Luke 1

Luke 1 serves as an introduction to the Gospel of Luke and presents the circumstances surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. It begins with a formal dedication to Theophilus, explaining Luke’s intention to provide an orderly account. The chapter then moves to the miraculous announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple advanced in years and childless. Following this, the angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary, a virgin in Nazareth. The chapter concludes with Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, Mary’s song of praise (the Magnificat), John’s birth, and Zechariah’s prophecy. Luke 1 emphasizes God’s plan, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.

Luke 1:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,
3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Luke opens his gospel by explaining his purpose: to provide a careful, reliable account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. By addressing Theophilus, a name meaning “lover of God,” Luke demonstrates his intent to build faith in his readers. Luke’s thorough investigation and organization of events aim to reassure believers and give them confidence in the teachings of Jesus, drawing from eyewitness accounts and experiences.

Luke 1:5-7 (NKJV)
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

Zechariah and Elizabeth are introduced as a devout couple, both from priestly lineage, living righteously before God. Despite their faithfulness, they face the sorrow of childlessness, which was often viewed as a reproach in their society. Their advanced age makes the hope of bearing children seem impossible, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention that would demonstrate God’s power and favor.

Luke 1:8-10 (NKJV)
8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

During a time of prayer, Zechariah is chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense, a significant honor for a priest. This act symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God, and the gathered multitude outside emphasizes the communal nature of worship. This scene highlights the spiritual readiness of the people, setting the moment for a divine message to Zechariah that will soon unfold.

Luke 1:11-17 (NKJV)
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘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.”

The angel Gabriel’s message to Zechariah is both surprising and transformative. Gabriel reveals that Zechariah and Elizabeth’s long-standing prayer for a child will be answered, and they will have a son named John. This child, filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, will prepare the way for the Lord, bringing a message of repentance and reconciliation. His life and ministry will mirror that of Elijah, drawing the people back to God.

Luke 1:18-20 (NKJV)
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

Zechariah’s response reflects his disbelief due to his and Elizabeth’s age, prompting Gabriel to impose a temporary muteness on him as a sign. Gabriel’s identity as a messenger of God underscores the authority of the message and serves as a reminder of the importance of faith. Zechariah’s silence becomes a visible sign of God’s power and the truth of the angel’s words.

Luke 1:21-25 (NKJV)
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.
22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,
25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Zechariah’s silence and gestures confirm to the people that he encountered a divine vision, fueling wonder and anticipation. Elizabeth’s subsequent conception validates Gabriel’s promise, and her self-imposed seclusion reflects her gratitude and reverence. She rejoices over God’s intervention, viewing the pregnancy as a removal of her “reproach” of childlessness, a deeply personal and cultural restoration.

Luke 1:26-33 (NKJV)
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, a humble young woman from Nazareth, emphasizes God’s grace in choosing an unlikely person for a pivotal role in salvation history. Mary is informed that she is chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus, who will inherit David’s throne and rule eternally. This announcement highlights Jesus’ divine and royal identity, fulfilling the promises made to David and the prophetic vision of an everlasting kingdom.

Luke 1:34-38 (NKJV)
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary’s question shows her innocence and curiosity about how she, a virgin, can conceive. Gabriel explains that this conception will be a divine act, a miracle performed by the Holy Spirit. He also shares the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, reinforcing the message that God can overcome natural limitations. Mary’s response of humble acceptance reflects her faith and submission to God’s will, setting an example of trust and obedience.

Luke 1:39-45 (NKJV)
39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth results in a Spirit-filled recognition of Jesus’ significance. Elizabeth’s unborn child, John, responds to Mary’s arrival, signaling the joyful anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, acknowledges Mary’s faith and the divine identity of her child, proclaiming blessings over her. This moment of mutual affirmation between the two women highlights God’s work in both their lives and the special role of their sons.

Luke 1:46-55 (NKJV)
46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, expresses her deep gratitude and praise to God. She acknowledges His mercy and power, marveling at how He has chosen someone of humble status for a great purpose. The song reflects God’s reversal of human expectations—lifting the humble and satisfying the hungry. Mary’s words connect her experience to God’s covenant promises to Abraham and Israel, seeing her role as part of His ongoing salvation plan.

Luke 1:56-66 (NKJV)
56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.
58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.
60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”
61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”
62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.
65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Elizabeth’s childbirth is celebrated by her community, and the unusual choice of the name “John,” confirmed by Zechariah, underscores God’s intervention. When Zechariah’s speech is restored, he praises God, signifying the fulfillment of the angel’s words. The people are filled with awe and wonder, sensing that John’s life has a special purpose and that God’s hand is upon him. This sets the stage for John’s future role as a prophet preparing the way for Jesus.

Luke 1:67-75 (NKJV)
67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,
71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us,
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.”

Zechariah’s prophecy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, celebrates God’s redemption of Israel and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. He acknowledges that John’s birth signals the coming of salvation through the “horn of salvation” from the line of David. Zechariah sees this deliverance as God’s faithfulness to His promises, allowing His people to serve Him freely and righteously. His words reflect the hope for national and spiritual deliverance that Jesus’ arrival will bring.

Luke 1:76-80 (NKJV)
76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Zechariah prophesies specifically about John’s role as the forerunner of the Lord, calling him a prophet who will prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. John’s mission will focus on bringing knowledge of salvation and forgiveness, revealing God’s mercy. The imagery of light and peace symbolizes the arrival of Jesus, the “Dayspring,” who will bring spiritual illumination and guidance. John’s growth and preparation in the wilderness highlight his calling and readiness for ministry.