Luke 1 - The Birth of John The Baptist

 Luke 1 - The Birth of John The Baptist

v1-4  Dedication to Theophilus

Luke is writing an "orderly" account to Theophilus, to explained what he had found out for he has followed "all things closely" for a long time. Luke is a doctor (Col 4:14), and by training, he is very systematic, analytic and detailed. 

Theophilus was the main recipient of this letter. Luke also addressed to him for the letter of Acts. (Acts 1:1) Most people think that he is a gentile and have a high social standing as Luke called him "most excellent". The purpose of Luke writing to him is to make it clear and to convince him that what he heard is true. Apparently, Theophilus was a Christian and was taught about Jesus, but perhaps he was not sure which stories are true or which ones were false. (v1-4)

Observation: Luke was a person that looks into the details of the life of Jesus. In those days, most of what they know about Christ is from verbal transmission. However, he would have cross check which ones are true, before he wrote the letter.  

Furthermore, he ministers to the gentiles, just as Paul did. (Rom 15:16; Gal 1:15-16) 

Application: In the same way, we need to study the Word constantly, and our study would be a lot easier than Luke, for we have a compiled bible in our hands and have access to hundreds of commentaries. By knowing the bible well, we become closer to God and be a more effective evangelist to the pre-believers.

v5-25  Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

During the days of Herod, king of Judea, the high priest was Zechariah, from the division of Abijah. She had a wife, Elizabeth, from the line of Aaron. They were righteous before God, and obedient to Him. However, Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (v5-7)

When Zechariah's division was in duty, he was chosen by lot to enter the the temple to burn the incense. Many people were praying outside the temple during the burning of incense. Suddenly, an angel appeared at the right side of the altar of incense, and told him not to be afraid and that his prayers have been heard. His wife will bear a son and he shall named him John. Many people will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord, and turn many of the "children of Israelites" to the Lord. He will go with the spirit and power of Elijah, and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the just, and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (v8=17)

Zacharias said to the angel "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."  The angel replied that he is Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God - but since he did not believe him, he will become mute and will not be able speak until John was born.  (v18-20)

The people outside waited for Zechariah and were puzzled why he took so long to come out. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had a vision in the temple through his signaling with his hands. When his schedule for service is over, he returned home. (v21-23)

Soon, Elizabeth conceived and after hiding for five months, she said: “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (v25)

Observation: 

1. John's destiny is to prepare the way for the Lord's first coming. He was given the spirit of Elijah. In Matthew 17:10-13, Jesus said: "But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist."  Jesus answered this to his disciples when they said Elijah must come first before the Messiah, based on the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6

2. Zechariah should know better not to doubt what the angel said. As a priest, he knows very well that once God made a promise, it will come true, just like it came true for Sarah, who bore Isaac when she was 90 years old. 

Application:

1. When we hear something from God, we should not doubt. Sometimes what He said will not come immediately, so we must have patience to wait for it - sometimes it is weeks, months and years. Write down what you hear from him, so you won't forget. 

v26-56 - Birth of Jesus Foretold

Six month after Elizabeth conceived, Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, and told Mary that she will conceive a son and He shall be called Jesus. Mary told the Gabriel that it is impossible for she is a virgin, betrothed to Joseph. Gabriel told her that the Holy Spirit and the power of God will overshadow her, and her son will be called holy - the son of God. Gabriel told her about Elizabeth, that even at her old age and barren, is pregnant. Nothing is impossible with God. (v26-38)

Mary went to visit Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (v39-45)

Mary sang a song to praise God. Her song expresses profound joy and reverence for the Lord. They acknowledge God’s mercy, strength, and transformative actions. God has uplifted the humble, humbled the proud, and provided for those in need. The passage emphasizes God’s faithfulness to Israel and their ancestors, including Abraham. Overall, it celebrates God’s greatness and compassion.

Mary remained with Elizabeth for six months. She likely has seen the birth of John the Baptist, before she return to Nazareth.  (v46-56)

Observation

Why was Mary allowed to doubt, when Zachariah was punished for his doubt? The difference in the responses to Zechariah’s doubt and Mary’s doubt lies in the context and the nature of their questions. Zechariah was a priest and should know better. His doubt reflected skepticism and a lack of faith in God’s promise. As a result, Gabriel struck him mute until John’s birth. Mary’s response was different. She asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). Her question was not one of disbelief but rather seeking understanding. Mary’s doubt was not rooted in skepticism but in curiosity. In summary, Zechariah’s doubt was characterized by disbelief, whereas Mary’s doubt was a genuine inquiry seeking clarification. 

Application

Like Mary, whenever we thank God because he has answered our prayers or gave us something we wanted, the first thing is to praise Him and to remind ourselves who He really is, and how He has been faithful to us. This is to glorify Him for what He has done for us, and to show our love to Him.

v57-80  Birth of John the Baptist

Elizabeth bore a son and all her friends and relatives rejoice as God has blessed her during her old age. On the eight day, during his circumcision, they wanted to name him after his father, but both Elizabeth and Zechariah said to name him as John. Zechariah wrote the name on a tablet, and God gave his voice back. 

Fear came to their neighbors, and news spread to the hill country of Judea, for this is something unusual and had the hand of God in it. They were wondering what or who this child will be. (v57-66)

Zechariah praised God that He will redeem His people and has raised up a horn of salvation. He is bringing His promise to their ancestors that they will be saved from their enemies, so that they can serve God without fear. (v67-75)

Note that Zechariah thinks like the rest of the Jews, that the Messiah will free them from the enemies and those who hated them. However, the Messiah's real purpose is to free them from their number one enemy - the impact of their own sin that would bring them to hell. This is more important than being killed by their enemies. 

Of the child, Zechariah prophesied that he will be called the prophet of the Most High. His role will be to go before the Lord and prepare the way for Him. He will provide knowledge of salvation, emphasizing forgiveness of sins. Through God’s tender mercy, the child’s mission is to bring light to those in darkness and guide people toward peace. (v76-79)

John grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of this public appearance to Israel. (v80)  According to scholars, the wilderness refers to a desolate waste area located south of Jericho and along the shores of the Dead Sea.

Deeper Analysis

1. Zechariah was not the high priests, for the high priest comes from the division of Aaron.  The Jewish priests were divided into 24 divisions. Each division was responsible for ministering during a different week and Shabbat, and they were all stationed at the Temple in Jerusalem. The duties of these divisions involved offering the daily and holiday Temple sacrifices, and administering the Priestly Blessing to the people. 

2. John are not to drink wine, but that doesn't mean he is a Nazirite. A Nazarite must not cut their hair and avoid contact with dead bodies (Num 6:1-4)