The Gospel According to
Luke 1
80 verses≈ 11 min5 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Dedication to Theophilus
Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
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so that you may know the certainty
Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
Where Zechariah stood
Whiteboard
Zechariah went into the sanctuary to burn incense at the golden altar, in front of the veil, while the people prayed outside. There an angel appeared, “standing at the right side of the altar of incense.”
Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.
Zechariah
“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”
Gabriel
“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple. When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home.
After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,
Elizabeth
“The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
The Lord has done this for me.
Luke 1:25
Reflect
A long-carried prayer
Zechariah and Elizabeth had grown old without the child they prayed for, yet the angel said, “your prayer has been heard.” Is there a prayer you have carried for a long time?
Gabriel Foretells Jesus’ Birth
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
From the temple to a village
Gabriel’s first message came in the temple in Jerusalem. Six months later he is sent about 65 miles north, to Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.
And the virgin’s name was Mary.
Gabriel
The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
His kingdom will never end!
Mary
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Gabriel
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon 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.
Gabriel
Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month.
For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
0:09
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Live it
Trust before the details
Mary did not know how everything would unfold, but she trusted God’s word. What is one step of trust in front of you today?
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Mary hurries south
Luke doesn’t name the town, only “the hill country of Judah.” From Nazareth that was likely a journey of several days on foot.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Two promised sons
Whiteboard
Gabriel announces both births. John will prepare the way; Jesus is the King whose kingdom will never end.
Mary’s Song
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Then Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me.
Holy is His name.
His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who are proud
in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
but has exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful,
as He promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
0:00 / 0:50
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Holy is His name.
Luke 1:49
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Pray
A moment to pray
Mary’s song begins with praise: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Take a moment to thank God for one great thing He has done for you.
The Birth of John the Baptist
When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.
On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.
Elizabeth
But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”
Neighbors & relatives
They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.”
So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.
Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.
All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events. And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
Question
Quick question
Zechariah could not speak for months.
What did Zechariah write on the tablet?
Zechariah’s Song
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
the oath He swore to our father Abraham,
to grant us
deliverance from hostile hands,
that we may serve Him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before Him
all the days of our lives.
And you, child, will be called
a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord
to prepare the way for Him,
to give to His people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the Dawn will visit us from on high,
to shine on those who live in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet
into the path of peace.”
0:24
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
the Dawn will visit us from on high
Reflect
Looking back on Luke 1
From a silent priest to a song of praise, God kept every word He spoke. What stands out to you most in this chapter?
You’ve experienced
Luke 1
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