baal to accept their offerings. BUT, after drenching the altar with water, and puddling surrounding Elijah called for the power of God and it was like a napalm bomb - instantly, totally, it was all consumed in a ball of flame. Elijah one of the greatest prophets. John is to be in the same mold. John will do mighty things or channel mighty things for God. This is amazing for the entire nation of Israel- it is greater, and more breath taking than a child born to a barren older women. And as a priest Zech knows all about Elijah. -With What a forecast, what a promise - his son will be miraculous in the spirit of Elijah. After 400 years, his son will become the herald for God himself.

OOOOOOOOO 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

What is Zach’s response - how you gonna do that I’m old and so is my wife.. “How” is the Greek word “tis” - it is and interrogative word - almost a questioning. Talk about a lack of faith - focus on the profane, -God selected Zach and delivered the message by his most renowned angel - telling Zach about the unbelievable things that his only son will do. And Zach says. “yea but how you gonna manage that - we are old.!” How small minded, how self focused. such little faith in what God can do. Because of his doubt in God - he is made speechless- dumb The angel identifies himself “Gabriel”. This the top angel who brings announces the word of God. He was the interpreter of Daniel’s vision. Only Michel, the other arch angel is a greater angel. Zacharias has flaunted his own doubt to the one of the highest of the angelic host. GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL (גַּבְרִיאֵל, gavri'el). One of two angels named in the Bible (the other being Michael). Gabriel interpreted Daniel’s vision (Dan 8:16), gave Daniel the prophecy of 70 weeks

Have we done the same thing. God has told us or impressed upon us that there is something impossible to do or scarcely believable and we respond with a puny “but” - but how could I do this.

Meanwhile back to the incident -The people are waiting - what is happening. Has Zach messed up the incense offering - maybe he fainted or died.

When he finally staggers out of the temple - in a daze most likely- he can’t talk and they know he has been touched by God, he’s seen a vision- he can’t bless us. He kept trying to explain with his hands-

Think of what is going on in the home of people that night and next day. about a priest struck dumb inside God’s temple- a message from God. It’s likely that special nightly temple blessings were discussed at the evening meal. But here was a case where there was no blessing only a silence imposed by God or an angel, or ?? There was most likely all kinds of gossip and rumors floating around the next day. Maybe speculation about their childless situation. Maybe this was another curse ?? Whatever- but this made an impact for a while, and would probably be recalled later when Elizabeth showed up pregnant.

Note this seems to follow the typical patten of God’s move - God takes an old priest, a priest not blessed with children, plus an old wife. Though good people, they are probably not held as anything special within the Jerusalem priesthood. On top of all this Zach is unable to speak- he can’t tell of Gabriel or God’s choosing hand listening to Zach’s prayers. But God chooses the downcast, the weak, the humbled to highlight his dominion.

OOOOOOOO V24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Elizabeth withdraws. Her husband could not speak, she had been cursed or disregarded by God since she hadn’t had any children. She withdrew and didn’t return 0 was she seeking time with God, were her and her husband in deep prayer because of was Zach was told?? But when she did return to her town it would be evident that a miracle had taken place.

OOOOOOOOO

Luke 1:26–35

(ESV) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from 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. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And 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 bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 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 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

“ a virgin” ref in Isaiah 7:14

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Note the Trinity structure = Holy Spirit, Most High [god almighty, the father], and the child Son of God.

Now the same arch angel [ one of only two angels mentioned by name in the N.T] goes to proclaim God’s will to Mary.

This angel goes to a small village in the lower Galilee - probably 400 population. This insignificant village it is not mentioned in Jewish records [ Josephus].. Goes to a young girl A VIRGIN- without mention of her family other than her relative is married to a priest. But she is not of royal lineage, or priestly lineage nor wealth. As is the pattern. God tends to use the weakest, most insignificant children of flesh so that there can never be credit given to the human being, but it is only possible for God to bring about the holy , great event.

Later other anti-miracle scholars try to reduce the miracle to saying that virgin and young girl are equally translated. True, but look at the context and results if translated only as “young girl”. There is no miraculous conception- Mary would not have been a favored one if she had slept with other mean before outside of marriage – she would be considered impure and scandalous. The thread of doubt – if she was not a virgin, then she was only a young girl who had sex before marriage with just some guy. Then Jesus could be no longer the god-man, but only a man who would be unable to set the captives free from sin. He would not be the Son of God. The prophecies about Him would no longer be valid, even the message from Gabriel could be a lie.

Now this common girl, a virgin will have a miraculous birth fathered by the Holy Spirit.

.........32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 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.”

Not only that but He will b e called the Son of the God Most High- this is the OT term for God almighty [ not just an arch angel but God himself. And he will inherit the throne of David [ the king who ruled during the pinnacle of Israel’s historical glory - no other ruler, not even his son Solomon commanded the respect of all the surrounding nations..-David was the conqueror, David was the basis for the nation- Solomon was knowledge, wealth, economic power - much like the United States which has succeeded on the courage and boldness of earlier men and then succumbed during a time of allying with false idols, and the allure of wealth especially after WWII.

But the son of Mary will be enthroned upon the seat of the greatest ruler of Israel and He will rule over the Jews forever and there is no limit to His kingdom [ not in time or size]

How - this Grk. word is “pos” it means to ask for understanding. nor doubting, but to learn more. Unlike Zech who used the doubting interrogation-, word -”tis”

Through the power of the H.S. Jesus is conceived. V35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Again saying the power of the almighty God will come upon her

….. Holy Spirit The Pentecostal movement awakened the church by increasing the awareness ongoing participation of the H.S. in our lives and that the Spirit is alive and well in these days. So, the church benefited, but also with that benefit came Satan’s counterfeit. With the “name it and claim distortions” of scripture, the works of the Spirit were again weakened or diminished. This came about because many false teachers said that the Spirit of the Lord, God himself, could be directed and submit to the claims of believers. Its groups could use scripture taken out of context or mostly just added to with new understanding from men. This meant that the power and presence of the spirit was recognized, but then man and Satan set up a new condition for man to control or direct the God by using faith.. So while God- H.S.- was praised at the same time man could be exalted and use God as his own servant.

But the true power of the Holy Spirit is not contained or restrained. The same power that brought Jesus back to life, will bring life out of Mary.

Romans 8:10–11

(ESV) 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead

The same Spirit, the same power also participated in the creation or the birth of everything Genesis s2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters[1] the actual word for hovering is flittering or brooding. The image is like a brood hen, flapping around preparing the new eggs for hatching, guarding her eggs

All this laid upon the head and heart of a common young betrothed virgin. Engaged to a man. There is no mention of the scandal or doubt coming about such an event by Mary.

OOOOOOOOO

Luke 1:36–38

(ESV) 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary is being sent another confirmation of who she is and what role she has to play and the future of her unborn son. Without hesitation- without push back or denial, Mary says let it be done. Total obedience and trust in God. And nothing is impossible with God.

OOOOOOOOO Luke 1:39–45

(ESV) 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

The Greek for the word “haste” can also mean deliberate, strong intention. That is a better translation.

What a presence of God in these two families - Angel Gabriel speaks to Zacharias, then announces to Mary- then Holy spirit fathers the child, now Holy Spirit fill Elizabeth and even her unborn child reacts to the presence of the Jesus.

So in this meeting with Elizabeth, her preborn son, John, is activated by the H.S, and jumps with the presence of Mary, the H.S fills Elizabeth now, and more than likely Mary is now carrying her son conceived with the H.S.

OOOOOOOOO Luke 1:46–56

(ESV) Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on 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 for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 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 offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. This is one of three hymns in Luke. It is call the Magnificat because of the first line which reuses the word “magnify”. Other words are to make great, extol, exalts.

This hymn references 15 OT verses - 9 of which are from the Psalms .

Her mind and emotions exalt the Lord and she rejoices because as a slave God favored her. She will be blessed forever because of her great service. She considers being able to serve the Mighty One as a great thing . She rejoices in her servanthood.

One commentator points out 3 revolutionary aspects of a remaining segment.

The H.S. through Mary says that He scatters the proud. Pride that has existed forever is being broken down and the humbled are being extolled or lifted up. So this is a moral revolution. Self exaltation is the heartbeat of sin.

He topples the might and exalts those of low means. This revolution ends the honoring of worldly successes, worldly honors, worldly positions[ kings, senators, judges, phd’slamb, etc.] . Again God follows the same pattern of using the humbled, the servant to overcome the world and its pride.

He satisfies the poor, the hungry, the wanting and emptied the rich. This revolution is an economic one.

Then Mary closes with a fulfillment and faithfulness of God, just as he promised ancestors and the descendants of Abraham forever.

The family of Mary [including her relatives Zechariah and Elizabeth] must know scripture well and are well able to teach Jesus about the scripture. But also the H.S. is very involved in Mary’s life. I’m guessing, but since Mary was a woman, who was probably unable to read as the Jews often did not teach females. But Psalms were sung and Mary could have memorized from the songs and the reading of scripture [O.T.] during the weekly synagogue teachings. But the H.S. brings things to mind.

John 14:26

(ESV) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

........Mary repeats what Gabriel told her and 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 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 she will be called blessed from all for ever. Because she was chosen by God. These are things spoken to our fathers about the offspring of Abraham. So Mary knows that she is fulfilling the prophesies of the past.

So Mary stayed with Elizabeth 3 months which meant that Mary would have stayed with her almost right up to the birth of John. [ if she had stayed for the birth, it most likely would have been included]

What could have gone on in those 3 months? You have four beings unborn John, Elizabeth, unborn Jesus, and Mary - all filled with the H.S. all sharing in a miraculous phase of their lives. Knowing that something great, divine, great is approaching, being initiated by Gabriel and filled by H.S., yet not knowing exactly what was to occur.

OOOOOOOOO

Luke 1:57–66

(ESV) he Birth of John the Baptist-- 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. Neighbors and other relatives saw mercy from God. Obviously rejoicing at birth but also a old, old lady having a first child!!

On the 8th day they go for circumcision. It was typical that at this time, the naming of the child tool place. This was done at that time because God changed the names of Abram and Sarai at the time of circumcision. Girls were not named until 30 days after birth. No hurry, she’s only a girl!! Times change.

Zech asked for a writing tablet which was like a thin frame with wax in the middle. The tablet usually had a hole in one or two corners so that multiple tablets could be carried at the same time with a thread acting as a hinge between tablets. They wrote with a stylus - one end pointed for writing and a flattened end on other end for erasing or smoothing over earlier writings.

John is short for Jehohanan which means Jehovah’s gift or God is gracious. Which increased the neighbors curiosity what tis the destiny of this miraculous child with the name of John, A name not found in boy’s lineage.

But then Zechariah spoke - and all were awestruck, and almost fearful [ Grk. phobos = fear]

The birth to a sterile old woman, now the priest able to speak and with a strange name for the son. The rumors, gossip, words spread beyond the city and into the whole Judaean hill country region. Anticipation rebuilds and increases from the original miracle of the mute father and the barren wife.

OOOOOOOOO

Luke 1:67–80

(ESV) 67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be 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 from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Now Zechariah is filled with the holy Spirit. Before Zach was impacted and informed by the Holy Spirit and he was doubtful and therefore muted. No Zach is a changed man, he has seen the miracle and he is now filled with the Spirit; not just affected. So John, Elizabeth, and now Zeke are operating in the Spirit. And now Zech has a prophecy. Ref 1 Samuel 2:1(ESV)

Hannah’s Prayer 2 And Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the Lord;

my horn is exalted in the Lord.

My mouth derides my enemies,

because I rejoice in your salvation.

2. The Benedictus of Zacharias (1:67–80)1:67–79. With his restored powers of speech, and being filled with the Holy Spirit (a manifestation that in Luke’s writings always comes before a person speaks in some revelatory way; Zacharias immediately turned to praising God. This song—a work of poetry—was intended to be the answer to the people’s question in 1:66—What will this child turn out to be? The song, drawn mostly from quotations and allusions of the OT (e.g., 1:68 with 1Kg 1:48, Ps 41:13,72:18; 1:69 with 1Sm 2:1;Ps 18:2;89:17

in the Latin version). In one long sentence (1:68–75) Zacharias praised God for His work of fulfilling His covenant promises to David (1:69) and to Abraham (1:73). This work of “covenant fulfillment” was to be accomplished by the One whom John would one day announce and introduce to the world—this child (you, child 1:76). In the rest of the song (1:77–79) Zacharias highlighted the ministry of the coming One in terms of salvation, forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and peace. Refers to OT

.........V: 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,

Even though Zach’s prophesy mentions redemption it also is more a messianic fulfillment. They are to be saved from their enemies; not necessarily saved from their sin. It seems that this carried with it the hope of a messiah that would deliver them from Rome.

Then in V:76 he talks about the near term prepping the way for the Lord and then later saving them and forgiving them of their sins.

.....V :76 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins. So Zach prophecies about the steps of preparation, salvation, forgiveness, giving light and peace.

After Zach’s prophecy - there is a historical statement to bring John towards his appointed duty= prepare the way

Matthew 3:2–3 (ESV:2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. This references Isaiah 40:3–8 (ESV) 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

......Luke 1:80 (ESV) 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. .........

Just as Jesus went into the wilderness to be tested, John goes into, disappears in the wildness. But no mention of testing- what was he doing to turn his back on the miraculous nature of his birth, the prophesies over him. The community was wondering what will become of him, yet he was removed. Was this a time to keep him humble, a time to remove him from fame, a time of teaching by the H.S. or all three of these things?