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.
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.
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.
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 John.
14 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.”
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.
24 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.”
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?”
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.
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.
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
40 and 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
The True Meaning of Luke 1
The Gospel of Luke was written by a man named Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul. This chapter sets the stage for the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple who have been childless, are introduced in this passage. We also meet the angel Gabriel, who delivers a message that will change the course of history. The chapter foreshadows the miraculous births of both John the Baptist and Jesus, and the pivotal role they will play in God’s plan for salvation.
Throughout the chapter, we see the hand of God at work, fulfilling the promises made in the Old Testament. The prophecy of Malachi, which foretold the coming of a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord, is about to be realized (Malachi 3:1). The stage is set for the arrival of the Savior, who will bring hope and redemption to a world in need.
Luke 1:1-4
The author in the opening verses of Luke chapter 1 begins by laying out his intention and purpose for writing this gospel. The passage starts by acknowledging that others have already written about the events that have taken place among the believers. However, the author wants to provide an orderly account of these events to assure Theophilus, the recipient of this gospel, of the certainty of the things he has been taught.
This introduction sets the tone for the entire Gospel of Luke, as it emphasizes the importance of passing down the accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a coherent and accurate manner. The mention of Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God” or “friend of God,” could also be symbolic of all those who seek to deepen their faith and understanding of the Christian teachings. The author aims to present a systematic and logical narrative that will strengthen the faith of Theophilus and all who read this gospel by stating that his intent is to write an “orderly account.” This emphasis on accuracy and orderly presentation highlights the author’s commitment to conveying the truth of the gospel message. This commitment to accuracy and authenticity can be seen as a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of Luke, as it strives to provide a comprehensive and reliable record of Jesus’ life and teachings.
The mention of the eyewitnesses who were ministers of the word and passed down these stories to the author underscores the importance of relying on credible sources for the information presented in the gospel. The author adds a level of credibility and authenticity to the narrative by incorporating the testimonies of those who were directly involved in the events surrounding Jesus’ ministry. This emphasis on eyewitness accounts serves to reinforce the historical reliability of the Gospel of Luke and its portrayal of Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives,” when considering other biblical verses. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” This verse aligns with the intent of the author of Luke to provide an accurate and reliable account of Jesus’ life and teachings for the benefit of believers like Theophilus and subsequent generations. This emphasis on the divine inspiration and usefulness of Scripture underscores the timeless relevance of the Bible’s message and its ability to guide and instruct believers in their faith journey.
Luke 1:5-25
Luke 1:5-25 introduces us to the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were righteous and God-fearing individuals. Zechariah was a priest of the division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth was also from a priestly lineage, both descending from Aaron. Despite their devotion to God, Elizabeth was barren, and they were now advanced in years, which was a source of great sorrow for them, especially in a culture where barrenness was often seen as a curse or a punishment from God.
The mention of Zechariah being chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense is significant as it provides insight into the religious practices of the time. This was a rare opportunity for a priest, and it was considered a great honor to perform this duty. The fact that this task fell to Zechariah was not a coincidence but a divine appointment, as we will soon see.
When Zechariah entered the temple to burn incense, he encountered an angel of the Lord, Gabriel. This visitation from an angel was a profound and awe-inspiring event, as it was not a common occurrence for individuals to have such encounters. The angel Gabriel brought a message of hope and answered prayer to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Despite their old age and the barrenness of Elizabeth, they were promised a son who would be named John. This child would be a joy and delight not only to them but to many, as he would be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Zechariah’s initial disbelief when the angel announced this miraculous news led to him being struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled. This serves as a lesson on the importance of faith and trusting in God’s promises. Zechariah’s temporary loss of speech was not only a consequence of his doubt but also a sign of the miraculous nature of the events unfolding. It was a period of silence that allowed him time to reflect, grow in faith, and prepare for the fulfillment of God’s plan.
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth underscores the theme of God’s faithfulness and ability to bring forth life and hope in seemingly impossible situations. Their son, John the Baptist, would go on to prepare the way for Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3 about a voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. This narrative emphasizes that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are always fulfilled, even when they seem impossible from a human perspective. This passage in Luke 1 sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and ultimately points to the even greater miracle of Jesus Christ’s birth. It demonstrates God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and power to work through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The themes of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of prophecies run deep in this passage, echoing throughout the entire biblical narrative as a testament to God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Luke 1:26-38
This specific passage in Luke 1:26-38 is crucial in the account of the Annunciation. Let’s break it down into important sections and dissect the deeper meanings intertwined within:
- Gabriel’s Visit to Mary (Luke 1:26-33): Here, we see the angel Gabriel being sent by God to the young virgin Mary. Gabriel’s appearance is significant, as he is an angel who stands in the presence of God (Luke 1:19). When Gabriel greets Mary, he brings her startling news that she has found favor with God and will conceive a son who will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. This child’s reign will have no end, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 9:6 about the birth of the Messiah.
The announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary is a pivotal moment not just in the Gospel of Luke but in the entire Bible. This scene parallels the news of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah in Luke 1:5-25. While Zechariah doubted the angel’s message, Mary’s response is one of submission and humility. She recognizes her lowly status but accepts God’s plan for her life. Mary’s faith and willingness to be used by God stand as an example for all believers, teaching us the importance of obedience and surrender to God’s will.
- Mary’s Submission and Faith (Luke 1:34-38): When Mary questions how she, a virgin, can become pregnant, Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. Mary’s response is full of faith, saying, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” This declaration of submission is emblematic of Mary’s deep trust in God and her willingness to be used by Him despite the challenges and stigma she would face as an unwed mother.
Mary’s faith and obedience in the face of an incomprehensible situation highlight the importance of trusting in God’s promises even when they seem impossible. Her example echoes the faith of other women in the Bible, such as Sarah (Genesis 18:10-15) and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25), who also conceived miraculously in their old age. Mary’s submission sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus, ultimately leading to the salvation of humanity. God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through unexpected and humble vessels is reminded to us as we contemplate Luke 1:26-38. Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus was not just a random selection but a divine appointment orchestrated by God for the redemption of humanity. Her example challenges us to trust in God’s plans for our lives, even when they seem beyond our understanding or capabilities. The Annunciation serves as a foundational moment in the Bible, paving the way for the fulfillment of prophecy and the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:39-45
Mary and her relative Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist, have a beautiful encounter in Luke 1:39-45 after Mary had just been told by the angel Gabriel that she would conceive the Son of God. This meeting is filled with profound meaning and symbolizes the faithfulness and grace of God in fulfilling His promises.
When Mary enters the house of Zechariah and greets Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. This reaction is significant because it shows that even before birth, John the Baptist recognizes the presence of Jesus, who was in Mary’s womb. The unborn John is filled with the Holy Spirit, and this event foreshadows his future ministry as the forerunner of Jesus.
Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, then pronounces a blessing upon Mary, saying, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Elizabeth recognizes the significance of Mary being chosen to bear the Messiah and offers words of affirmation and encouragement. This moment highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting one another in faith. A powerful display of faith and obedience is seen in this passage. Mary, despite the challenges and social stigma she would face as an unwed pregnant woman, demonstrates her unwavering trust in God by willingly accepting His plan for her life. Elizabeth, on the other hand, exemplifies faithfulness in her own right by believing in the miraculous work of God in her own pregnancy at an old age.
This encounter between Mary and Elizabeth serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. It echoes the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the roles that John the Baptist and Jesus would play in God’s redemptive plan. The joy and blessings exchanged between these two women also reflect the joy that comes from being in God’s will and the importance of community in supporting one another’s faith journeys. This passage emphasizes the power of faith, obedience, and the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers in a broader sense. It underscores the importance of recognizing and rejoicing in the work of God in the world, even in the most unexpected and humble circumstances. Just as Mary and Elizabeth found strength and joy in each other’s presence, Christians today are called to uplift and encourage one another in their faith journeys.
This passage ties into other parts of the Bible where God uses unexpected and seemingly insignificant individuals to bring about His divine purposes. Mary, a young Jewish girl from Nazareth, and Elizabeth, an elderly woman thought to be barren, were both chosen by God to play crucial roles in the story of redemption. Their faith and obedience set an example for all believers to trust in God’s plans and to rejoice in the fulfillment of His promises.
Luke 1:46-56
Verse 46 of Luke 1 begins with Mary’s beautiful response to the greeting of Elizabeth. Mary bursts into a song of praise known as the Magnificat. This section of the Bible is a powerful expression of Mary’s faith, gratitude, and understanding of God’s plan in her life. It is a reflection of her humility and her recognition that she is being used as an instrument in God’s divine purpose. Mary’s words reveal her profound knowledge of the Scriptures and her deep connection to God. The Magnificat is not just an acknowledgment of her own blessings but also a proclamation of God’s greatness, mercy, and faithfulness to His people throughout history. Mary praises God for choosing her, a lowly servant, to play such a vital role in His redemptive plan in the Magnificat. She speaks of the reversal of fortunes, where the proud are brought down and the humble are lifted up, echoing the sentiments expressed in several Psalms and prophecies in the Old Testament. Mary’s song emphasizes God’s concern for the oppressed, the hungry, and the marginalized, demonstrating His compassion and justice. Through her words, Mary not only magnifies the Lord but also exhibits a deep trust in His promises and a willingness to surrender to His will completely.
Mary’s acknowledgment of her own humility and God’s greatness is a powerful lesson in faith and surrender. Her song echoes the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in following God’s plan, even when it seems impossible or overwhelming. Mary’s example challenges believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, regardless of their circumstances. Her willingness to submit to God’s will, despite the challenges she faced as a young, unmarried woman, serves as an inspiration for all believers to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when they may not fully understand them.
The Magnificat not only highlights Mary’s faith and praise but also points to the broader themes of redemption, justice, and God’s faithfulness throughout the Bible. Mary’s song echoes the promises of God to His people, reminding them of His mercy and compassion. It foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who will fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah and bring salvation to the world. The Magnificat serves as a reminder of God’s enduring love for His people and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even in the most unlikely circumstances. Mary’s faith, humility, and trust in God are profoundly expressed in the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-56. Her song of praise echoes throughout the ages as a testament to God’s faithfulness, mercy, and justice. Mary’s example challenges believers to emulate her faith, surrender, and obedience in following God’s will. The Magnificat not only magnifies the Lord but also magnifies the enduring themes of redemption, salvation, and God’s unwavering love for His people throughout the Bible.
Luke 1:57-66
The beautiful story of the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, is seen in Luke 1:57-66. The passage begins by describing the moment when Elizabeth, who was previously barren, gave birth to a son in her old age. This event was a clear demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The community rejoiced with Elizabeth, recognizing the miraculous nature of John’s birth.
The naming of the child was a significant event in Jewish culture, as names often carried great meaning and significance. Elizabeth and Zechariah named their son John, a name given to them by the angel Gabriel. This act of obedience to the angel’s instructions was not just about following a directive, but also about acknowledging God’s sovereignty and authority in their lives. It was a recognition that this child was a special gift from God with a divine purpose.
Zechariah’s obedience in naming his son John was also a moment of restoration for him. Earlier in the chapter, Zechariah had doubted the angel’s message and was struck mute as a consequence. However, by obeying God’s command in naming his son John, Zechariah’s obedience and faith were affirmed. This highlights the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God’s blessings and being used for His divine purposes.
The naming of John and Zechariah’s regaining of speech caused quite a stir among the people who witnessed these events. They were filled with awe and wonder, recognizing that God’s hand was truly upon this family. The news of these miraculous events spread throughout the hill country of Judea, causing many to ponder what this child would become.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of obedience and faith in our walk with Him. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, whose birth was also foretold by an angel and carried out in miraculous ways. John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3, “A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Luke 1:57-66 is a rich passage that recounts the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and teaches us important lessons about faith, obedience, and the undeniable presence of God in our lives. It sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through the coming of Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:67-80
Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, makes a powerful proclamation as he is filled with the Holy Spirit in Luke 1:67-80. Let’s break down this significant passage into its crucial sections for a deeper understanding.
First, in verses 67-75, Zechariah praises God and prophesies regarding the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and the role his newborn son, John, will play in preparing the way for Him. This prophetic declaration echoes the prophecies of the Old Testament, particularly from the book of Isaiah, which foretold the coming of a Savior who would bring salvation and redemption to His people. Zechariah’s words not only confirm the fulfillment of these prophecies but also highlight the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the divine consistency throughout history in God’s plan of salvation.
Zechariah’s proclamation also speaks to the concept of redemption and forgiveness of sins through the mercy of God. He recognizes that the Messiah will bring salvation to the people by delivering them from their enemies and enabling them to serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness all their days. This message of forgiveness and redemption through the grace of God is a central theme in the Bible, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:7 and Hebrews 9:22.
Furthermore, in verses 76-79, Zechariah specifically addresses his son, John the Baptist, calling him the prophet of the Most High who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways. This prophecy fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 40:3, who foretold the coming of a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. John’s role as the forerunner of Jesus Christ is essential in the narrative of the Gospels, as he fulfills the prophecy and paves the way for the ministry of Jesus, as seen in Matthew 3:3.
Finally, this passage concludes with a note on John’s upbringing and growth, emphasizing how he will be filled with the Spirit from birth and will turn many of the people of Israel back to the Lord their God. This foreshadows John’s ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing people for the forgiveness of sins, as we later see in Luke 3:3. John’s life and mission, as foretold by his father Zechariah, serve as a crucial link between the Old and New Testaments, bridging the gap between the prophecies of old and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Luke 1:67-80 underscores the continuity of God’s plan of salvation, the fulfillment of prophecies through the birth of Jesus Christ, and the integral role of figures like Zechariah and John the Baptist in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. This passage not only highlights the divine orchestration of events throughout history but also sets the stage for the ministry of Jesus and the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations.
After Luke 1
The angel Gabriel foretold the miraculous conception of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, which we witnessed in this chapter. Despite their old age and barrenness, God’s plan unfolded before their eyes, showing that nothing is impossible with Him. Zechariah’s doubt was met with temporary silence, a reminder that we must trust in the Lord’s promises without wavering. Let us reflect on God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Just as John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, may we also be vigilant and ready for the second coming of our Savior. We should hold fast to our faith, knowing that God’s plans are perfect and His timing is always right.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.