LUKE CHAPTER ONE

Luke 1:1-4 1:1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 1. Written by Dr. Luke to Theophilus between AD 60-70 2. He wanted Theo to know certainly about what has been taught Jesus 3. He did not want him to blindly follow others 4. Luke did a thorough research a. He collected evidence from others b. He had the eye witnesses 5. Lukes burden for the salvation of one man 6. The time and effort his gave to do the research about Jesus 7. Luke never imagined the book he wrote will have such an influence 8. Theo may have been a high official in the government but Luke did not hesitate to share the Gospel with him 9. Luke prepared himself according to the need of Theo 10. Theo becomes a Christian by the time Luke wrote Acts 11. Compare the he addressed in Luke and then in Acts Luke 1:3 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus Acts 1:1-2 1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach

Our challenge 1. Do we have a burden to share the gospel with somebody? 2. Do we do it haphazardly or with real concern? 3. How do we plan to share Jesus with other people?

LUKES INTRODUCTION He quotes History as well as geography He wanted Theo to know that what took place is well documented and did not happen in a hidden corner He wanted to be specific by talking about Herod and the locations He did not fear to talk about the supernatural, in fact the gospel is supernatural He showed Theo how a person could respond positively or negatively Johns birth announced to Zachariah Luke 1:5-7 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

a. Zach and Elizabeth were upright, keeping the commands and blameless God saw them as blameless They were good honourable people b. BUT they didnt have children They were supposed to be blessed because their walk with God BUT they were not Fruitfulness is expected if you are walking with God

If it does not happen we are not to be angry with God All things work together for our good Rom 8:28 Learn to lean on the sovereign hand of God Even if the time seems to have passed

God controls all details Luke 1:8-10 8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

a. God pre-ordered Zach coming to offer incense b. God controls our minute details c. It was a divine appointment d. Always be ready for God to meet you

Burning of incense and worship Luke 1:11-14 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. (from New International Version) Dan 9:20-22 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.

a. God sends his Angel while Zach was offering incense and worshipping b. Worship releases the presence of the Lord c. God releases His Angels to minister speak d. Offering of praise and worship opens a barren wombs prison doors

Isa 54:1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. Acts 16 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose Angelic Visitation a. Angels have names Gabriel, Michael c. His duty bringing the good news e. Appeared while offering prayer, praise f. Normal human response to angelic appearance fear

Prayer had been answered a. Delay does not mean denial b. Sovereignty of God does not mean, doing nothing c. The Lords prayer, Jesus wanted us to pray Let your kingdom, let your will be done

How not to talk to an angel Luke 1:18 18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." Luke 1:20 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." (from New International Version) a. Well trained mature priest but did not believe in the greatness of God b. He was blameless but could not trust God c. He preached about Abraham and but couldnt believe Abes God was still in control d He was preaching but did not practice e. He prayed but did not believe that God will answer f. His eyes were on the natural and not on God g. If you are teaching, then you are responsible James 3:1 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

b. Reason for mentioning Johns birth 1. The similarities of the two births Both are announced by angel Gabriel

Both were afraid and questioned Both were miraculous Elizabeth Beyond the age of conception Mary a virgin Names were given by the Angel Both were relatives b. Contrasts Zach A man - A priest in the temple well known Mary A young woman unknown Elizabeth An old sterile woman Mary A young virgin Their response Zach went out dumb Mary let it be according to your word

c. Luke wanted Theo to be like Mary just listen believe Dont be like John who keep asking for signs Zach asks the Angel Luke 1:18 18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

Luke was writing to prove the fact of Jesus. But he was not supposed to go beyond the limits Zach had the opportunity be like Abraham but he doubted Be like Mary - be according to your word With God nothing is impossible

d. God is sovereign a. He governs history and he does what he wants b. He can make a barren womb live again c. He can cause a virgin to have a baby

Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. God sent the Angel Gabriel to Nazareth a town in Galilee a. The Angel who is before Gods throne Luke 1:19-20 19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." a. He greets her a. Greeting Hail, peace, rejoice

b. You are highly favoured Dan 9:23 3 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. a. Gods grace is upon you b. Accepted in the Beloved Eph 1:6 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

The Lord is with you Immanuel The presence of God is with you 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Angelic appearances are frightening d. His appearance terrifies Zechariah Luke 1:12-13 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. Daniel Dan 8:16-17 16 And I heard a man's voice from the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision." 17 As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. a. Angels have often said Do not be afraid

b. You have found favour with God 1. She was privileged to bear the son of God in her womb 2. She was favoured to rear the savior of the world 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.