Studies in Luke: The Birth of Jesus (Luke 1-2)
Studies in Luke—The Birth of Jesus—Chapters 1&2
- The center of attention of all four gospel accounts is the nature and character of Jesus.
- Their purpose—”that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” & “by believing you may have life in his name” (Jn. 20:30,31)
- Luke’s purpose—”that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (1:1-4)
- They are not biographies—they focus only on what is necessary to fulfill their purpose
- Luke is the first volume of a two volume set (w/ Acts)
- In these two chapters we read of:
- Gabriel’s announcement of John’s birth (1:5-25)
- Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth (1:26-38)
- Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (1:39-56)
- The birth of John (1:57-80)
- The birth of Jesus (2:1-7)
- Birth announcement to some shepherds in a field (2:8-20)
- Jesus’ circumcision (2:21)
- Jesus presented at the temple, according to the Law (2:22-38)
- Jesus’ visit to the temple at age twelve (2:41-52)
- Note the following themes:
- The fear that characterized each divine announcement
- The birth of Christ was an occasion for great joy, hope, expec-tation, fulfillment and salvation
- Sadly, this joy, hope and salvation stand in stark contrast to “the rest of the story”—the tragic rejection of Jesus by Israel in general
- Is your relationship to Christ a story of salvation, or of tragedy?
