Beginning of Passion of Christ in Luke 1

Read Luke chapter 1

Introduction: The first chapter of the Gospel of Luke is an introduction to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It begins with a preface addressed to Theophilus, assuring him of the certainty of the teachings he has received through the Holy Spirit. The chapter then goes on outline the events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, shedding light the miraculous nature of their conception and the divine purpose behind both their lives. The main points of this chapter are the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, the annunciation of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and the song of Mary. These events set the stage for the fulfillment of God’s promises and prophecies from the Old Testament, and the salvation of all mankind.

I. Preface to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4)

• Luke addresses Theophilus and assures him of the certainty of the teachings he has received.
• This is somewhat like to the assurance given in 2 Peter 1:16, where Peter states that the apostles did not follow “cunningly devised fables” but were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty.
• The preface sets the tone for the rest of the Gospel, pointing out the reliability of the account.

II. Announcement of John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:5-25)

• The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah and announces the birth of John the Baptist.
• John’s birth is foretold to be a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Malachi 3:1, which speaks of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord.
• Zechariah’s disbelief and resulting muteness serve as a sign of the certainty of the angel’s message.

III. Annunciation of Jesus’ birth (Luke 1:26-38)

• The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing that she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High.
• Jesus’ birth is also a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin who will conceive and bear a son.
• Mary’s response of faith and submission stands in contrast to Zechariah’s disbelief.

IV. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

• Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
• The Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth, and she prophesies about the greatness of Mary’s child.
• Mary responds with a song of praise, known as the Magnificat, which echoes the topics of God’s faithfulness and justice found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah’s song of praise.

V. Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80)

• John the Baptist is born, and Zechariah’s speech is restored after he confirms the child’s name.
• Zechariah prophesies about John’s role in preparing the way for the Lord, as seen in Isaiah 40:3.
• The chapter ends with a note on John’s growth and getting ready for his public ministry.

Conclusion: Luke 1 gives us the foundation of the gospel of Luke by introducing key people and events that play a crucial role in the story of Jesus Christ. The chapter puts emphasis the fulfillment of prophecy, the miraculous nature of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, and the faith and submission of those who were part of the greatest event in the history of the world. This first chapter sets the stage for the rest of the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus will fulfill the promises of God and bring salvation to all who call upon His name and believe.