Study of Luke
Chapter 1
 

(Luke 1:1) Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
(Luk 1:2) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
(Luk 1:3) It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
(Luk 1:4) That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

So many seemed to have been writing about the life of Jesus Christ that Luke being zealous of truth wanted to write about these things also to make sure everything was accurate. There were multitudes of witnesses to the events in the life of Jesus Christ. God made sure that we had an accurate inspired account of the things that pertain to eternal life and salvation.

(Luk 1:5) There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
(Luk 1:6) And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

God chose people who feared Him and loved His word to bring forth the forerunner of the Messiah. God will use us today if we are determined to seek Him and make ourselves available to Him. We do not choose what we want to do though, God will decide what is best for our capabilities. God does the calling but we must be willing vessels.

(Luk 1:7) And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Nothing is impossible to God. This was not the only time God used a woman past child-bearing to show forth His power. Sarah the wife of Abraham also conceived after she had passed menopause. Both women also were unable to have children even when they were at the child-bearing age which made the miracles even more spectacular.

(Luk 1:8) And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
(Luk 1:9) According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Zacharias was performing his normal duties as a priest when an angel came to him.

(Luk 1:10) And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Faithful worshippers were praying not knowing that this was going to happen so they were going about what they normally did on this occasion.

(Luk 1:11) And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
(Luk 1:12) And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

If we saw an actual angel, we would fear too.

(Luk 1:13) But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

It seems that Zacharias has been praying for years for a son but when God finally answered the prayer, he couldn't really believe what was happening.

(Luk 1:14) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
(Luk 1:15) For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

This child was special and would not be as other children. He was not supposed to drink strong beverages but be filled with the Holy Ghost while still in the womb of his mother.

This Holy Ghost is available to all now because of Jesus Christ.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(Luk 1:16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Many were following the teachings of John the Baptist before Jesus came on the scene. After Jesus started His ministry, John sent his followers to Jesus knowing that his (John's) days were ending and what he accomplished was done.

(Luk 1:17) And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

John made people aware of their need to repent of sin. We must repent of sin before we receive Jesus Christ. It is part of salvation. We can't believe in Jesus and remain in sin. When Jesus comes in sin must leave. That is the whole reason for His coming to free us from sin so that we can inherit eternal life. Sin cannot enter the future kingdom of God. To enter His kingdom, we must turn away from sin. There is no power outside of Jesus Christ to free a soul from sin. Without Jesus we are still in our sins.

(Luk 1:18) And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

This was not just asking a question but was unbelief.

(Luk 1:19) And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
(Luk 1:20) And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Zacharias would not be able to speak until his son is born. This also served as a sign to the people without when Zacharias was unable to speak for a season.

(Luk 1:21) And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

He took longer than he would normally take for this.

(Luk 1:22) And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
(Luk 1:23) And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
(Luk 1:24) And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
(Luk 1:25) Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

What a different time we live in now. They considered it a reproach to not be able to have children. We now have abortion mills to get rid of unwanted children. Children were considered gifts of God even among the poor.

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

(Luk 1:26) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

God works things out at both ends. Gabriel was sent first to Zacharias and then to the mother of our Lord, Mary.

(Luk 1:27) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
(Luk 1:28) And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Mary pleased God and was obedient to Him. God must have seen something in her that would be perfect to bring forth the Messiah.

(Luk 1:29) And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

She was not use to angels appearing to her.

(Luk 1:30) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

It is natural to fear angelic beings but notice that in every case, the angel exhorts them not to fear. The purpose of angels is not to scare us but bring us a message from the Lord.

(Luk 1:31) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
(Luk 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

We see here the prophecy of Jesus being the King over the throne of David.

(Luk 1:33) And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

This is still to come. Many Jewish people did not recognize the first coming because He didn't become king then and there. Jesus had to die for sins first.

Luk 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
Luk 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

Jesus will return at the appointed time but first He was rejected of that generation and paid the sacrifice for sins on the cross. Jesus knew that He was going to die. The crucifixion was no surprise to Him. He willingly allowed Himself to become our sacrifice, our savior and our way out of sin. He is the author of our eternal salvation. Our part is to believe this, turn from sin and turn to Him.

(Luk 1:34) Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

This was not unbelief as in the case of Zacharias but a question like, " I understand but how will this come about?"

(Luk 1:35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

This must have really been an overwhelming awesome experience. I realize that some warn about trusting in experiences. We truly cannot put experiences over the word of God but that does not mean that we can't have experiences with the presence of the Lord from time to time. We need those times of refreshing. It is okay to feel something once in a while. We just can't base a doctrine on someone else's experiences if it doesn't agree with God's word but we must not discount actual experiences with the Lord. We need the written word to keep us from error but also experiences in the Holy Spirit to quicken that word in our hearts. 

(Luk 1:36) And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
(Luk 1:37) For with God nothing shall be impossible.
(Luk 1:38) And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
(Luk 1:39) And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

Right away Mary wanted to share what was happening with her cousin Elizabeth.

(Luk 1:40) And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
(Luk 1:41) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

This verse absolutely thrills my soul. Just think that the baby in the womb of Elizabeth leaped for joy when Mary entered the room because Mary was already carrying the Christ, the Son of God and our savior.

If this doesn't prove that a baby is a human being at conception, I don't know what does.

(Luk 1:42) And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

The Holy Spirit is for women too. Elizabeth prophesies here as she is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks by the spirit.

(Luk 1:43) And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

As blessed as Mary is, we must remember that Jesus is the main one to be honored and praised. Mary is seen here not as a cousin but as the mother or the Lord. 

(Luk 1:44) For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
(Luk 1:45) And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
(Luk 1:46) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Now we here Mary speaking by the Holy Spirit.

(Luk 1:47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(Luk 1:48) For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(Luk 1:49) For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
(Luk 1:50) And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Notice that God's mercy is given to those who fear Him not those who ignore His word or deny His existence.

(Luk 1:51) He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(Luk 1:52) He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

There are no high and might persons in the sight of God.

(Luk 1:53) He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
(Luk 1:54) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

He cares for the lowliest person. No one is too poor, too ugly, too small for God to love and even exalt.

(Luk 1:55) As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

The Messiah was promised from the time of Abraham.  God planned it to bless all those that believe.

Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

(Luk 1:56) And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
(Luk 1:57) Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
(Luk 1:58) And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
(Luk 1:59) And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
(Luk 1:60) And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

Elizabeth obeyed the commandment of the angel by naming the son the name given to Zacharias.

(Luk 1:61) And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
(Luk 1:62) And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
(Luk 1:63) And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
(Luk 1:64) And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

Now Zacharias speaks by the Holy Spirit in praise to God for these things.

(Luk 1:65) And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
(Luk 1:66) And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
(Luk 1:67) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
(Luk 1:68) Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
(Luk 1:69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
(Luk 1:70) As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
(Luk 1:71) That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

This prophecy will be fulfilled at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

(Luk 1:72) To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
(Luk 1:73) The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
(Luk 1:74) That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
(Luk 1:75) In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

This is the plan of God for all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus came to save us from sin so that we can live in holiness and righteousness. To neglect the message of holy living is to neglect the whole reason Jesus came in the first place. We are not to just believe in Christ one time and live any way we want to. We are to live in holiness because the holy one abides within us.

(Luk 1:76) And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
(Luk 1:77) To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

Zacharias knew that his son was not the Christ but was called to prepare the way for Christ. He was a forerunner or one that announces the coming of a king.

Remission of sins is very important and should not be neglected in our teachings. Through Christ our sins are gone and will not be held against us. It doesn't matter what we did before we came to Christ, it is gone when we ask God to save us and come into our hearts.

(Luk 1:78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
(Luk 1:79) To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Jesus is the light of the world. Before Christ the whole world was in darkness. We are to be lights on His behalf to bring those in the darkness of sin to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

(Luk 1:80) And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

God prepared John the Baptist while he was in the desert. God did not send him out unprepared. He did not start his ministry until the right time.

 

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