Luke 1

Luke 1:1

After interviewing eyewitnesses, Luke wrote a carefully constructed report for Theophilus concerning the things he had been hearing. Some suggest Theophilus was Luke’s previous owner. You see, although the practice of medicine was a noble calling, there wasn’t a lot of money in it. Consequently, men of means had their own slave doctors. Therefore, it is thought that Theophilus was a wealthy man who had Luke as his slave/doctor, got converted, and released Luke to pursue missionary journeys with Paul. This could well be.

Others suggest Theophilus, or “Lover of God,” was merely an alias for someone who was being protected from possible persecution. Still others suggest that Theophilus was not an individual at all, but a code name for a group of people meeting in the name of Christ. Be Theophilus a real person, an alias for an individual, or a group of people, Luke’s intent was to provide a carefully documented account.

Luke 1:5

These were desperate, dark days for the nation of Israel. Not only had there been a famine of manifestations or words from the Lord for four hundred years, but Herod the Great was on the thronea ruler who killed his wives and offspring so readily that a popular saying of the day was that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son. The priesthood was split into twenty-four courses, or groups, of priests who would take one week off twice a year from farming their land or tending their shops to serve in the temple. During the major festivals or feasts, however, all of the priests would gather in Jerusalem to share the temple duties.

Luke 1:6

In this culture at this time, barrenness was considered a curse from God, indicative that the childless couple must be, or had been doing something very wrong. And yet here we are told that although Elisabeth was barren, she and Zacharias were blameless before the Lord. This is a reminder to me not to judge things too quickly. Yes, Zacharias and Elisabeth are childless presently, but the Lord is setting the stage for something amazing to happen through the child they are about to bear.

Luke 1:8

The altar of incense represents prayer. Every morning and evening, the priests would pour incense upon the altar in the Holy Place, and when it hit the hot coals, the scent would rise up into heaven, creating a sweet-smelling savor before God.

Luke 1:11

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.Rev_8:3 I suggest to you the meaning of the passages before us is very practical for you and mefor if indeed prayers are being stored in heaven, it could be that your bowl of prayers concerning any given person, need, or situation is almost full and ready to be released on your behalf. I don’t know how many prayers it takes to fill a bowl. Sometimes, but not usually, I pray once, and things happen. More often, however, it takes a continual asking, seeking, and knocking (Mat_7:7). Could it be that some of us are just about ready to give up praying for that situation or need, desire or person? Could it be that the Father is saying, “Don’t give up nowjust a couple more prayers will tip the bowl. Just a couple more prayers will release the blessing”? When we get to heaven, I wonder if we’ll see all sorts of bowls poised to be poured had we not given up, had we not stopped seeking, had we not quit praying. “John” means “God is Gracious.”

Luke 1:14

Zacharias could have rejoiced. Instead, he questioned. That’s what the thief of unbelief does. At a time when you and I could be celebrating and rejoicing, with folded arms and cynical hearts, we’re robbed.

Luke 1:19

“I believe, therefore I have spoken,” declared Paul (see 2Co_4:13). Zacharias didn’t believe. Therefore, he will not be able to speak. If you allow the thief of unbelief to rob you of joy, you’ll neither witness to others nor praise the Father. Your lips will be sealed if your heart is cynical. But if you are one who embraces with childlike simplicity the promises the Father has given you in His Word, you will speak and rejoice.

Luke 1:21

After the priest burned the incense, he would come out and bless the people. Thus, the people were waiting for the blessing from Zacharias.

Luke 1:22

Following his week of service in the temple, Zacharias and Elisabeth returned home.

Luke 1:24

Although Zacharias’ unbelief rendered him speechless, it did not thwart God’s purposes.

Luke 1:26

According to Jewish custom, based upon the arrangement made between their parents, a couple could become engaged even as young children. Then, a year before their marriage, they would become espoused, which meant that although they would not consummate their relationship, they would be considered husband and wife in a legal binding so strong, it required a divorce to break the relationship.

Luke 1:28

The Greek word translated “highly favored” is charitoo, and means “highly blessed” or “much graced.” It is used only one other time in the Bible, not concerning Mary, but concerning you (Eph_1:6). We are highly favored not because of who we are, but because of where we are. Where are we? We are in Christ (2Co_5:17). Most scholars believe Mary at this point was about fifteen or sixteen years old, the usual age of espousal in that day. What a wonderful young woman she must have beena woman selected of all the women of history to be the one to bear God’s Son. Later on in the chapter, as we come to the Magnificat, it becomes obvious that she had a heart for God and insight into the Word. And yet I ask you to note that the text reads that she was blessed among women, not above women. There is no scriptural example to suggest that Mary be worshiped or prayed to. Not a single word. She is indeed the most blessed among women, but she is only a woman.

Luke 1:29

“Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Joshua,” which means “Jehovah is Salvation.”

Luke 1:32

The government of the kingdom of God is upon the shoulder of Jesus Christ (Isa_9:6). What government did He bear upon His shoulder? The Cross. The Cross identified Him uniquely as a King who would die for His subjects, a King who would become poor so that we might become rich, a King who would go to hell that we might live in heaven, a King who came preaching Good News and great joy for all men.

Luke 1:34

Unlike Zacharias, Mary didn’t question Gabriel’s statement. She simply questioned the methodology. “I know not a man,” said Mary. “I have no man to help me,” said the lame man (see Joh_5:7). Could this be the same thing we so often say when we ask, “What man, what leader, what pastor, what author is going to help me?” But watch Gabriel’s answer…

Luke 1:35

It’s not a man who will bring fruitfulness to our lives. It’s the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:36

Elisabeth was six months ahead of Mary in the process of the miraculous. So, too, some of you are six months ahead of me. I can see what the Lord has done in your life. I can see how He’s touched you, used you, and helped you. That encourages me. That’s what the body of Christ is all about. Find someone who’s a little bit ahead of you in the area about which you’re wondering or with which you’re struggling, and hang out with him or her just as Mary will do with Elisabeth (Luk_1:39).

Luke 1:37

The 1901 American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible translates verse Luk_1:37 as: “For no word from God shall be void of power.” I like that. Jesus will be birthed in the area of your life that was previously dark and unproductive if, like Mary, you simply embrace the Word He gives you.

Luke 1:39

Not yet born, John is already worshiping. I’ve seen that happen, not physically, but spiritually. Sunday after Sunday when I was pastor of Applegate Christian Fellowship, people came with no intention of getting saved, much less baptized. But as they started perceiving the presence of the Lord, even though they were not yet born again, something stirred within them. And before they knew it, they were coming forward for salvation and baptism.

Luke 1:45

The literal idea is that because this young, uneducated girl in the backcountry of Israel believed, that which was promised would now be performed.

Luke 1:46

The soul refers to one’s mind and emotions. The spirit speaks of one’s essencethat which will live forever. The soul relates primarily to people; the spirit relates to God. Thus, Mary says, “My soulmy mind and emotionsmagnify the Lord because my spirit the deepest part of mehas rejoiced in God my Savior. In other words, because God has already elected me, I now choose for my soul to magnify the Lord presently.” Sometimes people say, “I don’t worship because I don’t feel like it.” Mary says just the opposite when she says, “Worship has nothing to do with how I feel emotionally. It’s all about what God has already done for me.”

Luke 1:48

Herein we see the beautiful theology and the depth of intimacy that was Mary’s as she expresses with spontaneity her love for the Lord. No wonder it’s called the Magnificat. It’s magnificent indeed.

Luke 1:56

Custom dictated that the firstborn son be named after his father.

Luke 1:60

Elisabeth reiterated what Zacharias had been told in verse Luk_1:13.

Luke 1:61

This means not only was Zacharias unable to speak, but that he was also unable to hear. So, too, if I don’t believe, I won’t speak. And if I don’t speak, I will no longer be able to hear the voice of my Father. It’s when I’m speaking, sharing, and ministering that I am in the position to hear my Father more clearly. If you’ve ever thought you don’t want to hear another Bible study, read another chapter, look at another commentary, I suggest it is indicative that you’re not sharing with othersbecause when you’re giving out, you’ll be hungry to take more in.

Luke 1:63

In naming his son John, Zacharias goes on record that he embraces what God said and what God did. I see in Zacharias a preview of what will come in Acts 2, when on the Day of Pentecost, the tongues of the disciples were also loosed to praise God in languages they did not know. People often say, “If God wants me to speak in tongues, He can move my tongue or make it happen.” But Zacharias’ tongue being loosed was predicated on the decision he had already made to believe God. Paul echoed this when he said, “I will pray in the Spirit and with understanding also” (see 1Co_14:15). In other words, it was a choice he made. Speaking in tongues is not something that happens to a person mystically. Rather, it’s the expression of one who says, “Lord, I don’t understand how to pray about this situation properly, or how to worship You powerfully. So I will allow my spirit to pray.” If you choose to move in this arena, your prayer might consist of a simple word or two or fourbut you will find yourself by faith beginning to worship the Lord in a way your intellect is no longer struggling or straining to do. And you’ll find your inner person being built up (see 1Co_14:4).

Luke 1:65

After John’s tongue was loosed, he began to prophesy.

Luke 1:68

Moving in the power of the Spirit, Zacharias began praising God, then prophesying, then pronouncing blessing.

Luke 1:76

People were prepared for the first coming of Jesus through the ministry of John. So, too, I suggest that people will be prepared for the Lord’s Second Coming through the ministry of the church. Thus, we have the same three mandates given to John…

Luke 1:77

Our first mandate is to give information. What are we to be about this week? We get to tell people the Good News of the gospelthat, except for their rejection of the free gift of salvation, every sin they’ve ever done, will do, or are presently doing is forgiven because of the tender mercy of God poured out upon them through the Cross of Calvary.

Luke 1:79

Our second mandate is to provide illumination. How are we to illuminate people’s thinking? Because the Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, we get to be those who share with people not our philosophies, not our ideas, not our agendas, but the light of the Word. Our third mandate is to share direction. The question I am asked most frequently is, “How can I receive God’s guidance?” The answer is to walk the way of peace. The Greek word translated “rule” literally means “umpire,” so Paul told the Colossian believers to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Col_3:15). How are we to know what to do? We are simply to walk with the Lord, enjoy our relationship with Him, and follow the peace in our heart, which will tell us whether any given direction is “Safe!” or “Out!”

Luke 1:80

We leave a camel-skin-wearing, grasshopper-eating John in the desert, poised to give information, illumination, and direction regarding his Messiah and our Lord.