Luke 1

Intro of Luke:

·      The author of this Gospel account, Luke, was a doctor, a Greek, and a Gentile Christian. 

·      His Gospel was directed to a Gentile audience—the very first sentences of his letter reflect this. 

·      Matthew begins with a genealogy; Mark opens with a concise statement that moves into the gospel story immediately; John gives a theological treatise. 

·      Luke begins with a few words to justify his writing and to assure the reader of the reliability and accuracy of his account. 

·      This follows the pattern of the great Greek and Hellenistic historians, who would explain their work in a short preface. 

·      Luke’s opening verses prove that he truly believed that he, along with the other evangelists, was recording history.

Luke 1:1-4

LUKE’S ACCOUNT OF INTRODUCING CHRIST:

1.    The request made in prayer.

a.   Luke 1:5-13a 

b.   What is the motive of Zacharias’ prayer? 

2.    The revelation of a son.

a.   He will be called John. Luke 1:13b 

b.   He will become a Nazirite. Luke 1:14-15

c.    He will serve as the Messiah’s forerunner. Luke 1:16-17 

3.    The reluctance to believe.

a.   Luke 1:18 

b.   Similar to Abraham, Zacharias only looked at the human scope, rather than the God scope.

4.    The rebuke.

a.   Luke 1:19-20 

5.    The restraint.

a.   Luke 1:21-23 

b.   Numbers 6:24-26

6.    The reign of Jesus is established.

a.   Luke 1:24,26-33 

b.   The announcement of Christ birth came from God through a messenger—angel.

c.    Luke 1:34-37 

d.   The importance of the virgin birth.

e.   The nature of God is established. Luke 1:37 

7.    The blessing of fulfillment.

a.   Luke 1:39-45 

b.   We see divine interaction here, Elizabeth knew Mary was carrying the Messiah through revelationand spiritual enablement.