Luke 1

Introduction

Luke was a Greek physician and companion of the apostle Paul.

Col 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

2 Tim 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Luke never was with Jesus, unlike Matthew, Mark and John. He inquired of first hand witnesses, including the apostles and those who were with Jesus, to put together a historical account of the life and events at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

The gospels of Matthew and Mark were already written as well as historical accounts of the life of Jesus. All who were believers at this early time new the accounts of Jesus' life.

Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Luke has written an orderly account of things that were known at the time of Jesus. The letter is for Theophilus, a noble man who was a Greek believer. That you might know with certainty, those things, or a better translation, those "words," wherein you were instructed. The book of acts was also written by Luke and dedicated to Theophilus, indicating that it was a continuation of this gospel account. This gospel was for all to know of this most important time in history. History is His story. Jesus changed our calendar and changed history. All things come from him, for he is creator and re-creator. He came to restore that which was lost and separated from God. Luke writes these things from the time immediately after the events that had happened; about AD 63. They are an accurate account, unchanged by time. Luke has written this account for both Jew and Gentile believers. Jesus was the savior of all who would believe in him. The perfect man and the Son of God.

Zacharias

Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

There was in these days; Herod the great, a descendent of Esau, an Edomite. Herod was known for his building projects, including the temple in Jerusalem. He was also known for his jealous cruelty. He was king of Judaea, under the Roman rule. At this time we are introduced to a priest and his wife. Zacharias, a priest from the Aaronic division of Abia or Abijah. His wife Elizabeth, was a daughter of the descendants of Aaron. All the priests were to be descendants of Aaron, the priest and brother of Moses.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

They kept all the laws and ordinances as best as they could and were of a good reputation.

Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Beyond normal childbearing years, they had no child which was a reproach to a woman. There was no heir, to follow as a priest. Priests owned no land, their part was that of the temple duties, in serving God.

Luke 1:8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

There were so many priests, perhaps thousands, that they drew lots in order to serve. To be given the chance to burn incense on the golden altar was a once in a lifetime honor. According to the Law of Moses, incense was offered to God on the golden altar every morning and every evening (Exodus 30:7-8). By this time, there was an established ritual for the practice. Behind the altar was a thick curtain separating the holy of holies.

Luke 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

The people were praying as Zacharias placed the incense on the coals. He also was praying, for his nation and his people. Incense and prayers are mixed together. Revelation speaks of incense in heaven;

Rev 8:3 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 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Angel message

Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Maybe as Zacharias was in prayer, his eyes were closed. As he faced the golden altar of incense, to his right would be the table of showbread, and to his left would be the golden lampstand, which provided the only light for the holy place. There appeared on the right side of the altar, an angel.

Luke 1:12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Angels are not pretty women with wings or little boys, but they are glorious, and powerful an awesome sight that causes the flesh to tremble. Fear is the response of flesh in the presence of an angel of God, as with Gideon;

Judg 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
Judg 6:23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

The angel speaks of answering a prayer, but not the prayer that Zacharias prayed for his people, but a prayer that he probably had given up on receiving an answer, because the time for child bearing was past. Your prayer was heard, Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, who will be called John.

Two thoughts about this. God answers prayers in his time, we should never lose faith in this. Secondly, often when we pray for others, God will give us the answers to our own prayers.

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Wonderful joy in the birth of a son, but why would an angel announce a son, and in this holy place and time? Call his name John?

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Wow, this is no ordinary son. This sounds like a prophet, like Jeremiah?

Jer 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, 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 spirit of Elijah the prophet. He shall go before him? Who is him? He is to awaken the people and prepare them, turning them to the LORD. A ministry of repentance and turning people to the LORD. The Spirit of Elijah was described in Malachi. These last words in the old testament were coming about in this time.

Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Mal 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The LORD is coming, be prepared, this is to be why your son is born, to proclaim the LORD and to get Israel ready to meet him. There had been no hearing from God until this message from the angel. God begins to speak where he left off speaking in Malachi, hundreds of years earlier. The time had come for great miracles in Israel. John would lead the way under the power and authority of God.

Gabriel

Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

How can this be? Can you give me some proof, perhaps a sign? I know that I am too old and so is Elizabeth to conceive and bear a child. The priest was thinking with his mind and speaking his thoughts to the angel of God. When speaking to God we must speak in faith and believe, for his ways are above our ways. We want to figure everything out first, instead of just trusting him at his word. Abraham and Sarah made this same mistake when an angel spoke to them of having a son.

Gen 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

Gen 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
Gen 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Gen 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Gen 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Angels do not like it when we take God's word lightly. Sarah would have a son named Isaac, which means laughter.

Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.

The angel Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. He was the angel who came to Daniel in the old testament. He was a messenger of the very words of God, sent to speak to Zacharias, to show him good things, isn't that enough? Why a sign?

Luke 1:20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

You wanted a sign? This is your sign, you shall not speak until your son is born. Our words often betray our lack of faith. Jesus would later comment on those seeking signs.

Mark 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
Mark 8:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

They had God's presence, his messenger, but that should have been enough.

Luke 1:21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

They knew something had happened, but he remained speechless because he was not quick to hear and believe God's word. Are we speechless about sharing God's word? We should be doing this, because his word is truth. The devil has stopped many from hearing, but God's spirit is greater. We shall speak the word of faith.

Conception

Luke 1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

Zacharias was supposed to speak a priestly blessing to the crowd of people assembled. Can you imagine how he must have felt being unable to speak? Many have had this fear, of standing before a group and being unable to talk. Perhaps he wrote the blessing for another to repeat. A blessing such as this:

Num 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Luke 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
The LORD kept his word. The priests wife Elisabeth conceived, as had Sarah before her; miracle births from two who were past the age of childbearing.

Elisabeth hid herself for five months, these being the months that a pregnancy would not be obvious. Perhaps she wanted to be alone with the LORD to meditate on the things that had happened. The baby was to be named John. He was to be a prophet to his people, having the Holy Spirit, even in the womb. She had a baby and the Holy Ghost, she was blessed and no longer childless and a reproach among her people.

Jesus

Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel Gabriel, the same angel that announced the birth of John to Zacharias and Elisabeth, now comes to Elisabeth's cousin, Mary. It was the sixth month, the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy. This is important, because John would later say:

John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

The child to be born after John had an everlasting existence with God. Mary, was engaged to a man, but no relations were to occur until after one year. Both Joseph and Mary, were from the house of David the king. Through him was to come an everlasting king; this was Jesus.

Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

A frightful thing to see an angel, and this one was praising her, now that is really strange. Hail, thou that art highly favored. She was given grace as we receive grace from God. She did not give grace to others, she is not queen of heaven, no, she was a humble Jewish virgin given grace and chosen by the LORD. The LORD is with thee, he has chosen Mary for a most blessed honor. Out of all women she was chosen to bear God's son, the Messiah. She knew of the prophecy of this event.

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel means, God with us.

Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Fear not, God has found favour with you. Favour is the word charis; the grace of God. It is His grace that gives us favour. Mary of herself was not the mother of God, but grace was given to her to be the birth mother of the holy child. You shall conceive a son, named Jesus, or in Hebrew, Yeshua, which means; the LORD is salvation. Immanuel, God with us.

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Mat 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

He shall be great. There was no greater man ever born than Jesus. He did the wonders of God, spoke the words of God, and was God in the flesh. The demons knew who he was and cried out in fear of his judgement, for he would judge all things.

Mar 5:7 and crying out with a loud voice, he saith, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure thee by God, torment me not.

Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

He was born to be a king, the King of kings, to rule on earth upon the throne of David. He would rule with God the Father forever.

Dan 2:44 And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

2 Sam 7:12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
2 Sam 7:13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Jesus, the everlasting king of Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ.

Son of God

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

How shall this be that I should have a son as you said? For I have not been intimate with a man. Mary was a virgin. The normal age for a betrothal to be married at this time was thirteen or fourteen years of age. Mary was so young and inexperienced and innocent. She asked with faith and sincerity, but not as Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, who was older and skeptical, having experienced life's realities and disappointments. The same angel had made him mute until his son was born as a sign to him. The young are more willing to believe. Young people must be taught to trust God and his word before the world hardens their hearts.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

The Holy Ghost shall overshadow you, this word literally means, that a cloud will envelop you. The Shekinah glory cloud of God. The same cloud that came to Moses. We think we understand how a baby comes, but never was a baby born by the Spirit of God, only one other was so born; Adam. This baby would be conceived of the Holy Ghost, the second Adam, born of a virgin.

1 Cor 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

The angel makes mention of another miracle baby, conceived in the normal way, but of elderly parents. Her cousin Elisabeth was six months pregnant with a son; John the Baptist. Great wonders would come from these two sons and great sorrows, turned to joy. The living life giver would experience all the pain and suffering of a human and come forth victorious over the devil and the grave as the Living Son of God.

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

A beautiful scripture to memorize and to meditate on. With God, nothing is impossible. His promises he will fulfill.

Jer 32:17 Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary submits as a woman servant of the master. May it come about according to your words spoken. Mary believed the spoken word and submitted herself as an obedient servant. This is what the Lord wants from each of us, to be willing servants, believing and obeying his word. Then we shall also say, with God nothing is impossible.

Leaped for Joy

Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Luke 1:40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

In the days following the angels announcing that she would be with child, by the Holy Spirit. It was then the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy with John, the Baptist. The child, John, leaped within the womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

A reaction shared from John to his mother, a quickening of the Holy Ghost. The babe leaped in the presence of Jesus, within Mary. This was their first meeting. The Holy Ghost spoke through Elisabeth.

Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

The Holy Ghost is the way we hear from and speak the word of God. Note that it was the mother of John speaking, for her husband was speechless until her baby should be born. The angel giving him this sign, for he required a sign because of unbelief.

Luke 1:43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

How did Elisabeth know that Mary was to be the mother of her Lord? The Holy Spirit revealed to her the presence of the baby in Mary’s womb.

Later, Jesus would speak to us of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

: John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Luke 1:45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Elisabeth prophesies a blessing to Mary, through the Holy Ghost. Believe Mary, for God will perform what he has promised. This is for us to remember, keep believing, for God's word is true. If we do what he requests of us, he is faithful to perform his promises to us.

Mary's Praise Song

Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Mary sings praises to God. Magnifying the LORD, rejoicing in God her saviour, for he has regarded her low estate. Mary was not claiming to be mother of God, or Queen of heaven. She looked to God for salvation and considered herself to be a humble person. But, by the grace of God she was highly favored to be chosen to be the birth mother of Jesus.

Her words were as Hannah before her. As she committed Samuel to the Lord, in 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Luke 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Luke 1:51 He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Luke 1:55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

She magnified the LORD, giving him glory. As Elisabeth had spoken by the Holy Ghost, so does Mary. These things were not the words of a young woman so much as the inspired word of God. God would bless this humble young woman who trusted in his words.

Luke 1:56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Mary probably stayed with Elisabeth until the time that her baby was delivered and then returned to her home in Nazareth of Galilee. From there she and Joseph would travel to Bethlehem where the child of God would be born.

John is Born

Luke 1:57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

Elisabeth and Zacharias received grace for they were beyond the age of childbearing. This was a miracle of God brought forth as the angel Gabriel had spoken.

Luke 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

It was the law that all male children of Israel were to have this done on the eighth day, it was the sign of the covenant of the old testament, the law of Moses. They would perform this work even if it was upon the sabbath, when no work was to be done. Jesus later used this example to show his accusers how they were wrong in accusing him when he healed a man on the sabbath.

John 7:23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Luke 1:60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
Luke 1:61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

The baby was to be named John, because the angel had said that he should be named this name. The angels of God are his messengers.

Luke 1:62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

They thought maybe Elisabeth was out of her mind, so they wanted the father to say what the name should be. The father had been unable to speak after the angel silenced him, because of unbelief.

Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

As the angel had told him, he would be mute until after the child should be born. His first words were to praise God. Our first words each morning should be to praise our LORD.

Psa 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
Psa 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Luke 1:65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

The temple in Jerusalem was in Judaea, upon a hill.

Psa 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
Psa 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psa 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Psa 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Luke 1:66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

The people knew that all these things were by the will of God. The fear of God and the wonder of God filled their hearts. What does this miracle son mean, what is God's purpose in this? The mute father speaks praises and the child is named John. What does this mean? God was with this Spirit filled son; John the Baptist was born.

Zacharias Prophecy

Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

Prophecy is not of man or a school of learning, it is a direct communication from God through the Holy Spirit. The word's are not clever thoughts of a man, often the prophet has no recollection of what was said. The message is meant for those who are able to hear. This was a prophecy to show the ministry Jesus and of John. John would begin his ministry at the age of thirty and would only speak for one year. Imagine being born for a purpose and that lasting only one year? Would you not prepare for such a ministry? We also should prepare and hear from God for our calling of God. We do not know how much time we may have. Jesus could come back today.

Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

The prophecy begins speaking of the redeemer. Jesus is the redeemer. The prophecy begins with the announcement of the savior. John was to call people to repentance, Jesus came to save them from their sins. This was the first prophetic word since Malachi ended his prophecy 400 years before.

Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

The horn refers to one of strength, one with the power to save his people from their sins, from the house and blood line of David the King.

Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Luke 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Luke 1:72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Luke 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Luke 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

The prophecies were of a coming eternal king from the house of David, who would bring grace and mercy, salvation and peace. A King who would defeat satan and our enemies and bring righteousness to his people. Jesus would do this because it was his purpose for coming, to shed his blood for our sins and to rise up in glory, bringing a people to his Father, God almighty.

Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

The father of John speaks of the ministry of his son John. He shall be a prophet of God, going to prepare hearts for the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one, the Lord Jesus Christ. The last prophecy of Malachi spoke of his coming.

Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Mal 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

John would prepare people to meet Jesus, who would remove their sins.

Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

God's mercy sent Jesus to us, the dayspring from heaven; the son rising from the East. The light of the world is coming. Jesus is the light

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Jesus would come to bring light and truth to darkened hearts, and to guide our feet into the way of peace, how beautiful. The prophecy begins with Jesus and ends with Jesus.

Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.

John grew and became strong in spirit. His home was in the open desert wilderness. There he lived close to the land, separated from the worlds pleasures and sins. In the desert he studied the scriptures and prayed to God.

Luke Chapters

Luke 1
Luke 2
Luke 3
Luke 4
Luke 5
Luke 6
Luke 7
Luke 8
Luke 9
Luke 10
Luke 11
Luke 12
Luke 13
Luke 14
Luke 15
Luke 16
Luke 17
Luke 18
Luke 19
Luke 20
Luke 21
Luke 22
Luke 23
Luke 24

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