BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 6

The Forerunner Has Come

Luke 3:1-18

There are two subjects that have interested me over the years.  I have been fascinated by the whole idea of motivation.  The other has been Christian History.  To me these two are related in many ways.  Because of the great suffering and struggles that so many Christians have endured from the first century on, one has to wonder why men and women were motivated to follow Christ knowing what might happen to them.  Of course I have come to the conclusion that Christ is more important than life itself.

Some of the men whom I have admired include:

• Polycarp an early Christian who was burned at the stake for his faith.  He had an opportunity to renounce his faith to save himself but refused to do so, choosing death instead.
• William Tyndale an early translator of the Bible into English was strangled to death because his version was not authorized by the Church.  It is interesting that the King James Version was based on much of the work by Tyndale.
• John and Charles Wesley were not permitted to preach in the churches in England but drew great crowds in the open air.
• John Bunyan spent thirteen years of his life in prison for his preaching.
• John Weatherford was jailed in Chesterfield County because he was not recognized by the Anglican Church.  Patrick Henry actually defended him in court.
• Jonathan Edwards, one of the men instrumental in the Great Awakening in the 1700’s was dismissed from the church where he was Pastor because he proclaimed that church membership did not equate to salvation.  One must be saved by the grace of Christ.

There are so many others who were driven by their commitment to Christ.  They were willing to suffer whatever man could do to them for His sake. It is easy to read about the dedication of these men and women but I have to decide if their example resonates in my life that I would be willing to follow in their footsteps.  Only time and situations will provide the complete answer.  I hope and pray that I am up to any challenge that may come my way.

Today we see a proliferation of books available criticizing Christianity and touting the Humanistic philosophy.  Writers like Richard Dawkins and other atheists not only promote their ideas but try in every way to keep others from believing in Christ.

The church has the responsibility to preach and teach the gospel.  We see all around us groups that are popular because they tell people what they want to hear. In reality what most of us are searching for is the truth.  Individuals who do not compromise can expect to be ridiculed by those opposed to God’s word being proclaimed to all people. Like John the Baptist understood his role, we too are called to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Messiah who will transform their lives.  Who knows if the next great preacher may be sitting in a Bible Study or the worship service today.  Hopefully they will hear from our lips the true message of the gospel. John spoke to the hearts of his people with a message of repentance ours is one of salvation through grace.

When we last spoke of John he was but an infant.  Today we will see what became of that child.

Luke 3:1-2

Once again Luke, the historian, gives the setting and timing of the coming of John into prominence.  He wrote about those in power in the day when John began to preach.  He spoke of

• Tiberius Caesar who was in the fifteenth year of his rule as Caesar.  The year would be either 24 AD or 30 AD depending once again on the calendar used.
• Pontius Pilate who would be in power until 36 AD until he was recalled by Rome.
• Four puppet kings who were descendants of Herod the Great are mentioned, Herod Antipas who was king over Galilee; Philip, king over Iturea and Trachonitis and Lysanias, king over Abilene.
• Annas and Caiaphas who were considered high priests.  Caiaphas was actually the high priest but his father Annas was really the power behind the position.  These men were of the party of the Sadducees and were appointed by the Romans.

John the Baptist did not choose the timing for his appearance on the pages of history.  God called him while he was living in the desert. (See Luke 1:80)  He had chosen a monastic lifestyle as opposed to the living as a priest.

1. Why did Luke give the names of the men in power at the time of John the Baptist?  (It was important for believers to understand the political environment into which he came with his message)
2. What did each of these men represent? (Political and religious power)
3. How did John know that the time was right for him to appear on the scene?
4. Where had he been all those years?
5. What kind of lifestyle had he rejected? (The formal priesthood of his father)

Luke 3:3

Even as he began his ministry he did not go into any of the main cities of Galilee or Judea but remained in the area around the Jordan River. The Apostle John states that it was in Bethany beyond the Jordan which would have put John the Baptist’s ministry east of the Jordan. (See John 1:28)  This would be another example of his separation from the traditions of the religious leaders of that day.  His message was about a baptism of repentance.  The Jews did not believe that it was necessary for them to be baptized because they were the chosen people who were assured of salvation because of their status.  Baptism was for proselytes, people who were not Jews but chose to become one, who came into the faith.  John saw no distinction between Jew and Gentile.  In his mind each person needed to genuinely repent of their sins and be baptized.

1. Why did John the Baptist remain outside the main cities like Jerusalem when he began his ministry?
2. In what ways did he break with tradition?
3. What did he preach that was different than what the people had been used to hearing?
4. Why did John believe there was no distinction between Jew and Gentile?

Luke 3:4-6

Luke saw John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Isaiah 40:3-5.  His role was to be one to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah and the mind of Isaiah the true king of Israel.  The picture that is painted here is the preparation of the landscape to make sure the arrival of the king would be without any problems. Whatever debris or holes found along the road, that would slow the progress of the king, must be cleared. Although Luke does not indicate that the words were spoken by John the Apostle John does. (See John 1:23)

1. What did Luke believe about John the Baptist?
2. What does Isaiah say about the role that John was to play?
3. What picture does the verses in Isaiah paint for us?
4. Why did the Apostle John indicate that John the Baptist spoke these words and Luke did not?  (In John, John the Baptist was answering questions from those sent from Jerusalem and wanted to downplay his position.)        
5. What are some the obstacles we face that must be cleared from our lives before the Messiah can come?

Luke 3:7

Although Luke referred to everyone who came to John the Baptist as “a brood of vipers,” Matthew reserved this condemnation for the Pharisees and Sadducees who showed up to be baptized. (See Matthew 3:7)  The religious leaders showed up out of curiosity and animosity.  They were angry because John was including them in with those who needed forgiveness. 

The question John then asked could mean two things.  When speaking of the religious leaders he may have been speaking of the poisonous influence they had with the people.  If he spoke of everyone, they all were all fleeing from the judgment they were to face because of their sin.  The question was really a rhetorical one.  He knew they had all heard about the message he was preaching.

1. Why did Luke speak of all the people while Matthew referred only to the religious leaders when speaking of being offspring of vipers?
2. Why did the Sadducees and Pharisees come out to John?
3. Why would he speak more harshly to the religious leaders?
4. What are the actions of snakes when face with the flame of judgment?
5. Why would he as the question about the warning? (They had all heard what he was preaching.)

Luke 3:8

John stated that there should be an obvious change in the way one lives as a result of his or her repentance.  They could not count on the fact that they were descendants of Abraham to keep them from the judgment to come.  To point out their desperate situation he pointed that God could produce all the descendants He desired out of the rocks that were scattered on the ground.  The self-importance they felt meant nothing to God.

1. What should be the result of one who has repented of their sins?
2. Why could they not count on being descendants of Abraham?
3. What satirical remark did John make primarily to the religious leaders?
4. How often does pride get in the way of what God wants to do in your life?

Luke 3:9

The Day of Judgment was on the horizon.  All who did not repent and bear fruit as evidence of a changed life would face the consequences of their sin. The judgment would not come by way of John.  He was there to prepare the way for Jesus.  It would be as a result of the acceptance or rejection of Him.

1. What did John mean by the “axe”?
2. What part did John play in the judgment?
3. Who would bring the judgment?
4. How did John know that it was coming?

Luke 3:10-14

Three different groups came to John for answers to life’s situations.  They wanted to know how to live in a way that they were bearing the fruit he talked about.  Notice there is nothing about salvation in any of the commands from John. The people wanted to know what to do.  He said to

• The crowd- They should share clothing and food with those who had nothing.
• Tax Collectors – They were to be honest in their dealings with the people.
• Soldiers – Do not oppress the people or take money from them or make false accusations. They were to be satisfied with what they were being paid.

 

1. Why were the people seeking clarity in the teachings of John?
2. What did the diversity of the people who came to John show about his preaching?
3. What was the common factor?
4.  Why could the message to them not be considered the gospel? (It was more of the works oriented mindset so prevalent in the Jewish religion and other religions today. It has even spilled over into some groups who call themselves Christian, but teach a doctrine of receiving want you desire based on what you do.)
5. What did the teaching of John achieve? (Focusing on others instead of self, which was different from that of the religious leaders of the day who did everything to draw attention to themselves.)

Luke 3:15-18

It is understandable, that for someone like John to come on the scene after four hundred years of silence on God’s part, people would begin to wonder who he was.  There were those who speculated that he might even be long awaited the Messiah. John very quickly dispelled those thoughts.  He explained the difference between what he was doing as the forerunner and what the Christ to come would do.  The preparation work he was to do was all about repentance and baptism with water and no more. 

He spoke of the One to come in the following way. In the mind of John He was:

• To be mightier than John to the extent that he was not fit to even untie the Messiah’s sandals.
• To baptize not with water but with the Holy Spirit and fire. This occurred at Pentecost.
• The One who has the power and authority to bring judgment on those who rejected Him and salvation to those who accepted Him as their Savior.

With encouraging words he spoke of the good news of the one to come.  John knew his role and he was never deterred from fulfilling it even when receiving praise from completing the task.

1. Why was there speculation that John might be the Messiah?  (He came on the scene as a spokesman for God after four hundred years of silence.)
2. How often do we get caught up in the words of a charismatic speaker or politician etc. and believe that they can accomplish great things? Name some individuals who have impacted your life. 
3. What was your reaction when you found out they could not deliver.
4. How was John different from most self-proclaimed experts?
5. To whom did he point?
6. What did he say about the true Messiah who was to come?
7. Why were these final words good news?

Luke 3:19

The political correctness police operated even in those days.  John made the fatal mistake of criticizing Herod Antipas for his act of immorality. Herod had stolen the wife of Philip, his brother, and took her as his own wife. Luke indicates that Herod had also committed other evil acts.  Eventually, to shut John up he had him arrested and put into a dungeon cell.

1. How much like what occurs today were the actions of Herod?
2. What was it that got John into trouble?
3. Why was Herod offended by what John was saying? (He knew John was right but did not want to deal with the guilt of what he had done.)
4. How did he think throwing John into prison was going to help the situation?  (One thing he would not have the ongoing reminders from John for what he had done.)

 

• Take care that people mislead you with false promises and ideas.
• Look out for others and help them in their time of need.
• Exam yourself to see if there is any pride or other sin operating in your life for which you need to be forgiven.
• Ask for forgiveness if there is a need.
• Always be of the mindset to point others to Jesus and not yourself.

We probably do not think about it very much but God has allowed us to be here at this particular time and place.  The location of a church like ours and the people in it are not where we are by accident.  We did not choose the place or time but brought us together for a purpose.  The privilege we have is to share the good news using all of our gifts and abilities in the community in which the church is located. 

We have to realize that it is His work we are about and it cannot be done without the empowering of the Holy Spirit. It is the work to glorify God and be His presence among the people to which He has called us to serve.  John’s advice to those who came to him fits our role perfectly.  First we are to point people to Jesus. Secondly, we are to serve unselfishly in meeting the needs of others.  Nothing that is done is to be for our own glory but always that the name of Jesus is front and center in all of our ministries.

Additional Notes:

M-Responds to the call of God as shown to him from His Word. Understands that the call is to carry out the purpose that God has for his life.  The call is individual. The will of God is also for the individual, even though it may very well affect many others. (Luke 3:3-6, 16)

 M-John the Baptist was motivated by the fact that he was fulfilling in his life what God had called him to be and do. (Luke 3:3-6)

GC-A follower of Christ is to share what he has. (Luke 3:11; 6:30)

GC-Honest (Luke 3:13)

GC-Content with what we have (Luke 3:14)

GC-Does not make false accusations (Luke 3:14)

RT-When we understand the reality of baptism, man can only take part in the outward sign of the decision by being immersed in the water.  It is God who changes the heart of man and brings about a baptism that takes place internally through the work of the Holy Spirit. This change of heart brings about a new attitude and altered behavior as he strives to serve Christ. (Luke 3:16)

GC-Exhorts others with the teaching and preaching of the gospel (Luke 3:18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 5

Into Manhood

Luke 2:41-52

Ever since I was a young person, I have had a sense of need to be in Church. There have been times when it was not possible to attend somewhere, because of circumstances beyond my control.  Two of my favorite Scriptures that speak to the importance of being in God’s house are found in Psalm 84:10 and Hebrews 10:24-25. The Psalmist tells us that, “A day in Your (God’s) courts is better than a thousand outside.  I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (the world). Over in Hebrews we are told, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembly together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  To me it means that I am to give top priority to being in the place where I can find joy, fellowship and understanding of God’s purpose for my life.  It saddens me to see the lackadaisical attitude that so many of us take toward gathering together and hearing God’s word.

Jesus gave the church the command, “Go, (As you are going) therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and he Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matt, 28:19-20) The advice Paul gave to Timothy truly applies to the whole church.  We are to know that, “That all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

We must understand that none of the above will take place without committed followers of Christ.  It is so important that we who have been in the church for a while set the example for those who come after us.  The church will not prevail against the gates of hell with men and women of deep convictions.  Jesus set the example for us as we shall see in today’s lesson.

Luke 2:41-42

It had been the practice of Jesus’ parents to go up to the Feast of the Passover every year. The words of Luke again showed that Joseph and Mary were devout believers who kept the Law of Moses. Jesus would follow in the tradition of His people.

 There were two other feasts that all the men of Israel were required to attend.  They were the Feast of Weeks celebrated beginning the fiftieth day after Passover for one week.  This corresponds to the Feast of Pentecost in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:1)  The other was held at the end of the harvest season in the fall as was named the Feast of Booths.  For each of these feasts sacrifices and offerings had to be made.  The only place that animals could be sacrificed was at the Temple.

Just as a refresher the Feast of the Passover had been established in the time of Moses. On the last night the Israelites were in Egypt, they put the blood of a lamb on around the door of their houses.  When the angel of death saw the blood he passed over those houses leaving the first born son alive.  Of course the Egyptians had not received that command and the first born in every family, including the animals, died.  Pharaoh then ordered Moses and all of the Israelites to leave. Since they had to leave in haste they did not have time to have bread rise and so they ate unleavened bread.  The Feast of the unleavened bread was then celebrated for the week following the Passover.

Evidently Jesus had not attended the feast with his parents before or been to Jerusalem since He was an infant.  When He turned twelve He made his first trip to Jerusalem.  At that age a young boy entered into manhood and would begin taking on the responsibilities of learning a trade.  Even the rabbis in the time of Christ would have a trade, for example Paul was a tentmaker. Although every Jewish boy learned the Old Testament early in his life, between the ages of ten and fifteen he would also be taught the Mishna or oral traditions of his people. When he reached the age of fifteen he would continue his education under the guidance of the rabbis in the synagogue school. Some of the brightest students might even be selected to become rabbis.  Today young Jewish boys participate in the ceremony of Bar-Mitzvah at the age of twelve.  Bar-Mitzvah means son of the law.  This would have been the same for Jesus as a Son of the law which He came to fulfill.

1. Why did Joseph and Mary go up to Jerusalem every year?
2. What would have been other occasions for them to go?
3. What does this tell us about their faith?
4. What happened on the night of the Passover?
5. Why had Jesus not gone up to Jerusalem before this time? (He was not yet considered a man which would take place when He was twelve?
6. What does the word Bar-Mitzvah mean? 
7. How did they apply to Jesus?  (He was born under the Law that He might fulfill the requirements of the Law.)

Luke 2:43-44

When the seven days of the feast were completed, the Mary and Joseph set out for the trip home.  They did not realize that Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem. Until the first day was coming to a close did they did not have any reason to worry.  Since the men and women travelled separately during the day each may have thought that Jesus was with the other parent or with all the other young people His age.  At the end of the day they began looking for Him. 

1. How long did the feast last?
2. Why would they have missed Jesus?
3. Why were they not together? (The women travelled slower and set out first.)
4. What has been your reaction if you have ever lost someone in a store or other places?
5. Why would they have not worried about His absence during the day?  (He would have been with people returning to Nazareth who He would know.)

Luke 2:45-47

Not finding Him among the caravan of relatives and acquaintances they travelled back to Jerusalem.  They would probably have waited until the following morning to make the trip because of the danger along the way. (See the story of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37) It took a day to get back to the city.  On the third day they found Him sitting among the teachers in Temple listening and asking questions. Those who heard Him were amazed at the wisdom of such a young man.  Since this is the only time that this incident was written about there is no way to know exactly what Jesus wanted to know.

1. Why did it take them so long to find Jesus? (Travel time and the size of the city.)
2. Why did they not think to go to the Temple as soon as they arrived?
3. What kind of questions do you think Jesus was asking?
4. Why did Luke not tell us what the discussion was all about? (His eyewitnesses were not privy to the conversation.  Mary and Joseph were not there to hear what was being said.)
5. Why would the teachers have been amazed? (Possibly they did not expect someone so young to have such wisdom.)

Luke 2:48

When Mary and Joseph found Him in the Temple they were also astonished.  No one would have expected to find a twelve year old having dialogue, if it may be said, on an equal basis with the learned men of His day.  Like all parents their reaction would of course be one of relief but also exasperation that they had been put through such an ordeal. Notice they had forgotten over the years all that had happened.  They got so use to Him being the perfect child and in a way just took it for granted that was what He was meant to be.

1. Why were Mary and Joseph just as astonished as the teachers? (They had forgotten in the moment the events that had occurred years earlier.
2.  What was amazing about the things that Jesus was saying to the teachers?
3. In what ways do we reach a point that we take people for granted?

Luke 2:49

The response of Jesus had two parts to it.  First, He seemed surprised that they would have to look for Him. As far as He was concerned it should have been obvious that He would be in the Temple. His answer would clear up the matter of who His true father was.  Although Joseph was the man who had raised Him and was considered by all to be His father, both Mary and Joseph should have remembered that Jesus was the Son of His Father in heaven.

Somewhere along the way, Jesus began to understand His purpose for being on earth. He was to serve Him and ultimately bring salvation to all mankind.  Simeon had made it clear to Mary what eventually would happen to her Son.  The words clearly stated that He believed that He must be in His Father’s house. It was the place where God had told Solomon His presence would be.  Naturally, Jesus would feel at home in the presence of His Father. 

In no way should it be seen that Jesus was discourteous and disrespectful to Mary and Joseph. It was not in His nature to be condescending.  He was only stating facts to them.

1. Why would Jesus say He had to be about His Father’s business? (He understood the special relationship with God and the call upon His life even at the age of twelve.)
2. Why did He address Mary and Joseph as He did? (He knew who His true Father was.)
3. Why was it important for Him to be in His Father’s house? (It was the place where God’s presence was believed to be on the earth.)
4. What did Mary and Joseph learn that day? (That in a way Jesus was no longer their little boy but had become a man with a purpose that they could not understand or of which they could have any part.)
5. Why is it important for us to be in God’s house?

Luke 2:50-51

After the events in the Temple, Jesus returned back to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph.  He continued to show respect for them.  Like all other children he obeyed them and submitted to their authority in His life for the next eighteen years.

1. How did Jesus treat Mary and Joseph after His trip to Jerusalem?
2. In what ways did He behave as all other children?
3. What does this say about Him? (He continued to live a sinless life)

Luke 2:52

Luke spoke of the life Jesus lived for the next eighteen years. Although he had displayed a great deal of wisdom in the midst of the teachers, the years that followed only added to that wisdom.  If, as it is believed, Joseph died before Jesus was grown, He would, as the first born, been called on to take over the responsibility of providing for the family.  He would have learned a great deal about people and hard work during that time.

Secondly, it said that He grew in stature.  Although He was declared a man at the feast of the Passover, over the years He grew physically into manhood.  The type of work He did would have made Him strong in body.

Finally, from what has been written and understood about His character and the way He treated people He would have been liked by one and all.  He was not at the point where He would confront the religious leaders and others that would cause men to turn against Him and ultimately send Him to the cross. More importantly, His understanding of His Father would also have increased because of the wisdom He was gaining.  God would have been laying out for Jesus piece by piece His future plans for His Son.

1. What need did the Son of God have to grow in wisdom?
2. What would have been some of the things that would have brought above the wisdom of which Luke wrote? (Facing life’s situations and learning from them will produce wisdom.)
3. What are some of the events in your life that have helped you to become wiser?
4. What qualities would Jesus have possessed that cause people to like Him when He was young?
5. What qualities do you possess that helps others to like you?
6. What can you do about any lack of those qualities?

 

• You can learn to live a better quality Christian life from the example of Jesus and His family as they took their faith seriously.
• To grow spiritually it is important to be in God’s word daily as evidenced by the knowledge Jesus had.
• Making a commitment to being presence in God’s house where Worshipping, learning, finding encouragement and fellowship are primary ingredients in transforming your life to become more Christ-like.
• Goals for you are to grow in wisdom and in favor with God and man.

Inconsistency permeates our whole society today.  Young people see that our actions do not match up with what we say we believe. On the one hand, the church maintains that God’s word is our guideline for living. Survey after survey, however tell a different story.  Their findings show that for the most part Americans are biblical illiterates. We cry out that young people are leaving the church in droves but our own attendance, for many, is sporadic with even committed attendees at the church about half to two thirds of the Sundays in the year.  The picture that we get from the early life of Jesus was the importance that God played not only in His life but also that of His parents.  He wanted answers to important questions and the place to find them were with God’s people. Hopefully, Christ’s example will once again create a fervor in us to follow His example.

 

 

Lesson 4

A Childhood in the Likeness of God

Luke 2:21-40

As strange as it may seem some of my fondnest memories of growing up are related to the church.  Two events stand out for me.  The first was my baptism at the age of nine.  My cousin and I went forward on the same Sunday.  Although I did not understand everything that it meant, I did know for certain that I belonged to Jesus.  I am not sure at that moment a whole lot changed in my life.  Even though I was saved the process of working out what salvation meant for me is still going on.  I can very well relate to Paul’s words in Philippians when he said, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil. (2:13) Whereas Jesus was perfect before His circumcision and dedication, I certainly am not.  His grace therefore is of upmost importance in my life.

The second event was my confirmation into the Episcopal Church.  Here again I was too young to understand the full implication of what that ceremony meant.  As I write this lesson it has dawned on me that it was really the beginning of service to Christ.  He had drawn me to Himself at the time of baptism and then He was allowing me to begin a life of service even in the simplest ways.  It was during that time that He began to indicate to me the love of teaching and learning.  It would be many years before either of these would come to fruition but in those early days of my faith God was already at work.

Southern Baptist churches only have two ordinances that are to be practiced.  Neither are binding on the person as was the rituals that we shall look at today.  We perform baptism as a witness to what has already occurred in a person’s life.  The act of submerging a person under the water does not save him or her.  Only the turning over of one’s life to Jesus will bring about salvation.  The second also does not have anything to do with eternal, but is a visual reminder of the work that Christ did on the cross.  He gave us the command to eat the bread and drink the juice as so that we would remember the giving of His body and the shedding of His blood for us. 

Luke 2:21

According to Jewish tradition, which dated back to the covenant given to Abraham, every male child was to be circumcised on the eight day of his life. (See Genesis 17:10-12)  This was also codified into the Levitical law in Leviticus 12:3. This operation would identify the child as a member of the Jewish nation therefore one of the chosen people of God.

Jesus parents brought Jesus to have the act performed on Him.  It was also on that date that the child received his official name.  He was given the name they had received from the angel, Gabriel.  He was to be called Jesus for He would be the one to bring salvation into the world. (See Matt. 1:21)

Jesus was to be identified with His people.  He would also live His life under the law.  Of course He did not need the law or the rituals to remind Him of man’s sinful nature, because He was sinless throughout His entire life. In order to totally fulfill the law He was not only born under it but lived His whole life in perfect obedience to it.

1. Why was it important for a boy born into a Jewish family to be circumcised?
2. Where did the practice start?
3. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be circumcised?
4. In what ways did it show His identification with the people He was sent to save?

Luke 2:22-24

The second ceremony was a combination of purification of the mother after giving birth and the dedication of the first born son to the Lord.  The Old Testament in the same chapter of Leviticus spelled out what was to be done by the mother. (Lev. 12:1-8).  The dedication of the son is shared in Exodus 13:2, 12 and Numbers 3:13; 8:17. It would have occurred when the child was forty days old.  

The offering Mary made would have been two turtledoves or pigeons indicating that she could not afford to bring a lamb for sacrifice. Jesus was born into a family of humble means.  One of the pigeons would have been offered as a sin offering for cleansing. The other was given as a burnt offering representing restoration of her ability to once again worship in the temple.  The fact that Mary brought the birds would tell us that she was in need of the forgiveness of sin and the salvation that would come through her Son.

1. Why was the second ceremony delayed?
2. What did the dedication of the son mean?
3. What did the idea of the child being holy to the Lord mean?
4. Why was it necessary for Mary to bring sacrifices to the temple?
5. What indicated that Joseph and Mary were poor?
6. Why did God make provisions for the poor as He did?
7. What do the offerings tell us about the need that Mary had in her life?

Luke 2:25-32

While they were there a man named Simeon approached them.  He was described as righteous and devout.  He was also one of those who was looking for the coming Messiah who would provide them comfort in their distress but also free them from the oppression of the Roman Government under which they lived. 

The Holy Spirit revealed to him that the child in the arms of His parents was the one for whom he was waiting. He had been told that he would not die until he had seen the hope of Israel. When he approached Joseph and Mary he took the baby into his arms and “blessed God.”  His words expressed his innermost feelings at seeing the promised Messiah. He said,

• He could die in peace having seen the Child.
• The Child he held was to provide the salvation of the Lord for not only the Jews but the Gentiles as well.

 

1. What attributes describe Simeon’s life?
2. How did he know which child to approach?
3. What would have been different about Jesus?
4. Why did God allow Simeon to live long enough to see Jesus?
5. What did he believe the Child would bring to the world?
6. How could he know what to say about Jesus?
7. Why were his words important?

Luke 2:33-35

His parents were amazed at the words spoken by Simeon.  Although by this time, how could anything surprise them?  Even with the miraculous birth and events surrounding it they still could not totally grasp the totality of what it all meant.  This would be true of anyone facing similar situations.

Simeon then turned his focus to Mary and Joseph and then spoke directly to Mary. She was told some things that would be in the future of her Son.  Speaking only to Mary may be an indication, that all of the prophecies concerning Jesus would occur after the death of Joseph. Simeon said that He was:

• Chosen by God to bring about the fall and rise of the people of Israel.  All who would come to Him would have to fall and be broken before they could receive the salvation that He was to bring.
• There would those who would reject Him completely.
• Events would occur that would cut her deeply.
• He would completely expose the of sin man by His life and death and resurrection.

 

1. Why would the words of Simeon amaze the parents of Jesus?
2. Why did he speak words directly to Mary?
3. What do the things told to Mary say about what the life of Jesus would mean?
4. Why did he speak of the fall and then the rise of the people of Israel?
5. What does the sword signify?
6. What did Simeon understand would be the result of Jesus’ life?

Luke 2:36-38

There was one more person there that day, who had an understanding of all she heard.  The Bible does not say that she actually approached the family.  She may have just overheard what was taking place.  Her name was Anna. She is described as a prophetess who had been married for seven years. After that period of time her husband died.  From that point on until she was eighty-four, she spent all her time in the temple fasting and praying.  When she heard the words of Simeon she began giving thanks to God and telling everyone of the redemption of Israel that was being played out in their life time. Once again it would have taken the Holy Spirit giving her understanding to be able to speak as she did.

1. How would you describe Anna?
2. Why did she spend her time in the temple?
3. In what ways was she like Simeon?
4. Why do we not see this type of dedication to the Lord, today?
5. What was it in the words of Simeon that would have caused her to begin sharing the good news with those around her?

Luke 2-39-40

Luke wrote that the family returned to Nazareth after those events. He probably left the trip into Egypt out of his gospel because it did fit into what he was trying to say. (See Matthew 2 for the events that occurred in the first few years of Jesus’ life.)  Luke’s purpose in what he included in his gospel was to tell about what Jesus did.  The description of those early years is lacking in detail. One can only surmise the influence His earthly parents had in shaping a character that was already perfect.  The things he learned from them certainly influenced His later ministry.  Luke  said that Jesus,

• Grew- This would have been physically
• Became strong –  Anyone involved in the work of a carpenter in those days would grow strong
• Increased in wisdom – He was growing spiritually and in His understanding of man.
• Had the grace of God upon Him – Paul wrote in Colossians, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” (Col. 1:19)  In the next chapter he said, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” (Col. 2:9)  God left nothing to chance but poured out on His Son all that He needed to perfectly serve Him.

 

1. What are the attributes Luke used to describe Jesus’ childhood?
2. In what ways would this speak to the desires of your heart for your children or those you know who have children.
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be increasing in wisdom?
4. In what ways was Jesus equipped to face the challenges ahead of Him even as a child?
5. Why do people lack some of these characteristics in their lives even after they are grown?
6. What did James say is the main reason we lack wisdom? See James 1:5

• In the verses being studied we are confronted with five righteous people.  Each one was in need of the grace that only Jesus would be able to provide.  Through Him and Him only would they receive forgiveness from sin and the salvation.  We have to remember our righteousness will not gain salvation for us anymore than it would for them.  We too need forgiveness and salvation in order to become righteous.
• Remember without Christ no one will obtain salvation.  Each of them lived under the law.  Jesus came to fulfill the law that we might have grace free from the law.
• Remember that it is not traditions or rituals that save us but the promised One.
• Understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecy in the Old and New Testament.
• Part of loving God is to use your mind.  Ponder the things given to us in God’s Word and hide them in your heart.
• Pray that you will continue grow in wisdom.
• Pray with thanksgiving for the grace of God that has been poured out upon you.

Simeon and Anna should be an example for each of us in the church.  They sought the coming of the Lord to provide comfort and restoration for the people.  We should be those who are comforted and consoled by the Holy Spirit. He is at work among God’s people to restore the lost and forgotten into the relationship that Jesus came to bring.

How do we become aware of what God is trying to do?  It comes from being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  Only as we focus on His word and meditate will He speak to us in the way that Simeon and the others heard Him.  If we truly continue to seek Him in this way, the Church will be the shining example that this world needs to see.

The last thing to remember is that the church is all about Him.  None of the people mentioned in the text today pointed to themselves as any one of value, but to Jesus as the only hope for the world.  Let us do the same.

Additional notes:

GC-Is righteous and devout and is looking for the redemption and restoration of all people.       (Luke 2:25)

RT-Aspects of worship

1. Come in the Spirit
2. Blesses God
3. Seeing salvation in actions of those who are God’s possession.
4. Fastings and prayers (Luke 2:26-38)

M-Moved by directions from the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:49)-This should be our attitude as we come to worship.  We are to come in the Spirit to God’s holy place. (Luke 2:27)

RT-Simeon with anticipation saw the future when God’s salvation would be at work in the hearts of men. (Luke 2:30)

GC-As one grows he increases in wisdom and is filled with God’s grace. (Luke 2:40; 2:52)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 3

Jesus’ Birth

Luke 2:1-20

Holding a new baby ranks right up near the top of one of the most exciting things that we can experience.  Having a new granddaughter has once again made me think how miraculous birth truly is.  To think that a new life has come into the world made in the image of God causes one to pause and give thanks to the Father who makes it all happen.

When our own children were born we had no idea of the responsibility that we were taking on.  They would have to be loved, nurtured, fed, clothed and the list goes own.  I do not even remember if I thought about the impact that each would make on the world.  Every person ever born affects those around him/her for good or bad.  All I know is that we wanted to enjoy the experience because, as all of us know, children grow up so fast.  The one thing that I did take seriously was to make sure they grew up in church.  Whether I was always a good example for them only eternity will tell the story, but I wanted to make sure that they knew Jesus.

There is a birth of a different kind that takes place in the church or in the home.  The Bible calls it new birth.  It is no less important, and probably more so, than the physical birth of a child.  It is a miracle when a person comes into the family of God by turning his/her life over to Jesus as their Savior.  Since every person comes into the family as a baby in Christ the same love and nurturing needs to take place in his/her life.  The feeding of a new believer consists of exposing him/her to God’s Word.  The nurturing takes place as spiritual relationships are established through the body of believers.  Without both a believer will not grow and may soon find himself or herself in a state of being spiritually malnourished.

We will look at the most important birth in the history of mankind.  God invaded earth and brought salvation to every man.  It all begins with the culmination of God’s plan as spelled out for us from Genesis 3:15 until the coming of Christ.

Luke 2:1-3

In Galatians 4:4 Paul says, “When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.”  God brought together at the appointed time the fulfillment of all the promises He had made since the Garden of Eden.  Luke, along with Matthew, provides details of the events surrounding the birth of God’s Son. Caesar Augustus, the favorite grandnephew of Julius Caesar was Emperor of the Roman Empire. His reign began in 27 BC after the murder of his uncle and the death of his arch rival Mark Anthony and lasted until 14 AD.  Although not mentioned in Luke, Herod was then king of Judea.  His reign ended in 4 BC.

Another factor has to do with the prophecy given to Daniel 9:24-26.  The angel, Gabriel, told him that the history of the Jews was to be completed in 490 years according to God’s calendar. The time clock of God was said to begin when the decree was given to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.  This occurred in 445 BC when King Artaxerses of Persia allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to carry out the rebuilding.

The first 483 years came to a close the week of Christ’s crucifixion which occurred in 27 AD or 33 AD, depending on the calendar used to determine the date.  Taking all of the factors into consideration Jesus would have been born in 6 BC.  

In that year the emperor issued a decree for all Roman citizens to return to the city of their ancestry.  This census for the purpose of taxation took place while Quirinius was the governor of Syria.  Although the dating of his governorship has been contested by commentators, Luke’s gospel can be depended on for accuracy.  Remember he had made careful research to gather all the facts of Christ’s life.  

1. In what ways can we see the hand of God at work in the events spoken about in these verses?
2. Why was the prophecy of Daniel so important?
3. Why would God tell a man what He was going to do?
4. Why was Luke so specific about the people involved?
5. Why was it necessary to mention them?

Luke 2:4-5

Because of the registration it was necessary for Joseph to leave Nazareth, his home town and return to the ancestral home of David in Bethlehem.  Here again, the actions of a man, Caesar Augustus unwittingly brought about the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Micah 5:2 and used by Matthew in chapter 2 verses 4-6.  Both of these passages indicate that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.  Although Mary was not required to register she went up with Joseph.  Luke seems to indicate that Joseph and Mary were still only engaged to be married at that time. Matthew, however, wrote that Joseph upon learning about Mary’s condition took her as his wife. (Matt. 1:24)  Luke may have written his gospel as he did because she remained a virgin until the birth of her Son.

1. Why was it necessary for Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
2. How did the decree from the Emperor play a part in God’s plan?
3. Which Scriptures tell us that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem?
4. Why did Mary choose to go up to the city with Joseph?

Luke 2:6-7

Since Mary’s time to deliver was so close, the couple remained in the city until she had the baby.  It may have also taken a number of days to complete the registration because of the number of people who may have returned at the same time.  Luke shows that this was a good possibility because there was no place for the couple to find adequate facilities.  If Luke was right they would have needed separate quarters since they were not completely married.  They found themselves in a cave like dwelling at the time of the birth of the Savior of the world.  Even from the beginning there was not room for Him among His own people.  He had to be wrapped up and placed in a borrowed animal feeding trough. 

1. Why was there no place for the couple to stay?
2. How does this say about how the world would view Jesus?
3. What does this passage say about the way the world continues to look at Jesus today?

Luke 2:8-9

Following the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the scene switches to the fields on the outskirts of the city.  There shepherds are watching over the flocks entrusted to them.  Some have suggested that those sheep were the very ones kept for the sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem.  While they were going about their job suddenly an angel appeared to them.  Those men would have been rough individuals and unclean as far as the Law was concerned. They were the outcasts of society and would not have been welcomed in the Temple. It is strange that the angel would be sent to such men. When the angel appeared he was surrounded by God’s Shekinah glory, which symbolizes the very presence of God. As would be expected they were terribly frightened by the scene.

1. Why did Luke pick the shepherds of all people to include at this point in his narrative?
2. Who were those men?
3. What do they represent?
4. Why were they unlikely candidates to hear what they were about to hear?
5. How would you treat people like them if they were to come into the church?
6. What people do you think are beyond God’s reach?  Why or why not?

Luke 2:10-12

Immediately the angel tried to calm the men down.  He would have been used to the reaction he received so he told them that they had nothing to fear.  They were given the reason not to be afraid.  They were to be the recipients, maybe for the first time in their lives, of some good news.  Not only would it be something they wanted to hear but it would bring joy to everyone who heard it.  The news was that in Bethlehem a child had been born who was the:

• Savior, His very name, Jesus, signified His purpose to save all men. Matt. 1:21)
• Christ, The promised Messiah, the Anointed One  
•  Lord. The name by which God called Himself in the Old Testament.  Master of all.

Lastly he gave the way they would be able to identify the baby.  He would be the only one that would be wrapped in swaddling cloths, which like bandage strips, and lying in a feeding trough.

 

1. Why was it necessary for the angel to try and calm the men down?
2. Why were they not to be afraid?
3. Who did the angel include in his pronouncement?
4. Why did he identify the city where the child was born?
5. What is the significance of the three descriptive terms he used for the baby born that night?
6. Why did the angel end with how they might identify the baby?
7. What does it say about the expectations of the angel after the men heard the news?

Luke 2:13-14

Once the news had been given to the men by the one angel, then the sky was filled with a “multitude of heavenly host praising God.”  Their words were like an anthem exclaiming what God had done.  They spoke the words that have rung down through the ages from that night,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

They spoke of peace.  It certainly was not the kind in place at that time called Pax Romana, which came about because of the ruthlessness of the Roman Empire in stamping out any one who tried to cause trouble.  It was the peace that comes to everyone who loves and trusts the Lord.  It is not depended upon the circumstances of this world but the love and power of God.

Like Mary and Elizabeth the peace comes to the one’s who are the recipients of God’s special favor, His grace.  Only those who have are partakers of the grace of God will ever find peace and joy. 

1. Why did God wait to send the multitude of the heavenly host until the first angel had finished speaking?
2. What was the meaning of their statement?
3. Who those who have peace in this world?
4. Why could the Roman peace never last?
5. Who are those who have received God favor/grace?

Luke 2:15-16

The expectation of the angel was not unwarranted.  As soon as the angels had departed, the shepherds made the decision that they had to go and see the child.  If He was important enough for God to send His messengers to them, the least they could do was to go and see the baby.  They wasted no time.  The Bible said, “They came in a hurry.”  Following the directions of the angel they made their way to Mary, Joseph and the baby who was in the manger, just as the angel had said.  What a special time that had to be for the mother and father to hear from those lowly shepherds what God had told them.

1. Why did the angel expect the shepherds to go?
2. What lost its priority for them in their search for the child?
3. How did they find the baby?
4. Why did no one else in the city know what was going on?
5. What do you think they shared with the family?
6. What do you think they believed after finding the things just as the angel had said?
7. How does it affect your faith when you see God at work in your life or the lives of others?

Luke 2:17-20

In today’s vernacular it might be said the men were pumped or on fire.  They could not stop telling everyone they met what had happened to them. Their message struck a cord in the lives of all who heard the good news.  It had to set the people to wondering if the child about whom the shepherds had spoken was actually the coming Messiah. While the people were thinking about what had been said, Mary also thought about what all that had had happened, not just that night but everything from the beginning, could mean. 

Meanwhile the shepherds returned to the sheep full of excitement.  They kept giving glory to God for everything that had occurred to them.  Only a few people had been a part of that special night and they had been privileged to be among those who had received the message.

1. What evidence do we have that in the minds of the shepherds they had experience something special?
2. Why did they feel it necessary to tell others about their experience?
3. What are the things that excite you enough to tell others about them?
4. What would cause the people to wonder?
5. What did everything that had occurred mean to Mary?

 

• Remember whether a Mary, Joseph or a shepherd everyone is need of a Savior.
• Never exclude anyone who needs Jesus.
• Only when you come into the presence of Christ will you real meaning in life.
• Think through carefully what you believe.
• Hide God’s words in your heart that you may live a life pleasing to Him.
• Do not be afraid to share with all people the good news that you have received.
• Remember that if a God can reach shepherds in the fields then salvation can come to you no matter where you are. 

Like Ezra our priority in life is to know the truth found in God’s word.  For us that is not only the Old Testament but the good news provided for us by a man like Luke who was determined to share the complete and accurate account of Jesus to the church.  Ezra went on to say that we are to practice what we have learned.  We can be assured that what the shepherds experienced changed their lives forever.  Finally we have the responsibility to teach the word to others that they might become mature disciples.  We are to share with anyone who will listen to what God has done in our lives.  The shepherds could not shut up because they had news too good to keep to themselves. Can we do less, since we have the whole counsel of God to tell the world about?  

Additional Notes:

RT-Isn’t it just like God to be concerned with the smallest detail when He manifests Himself. Take for example the appearance of the angel announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Just imagine what would have happened to those poor men, who were terrified upon seeing one angel, if the multitude of the heavenly host had suddenly appeared with the first one. They would have been so frightened and overwhelmed that they probably would have missed the message of the good news that “A Savior, who is Christ the Lord” had been born in Bethlehem. Think about it.  Is big and spectacular always the best way to share the good news? There is a place for it, but is also a time from the simple.  In comparison to all of the heavenly hosts one angel, with a simple presentation, brought the good news that night.  God announced the birth of His Son in His own way. (Luke 2:8-14)

RT-Sometimes it is the small bits of good news, that if all of them are taken together, bring great joy, but when seen as isolated events would make no impact at all. (Luke 2:10)

RT-When we hear the news of Christ, we are immediately faced with decisions. Do we turn away to the same kind of life we have been living or do we actually come into His presence as changed people?  The shepherds set the example for us in their response to the appearance of the angel and then the multitude of heavenly hosts.

1. They decided to go and see the Child about whom the angels had spoken.
2. Once the decision was made they went in haste.  The wasted no time in carrying out their plan.
3. They witnessed to others about all they had experience.
4. They went back to the sheep, but with a different outlook and spirit.
5. They glorified and praised God for what He had made known to them.

No one who comes to the Son with an open heart and mind is ever the same again.               (Luke 2:15-20)

RT-At the beginning of His life there was no room for Him in the inn at Bethlehem.  As Jesus faced the cross, He was despised and rejected by men. At that point that there was no room for Him, at the end of His life, in the world He created. (Luke 2:17; Is.53:3)

RT-The will of God is believing in Jesus where you are in what you are doing.                      (Luke 2:4-7, 20; John 6:38-40; Acts 16:25)

GC-Those who have seen the Savior of the world praise and glorify God for the opportunity of knowing Him. (Luke 2:20)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 2

God’s Amazing Grace

Luke 1:39-80

As I have reflected on this passage of Scripture, I have looked back over my life and thought of the amazing love and grace that God has extended to me.  Everything that I have been allowed to do is because of Him.  As simple as it may seem even the perseverance to read His word everyday comes from Him.  Over the years I have asked the question, why He would give me the drive to do a particular thing.  One thing in particular that comes to mind is all the personal Bible Studies and writing I have done over years.  Little did I know that one day He would allow me to write Bible study lessons.

I have come to believe if I do not use the gifts and abilities that He has given me it is not His fault if I fail.  If He can put the words into the mouths of Elizabeth, Mary and Zacharias that could have only come through the Holy Spirit working in their lives who I am I not allow Him work through me as He desires. I need to be careful not to limit myself by thinking too small.  My God can do the impossible even through me.

God used ordinary people to bring about His purpose for the world.  Churches often do not accomplish all that God desires for them because their God is too small. If we will just open our hearts and make ourselves available to Him, He wants to use us to proclaim to the world the good news of His Son.  We all too often indicate a lack of faith in Him by our inaction. Mary and the others spoke of things that they could not totally understand.  We have the full revelation of all they spoke about.  Isn’t it time we shouted it from the housetops?  Isn’t it time we said, “We are your humble servants, use us as You wish?”  The three in our lesson today said yes to God, are we to do less?

Luke 1:39-40

Upon hearing about her cousin, Mary went to visit Elizabeth in the hill country of Judah.  Luke does not tell us the reason for the trip.  There may be a couple of possibilities. The first may have to do with Mary’s own situation. Although it was early in her pregnancy those in Nazareth would soon become aware that she was going to have a baby.  This would present a major problem.  In that society and according to the Jewish religion any woman who was pregnant and unmarried could be subject to death.  Mary needed to have time to think what she was going to do.  It also has to be remembered that at this point she was only engaged to Joseph and evidently, he knew nothing of her circumstances.

The second would have been to be an encouragement to her cousin and also receive the same from her. Elizabeth was an example of God working out a miracle in the life of someone who was beyond childbearing age.  They would understand each other. 

1. Why did Mary decide to go and see her cousin, Elizabeth?
2. Why had the angel told Mary about what was taking place in the life of Elizabeth?
3. What was Mary’s predicament?
4. In what way would Elizabeth be able to help Mary?

Luke 1:41-45

As soon as Mary greeted Elizabeth as the Scriptures say, “the baby leaped in her womb.”  Elizabeth responded by telling Mary how blessed she was carrying the Lord in her body.  She indicated that the baby had leaped in her body for joy at the presence of the future Messiah. Her final greeting to Mary was the affirmation of her position in the history of mankind.  She was blessed because of her faith that God was going to fulfill His word through her. Such proclamations could have only come through the Holy Spirit.

1. What happened when Mary arrived in the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth?
2. What did it mean to Elizabeth and Mary?
3. What do Elizabeth’s words indicate about her understanding of what was taking place?
4. Who gave her the words spoken to Mary by Elizabeth?

Luke 1:46-55

Hearing all that Elizabeth had to say brought such joy and encouragement to Mary that she began to speak of things that were in her heart, but were still beyond her complete understanding of what was about to occur.

She began what is called the Magnificat by praising God for allowing her to be a part of His grand plan for the world.  She realized that it was nothing in her but His grace that was going to make the recipient of the blessings of generations to come. It was not because of who she was, but how God was using her that this would be true.

Although she could not completely understand what everything that was taken place meant, she saw in the events a pouring out of God’s mercy on all those who feared Him.  His actions included:

• Scattering the arrogant
• Bringing down kingdoms
• Lifting up the humble
• Providing for the hungry
• Removing the wealth of the rich

She then turned to her own nation.  God had been faithful to His covenant given to Abraham by showing mercy to Israel.

1. How did Mary respond to the words of Elizabeth?
2. How did she see God working through the events that were taking place?
3. How could she speak words that would be fulfilled in the future?
4. Why would she believe that God had been faithful to His covenant?
5. When God speaks to us through His word, how are we to respond?

Luke 1:56

Mary returned home after spending three months with Elizabeth.  Luke does not say whether she was there until the baby was born.  From the way the text reads it would appear that she left before the birth. If she did, she was able to return home with the full assurance that God was going to work out everything according to His plan.  Her time with Elizabeth gave to courage to face whatever lay ahead for her including telling Joseph about her pregnancy. (See Matthew 1:18-22)

1. Why would Mary have returned home before John was born?
2. What had she received from her time with Elizabeth?
3. What assurance did she have that God was going to see her through all that she might face?
4. What was going to be the most difficult thing she was going to have to do?
5. What are some difficult situations you have had to face?
6. In those situations how have you shown that you either trusted in yourself or God to help see you through them?
7. Why would telling Matthew be so difficult?
8. How does Matthew 1:18-22 show that God was helping Joseph and Mary in the situation?

Luke 1:57-58

The day came for Elizabeth to have her baby.  She would now be vindicated and able to put the shame of not having a child behind her.  Her emotions would have been of both relief and joy.  The reaction of the neighbors who rejoiced with her was understandable.   They saw it as evidence of God’s mercy being shown to her and Zacharias in their old age.

1. Why was the baby’s birth a particular time of rejoicing?
2. Although not expressed in words, how do think Elizabeth felt?
3. How did the people see the hand of God working in the event?
4. Why do we rejoice at the birth of a child?

Luke 1:59-63

When the baby was eight days old he was brought to the priests to be circumcised.  It was at that event that he would be named.  Knowing that he was going to be the only child that the couple would ever have because of their age those at the ceremony suggested that he be called Zacharias, after his father.  Elizabeth in obedience to the command of God through Gabriel insisted that he be named John, which meant, Jehovah’s gift or God is gracious. Her decision took the relatives and neighbors completely by surprise because they knew of no one in the family that went by that name. In disbelief they turned to the father to see if he was in agreement with his wife.  They gave him a tablet and he wrote on it that the boy’s name would be John.  Luke says that “they were all astonished.”

1. Why was John taken to the priest on the eighth day?
2. Why did the relatives and neighbors expect the boy to be called Zacharias?
3. What was the reaction to Elizabeth wanting to call him John?
4. What does it show about her that she did not give into the pressure of her relatives?
5. Why did they turn to Zacharias to verify the information?
6. Why do we give the names that we do to our children?
7. How different is the practice today as compared to the time of Zacharias and Elizabeth?

Luke 1:64

Once Zacharias performed this last act of obedience, God opened his mouth and he was no longer mute.  The first words out of his mouth were to praise God.

1. Why did God wait until Zacharias wrote down his son’s name before opening his mouth?
2. What does it show about him that the first words of his mouth were those of praise?
3. What were the reasons he able to give thanks?

Luke 1:65-66

When the people experienced all of these events the fear of God felt upon them. John was a topic of discussion all over the hill country of Judea. They wondered what all of it meant. Because of the miraculous birth, surely God was going to use John in a special way.

1. Why should the people be struck with fear?
2. Why did the child just born become a subject of discussion among the people?
3. What was their conclusion?
4. What drove them to believe that God was going to use him in a special way?

Luke 1:67-79

Finally after over nine months, Zacharias was able to express his feelings.  His words came from a heart filled with the Holy Spirit.  Those were not ordinary words, but one’s that were beyond the ability of man to know in his own wisdom.  He spoke of things that were to occur of which he could not have complete understanding apart from the empowering of the Holy Spirit.  As Mary had done he began by acknowledging and praising God for his favor toward Israel. He spoke of what God was going to do as if they had already been accomplished.  God had

• Visited His people
• Redeemed His people
• Brought about salvation through the descendent of David.  By saying this he would have been expressing John’s role as forerunner and not savior.

The next section spoke of God’s promises through the words spoken by the prophets concerning the salvation to come.  God would    

• Bring them freedom from their enemies and all who hate them.
• Provide mercy to their fathers
• Remember His holy covenant which He had made with Abraham.
• Rescue them from the enemies that they “might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all of” their days.

Then Zacharias turns to the role that John would play in all those events. He would be:

• A prophet of the Lord most High
• One who would prepare the way for the Lord’s coming
• Give God’s people the knowledge of salvation as he taught them about forgiveness of their sins.

Finally he speaks of the One to come because of God’s mercy.  He called Him the Sunrise from on high.  This One would:

• Visit mankind
• Shine His light on those in darkness and “the shadow of death.”
• Lead us into a life of peace.

 

1. What is the progression that Zacharias gives us?
2. How could he know the things of which he spoke?
3. Who did he include in his words?
4. What is the most important message that we can learn from his discourse?

Luke 1:80

Luke gives a short bio of John without a lot of detail.  Under the leadership of his parents and the Holy Spirit he continued to mature is his faith.  Although not said it is evident that he rejected the role that would have his been by birth.  All descendents of Aaron, unless they were unfit for some reason, would have automatically become a priest.  John turned his back on all of that and prepared for the task that lay ahead of him by living in the deserts until he began his ministry.  Look at Matthew 2 for a physical description of John.

1. Why are we not given more detail about the early life of John?
2. What opportunities did he pass up?
3. Why do you think he rejected the life of priesthood?
4. What can we learn from Matthew about John?
5. What example does John give us by turning down the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps?

 Chapter one is a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of three people, Zacharias, Elizabeth and Mary.  It has given us the opportunity to see what happens when a person is willing to listen carefully to what He has to say.  As you allow that lesson to sink into your very being think about some of the following.

• Remember that everyday holds something special for each of us.  (Ps 118:24; Jer. 29:11; 2 Cor. 6:2)
• Live with empathy for those around you. (Rom. 12:24)
• Be in constant submission to God, knowing He has a purpose for each of us. (Luke 1:38)
• Always be ready to share what God has done in your life with others. (2 Peter 3:15)
• Live in a way that the title, Christian, fits you.
• Reflect on the things that have occurred in your life to see with God has been truly at work in the things you have accomplished?
• Look at the times you have failed and see if it was because you tried to do them without God.

We are to come each Sunday with an anticipation that God will send His messenger with a message just for us.  It is to be remembered that when He speaks it is for His glory.  If we just approach Him with an ear attuned to Him we might just understand His calling on each of our lives.  Three different people in our lesson heard from God.  Each responded according to their ability to hear what He was saying.  None of us can be the father and mother of the forerunner of Christ, but we can each proclaim His name throughout our sphere of influence.  There was only one mother of Christ, but we can live with the compassion and love for one another that were displayed by Mary and Elizabeth for each other. We are to be a people who worship, believe, share, love and rejoice with each other.  If we do the world will be a better place because of us.

Additional Notes:

GC-God is the One who makes a person righteous in His sight.  They are those who walk blamelessly in all His commandments and requirements He has established. (Luke 1:6)

GC-When one truly sees the glory of God he is troubled and afraid in His presence.             (Luke 1:12-13, 29)

GC-He finds joy and gladness in the proclamations of the Lord (Luke 1:14)

GC-Has the Holy Spirit in his life. Luke 1:15, 66)

RT-Like John the Baptist we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to show others they have strayed in their disobedience to the Father.  As a forerunner going into the places in which we are involved, we are to share the good news of Jesus.  He is the only one who can knit families together, to show what it is like to live a righteous life and to end all disobedience.  To do so prepares the hearts of man to receive all that has for him through Jesus.  John gave all the glory to God for bringing this about, we are to do the same. (Luke 1:15-17; Mal. 4:6)

GC-Like John the Baptist, turns people back to the Lord from an attitude of disobedience to one of righteousness. (Luke 1:16)

RT-Gabriel in describing the ministry of the coming son of Zacharias hit on the key to what ails even Christians.  He said, “And he will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous.”  There it is.  We may have glossed over these words as we have read the narrative, “the attitude of the righteous.” They are those who will listen to and receive the good news.  Throughout Scripture we often see the idea of the right attitude and mindset which leads to true commitment to Christ. (Luke 1:17)

GC-Receptive to God’s will being carried out in his or her life. (Luke 1:38)

GC-Blessed is the one who believes that what God speaks will be fulfilled. (Luke 1:45)

M-He believes that God is able to do according to His word. (Luke 1:45; 5:12)

GC-Exalts the Lord and rejoice in God our Savior. (Luke 1:46-47)

GC-To fear God is to receive His mercy. (Luke 1:50)

GC-Is not proud. (Luke 1:51-52)

GC-Rejoices with others (Luke 1:58)

GC-Serves the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness (1:74-75)

GC-Gives the people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sin (Luke 1:77)

GC-Becomes strong in the Spirit (Luke 1:80)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 1

Two Blessed Announcements

Luke 1

If there is one thing that I have discovered over my life time is that it is a life full of impossibilities may have turned into possibilities.  If somehow I had been able to sit down at the very beginning of my life and map out what it would be like I could not have conceived of all the twists and turns that it has taken. For that reason I have to say that all that I have accomplished are a string of impossibilities that can only explained by knowing that God has been the One working out of the details.  The Scripture in Proverbs is certainly true of me.  It says, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) The one example that stands out above all others is my salvation.  Left to my own devices it would have never happened to me.  Somehow in God’s sovereignty He looked down from heaven and through grace chose to draw me to Himself.  There was no way that I could have made myself acceptable to Him by any of my plans and lifestyle.  The only thing I could do was to respond to Him.

Just think about it for a moment.  The church was given an impossible task over two thousand years ago. Jesus said that the apostles and those who came after them were to carry the good news about Jesus, as Savior and Lord, into all parts of the world.  He also told them the job was too big for them without the filling and empowering work of the Holy Spirit.  What started as an announcement to two people willing to submit to the will of God, which would change the world has continued against all odds until today. Believing what God says makes the impossible into real possibilities.  Are we willing to listen to what He has to say through His Word and live it out and proclaim it to the world?  Two did are we going to join them?

Luke 1:1-4

These verses were part of the introductory lesson last week so only one or two things will be mentioned.  Before Luke put down on papyrus the events surrounding the life of Christ he spent a great deal of time collecting data.  He knew in order to provide an accurate account he must gather all the information he could.  He also knew that this document was going to be scrutinized by many people including Theophilus, an official in the Roman Empire, who may have been a Christian. If he was not a follower of Christ, he was knowledgeable of Christianity.  He would not be the only one.  Followers of Christ everywhere would have this material available to them and would know if he had accurately reported what had taken place. The last thing to notice is that it was not information the people had not heard before, but that he might give them a clearer understanding of the things that had been presented to them before.

1. When you are to make a presentation how do you prepare?
2. What sources do you use?
3. What sources did Luke have available to him?
4. What was his great concern?
5. What should be our concerns when making a presentation?
6. How important is it to us to have such an accurate report of the events surrounding the birth, life, death and resurrection?

Luke 1:5-7

Here is one of those facts that gives Luke’s narrative its historic setting.  The time would have been prior to 4 B.C.  Herod who is mentioned here died in that year.  From Matthew the date can be set probably about 6-7 B.C.  The writer brings onto the scene two individuals whom without his inclusion in the Bible would never have been known at all.  They were Zacharias and Elizabeth who were going to be the parents of John the Baptist.  Luke gave some interesting details about these two.  Zacharias was a priest as were all descendents of Aaron. He was of the division named for Abijah.  Each division included about two thousand priests.  His wife Elizabeth was also from the tribe of Aaron.  Marriage of a priest must be to a virgin of his own people as stipulated by the Levitical law.  Both were described as:

• Righteous in the sight of God
• Walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

They did however have one shadow over their lives. Elizabeth had not been able to have children. It now appeared that it would be too late for them since they were elderly.

1. Why is important to have the points of reference, such as the reign of Herod in the narrative?
2. Who were Zacharias and Elizabeth?
3. From the description of them how would you expect God to be able to use them in any way?
4. How often do we write people off because they do not fit the mold of what you think God needs to get His work done?

Luke 1:8-9

Zacharias was caring out his responsibility of burning the incense in the temple.  It is amazing that he was even there in the first place.  Because there were so many priests, some twenty four thousand, and two thousand in his division as has been mentioned above, the odds were astronomical that the lot would have fallen to Zacharias in the first place.  There were those who were priests that who never had the opportunity to go into the temple during their whole lifetime.  Here is one of those instances when God orchestrated for his servant to be the present in the house of worship.

1. Just statistically what would the odds of Zacharias being in the temple on that particular day?
2. Why would there be priest who would never be given the opportunity to burn incense in the temple?
3. What was really going on?
4. What does this say that God can do in our own lives?
5. How are we to view the opportunities that we have each and every day?
6. What are the possibilities that we might meet God in them?

Luke 1:10

Care must be taken to gloss over this one little verse.  Here is seen the dedication of the people to God.  While Zacharias was in the Holy of Holies burning incense for the people, they were outside in an attitude of prayer.  Sadly, as shall be seen later, all the priests did not possess all of the character qualities of Zacharias, but the inhabitants of the land prayed.  It was possibly at the afternoon prayer that the events about to take place occurred.

1. How important did it appear that prayer was to the people?
2. What is the danger of having to do something, even prayer, on such a routine basis?
3. How do we keep from having acts of worship not to just become traditions?

Luke 1:11-13 

As Zacharias was performing his duty, he became aware of someone with him.  An angel had appeared and stood at the right side of the altar.  His positioning would indicate that he was one who would speak with authority.  There are two reasons that he was troubled when he saw the man.

• He as the priest was to be the only person in the Holy of Holy’s inside of the temple.
• He would have realized by the appearance of the individual that he was an angel of God.

As would be expected, fear gripped him.  The angel immediately tried to put him at ease, telling him to not be afraid.  He then told Zacharias why he was there.  Evidently he and Elizabeth had both prayed for a child for years.  Not having a son had brought both shame and sadness to this godly couple.  According to the angel all of that was about to change.  He had good news to tell him.  They were going to have a son.  They were to name the boy, John which means, “The Lord has been gracious.”  His name would always be a reminder to them of God goodness and grace to them. Not only would the child bring happiness and gladness to his family but others would rejoice with them.

1. Why did the angel take up his position at the right side of the altar of incense?
2. Why would Zacharias have been frightened by the presence of the man?
3. What did the angel mean by saying, “Your petition has been heard?”
4. What was the good news he had for the family?
5.  In what different ways was this good news?
6. Why was he given the name by which his son would be called?
7. Why would those around Zacharias and Elizabeth also rejoice at the event?

Luke 1:14-17

The angel gave Zacharias quite an extensive picture of his son.  He was to:

• Be great in God’s sight
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.  Sign of a person consecrated as a Nazarite.
• Be filled with the Holy Spirit. This would be like the filling in the lives of Moses, Saul and David and not the permanent work done by the Holy Spirit after Christ’s resurrection.
• Bring about reconciliation between the Israelites and God, through the baptism he would perform for the atonement of sins.
• Be the forerunner of Christ.
• Come in the spirit of Elijah, Israel’s greatest prophet, and reunite families, turn disobedient to attitude of righteousness and get the hearts of the people ready to receive the Christ who was to come.  It was believed that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah.

 

1. Why was it important for the angel to give Zacharias such a complete description of his son to be born?
2. What did the angel mean by John being filled with the Holy Spirit?
3. How did it differ from the work of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection of Jesus?
4. Why would the angel mention Elijah?
5. In your mind what was the most important part of the description of John?
6. Before your children were born what were your aspirations for them?

Luke 1:15-20

When Zacharias expressed some doubt of the promises made because of his age and questioned the angel, he received an answer that did not actually answer his question.  The angel identified himself as Gabriel who stood in the presence of God.  Whenever important news needed to be carried from the throne of God to man, Gabriel was that messenger. He then told Zacharias that the words he had spoken were good news. Because he had not believed his words, he caused Zacharias to be mute until the time of the birth of John.

1. Why would Zacharias doubt the words of the angel?
2. What would the revealing of his name as Gabriel mean to Zacharias?
3. Why did he use such an extreme sign as muteness to make sure Zacharias understood?
4. Why would Gabriel call what he had told Zacharias, “good news?”

Luke 1:21-23

While all of that was taking place inside the temple the people were still waiting outside.  They had to be wondering why the burning of the incense was taking so long and probably were also somewhat concerned about Zacharias.  Finally when he came out his demeanor would have indicated that something extraordinary had occurred inside, but even with hand gestures they we were unable to truly know what had occurred.  It could have been that the words were for his ears only at that point in time.  Zacharias completed his week of service and returned home. 

1. Why would the people become concerned about Zacharias?
2. Why could they not understand what he was trying to convey to them?
3. What may have been one reason that he was made mute?
4. Why did he not return home immediately?

Luke 1:24-25

There is no way of knowing how Elizabeth responded immediately to the good news. Some time following Zacharias conversation with Gabriel, she became pregnant.  For five months she went into seclusion trying to comprehend all that was taking place.  Her words indicated the joy she felt.  “She said, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”

1. How do you think Elizabeth reacted initially to what Zacharias told her?
2. Why did she go into seclusion for five months?
3. What do her words indicate about her innermost emotions?
4. In what ways were all the words of Gabriel secondary to what she was experiencing?

Luke 1:26-28

The narrative turns from Zacharias and Elizabeth to Mary.  In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy Gabriel was sent once again to deliver a message.  This time it was to the non-descript town of Nazareth. Although it was along one of the main travel routes it had never reach the status of a major city. It had the reputation of being a city full of corruption.

He was sent to a specific person predetermined by God. In the city lived Mary who was engaged to a man named Joseph. Both of them were descendents of David.  Luke notes twice that Mary was a virgin. She had never been married and was a pure maiden.

Gabriel’s words to her would have been very strange to someone who lived in such an out the way place as Nazareth.  He greeted her as one upon whom the grace of God had been poured.

1. What is amazing about the fact that Gabriel would have been sent to a city like Nazareth?
2. Who had he been sent to find?
3. What determines the character of a person?
4. What indication do we have that Mary had not let the reputation of the city determine who she was?
5. Why would Gabriel give such a greeting to one who lived in a city of no reputation?
6. What did his greeting mean?

Luke 1:29

As would be expected Mary did not understand why this stranger would be saying such words to her. She began thinking about his message and possibly what it could mean.

1. What would be your reaction to such words?
2. What was Mary trying to do after hearing such a greeting?

Luke 1:30-33

Before continuing Gabriel tried to assure her that there was no reason to be frightened.  Again he her wanted to know she was the recipient of God’s grace. He then shared with the message he had been sent to give to her. She was told that she was going to have a son that was to be named Jesus.  Following that news, he went on to describe what this son would be.  He would 

• Be great
• Be called the Son of the Most High
• Be the recipient from the Lord God of the throne of his father David
• Rule over Israel forever and His kingdom would never come to an end.

 

1.  Why did Gabriel try to put her at ease before proceeding?
2. How different was the description of this child than that of John?
3. Other than the name Jesus why was there no mention of salvation in his description of the Son to come?
4. What would have been the most important part to the nation of Israel?

Luke 1:34-38

Mary did not doubt the words of the angel.  Her question was about her own ability to have a baby since she had not yet married.  Gabriel answered her by telling her she would conceive the baby not by man by the Holy Spirit.  For that reason the “Child shall be called the Son of God.”

She was then told of another miraculous event.  Her cousin Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy.  This was an affirmation to her that God was the God of the impossible. 

Mary’s response indicated that she had submitted her life to the purpose of God.  With Mary’s affirmation the angel departed from her.

1. Why did Mary not doubt the words of the angel?
2. What was her problem?
3. Why did the angel tell her about Elizabeth?
4. Why did the angel feel he could depart at that point?
5. What do you think of Mary’s response?
6. What do you do when God asks the impossible of you?

God uses different people to carry out His work.  Each of us is called to use the way He has wired us to serve Him.

• Develop a heart that is sensitive to the calling of God by meditating on His word.
• Look back on your life and think about those things you may have considered impossible to see how God has worked out the details.
• Overcome any doubts you may have when confronted by what seems to be impossible.
• Remember it is not where you are that determines who you are but your relationship with God.

God truly does want to do marvelous things through His body, the church.  We have seen in the lives of two individuals the characteristics that God desires from His children.  The church is never any better than the people who make it up.  God calls His church to be holy and blameless.  We are to represent Him to the world.  If we allow ourselves to have the attitude of a bond slave and live before Him in all humility, He will be able to work His works through us and bring glory to Himself.  Let us expect great things from Him and He will accomplish them.

Resources:

The Daily Study Bible Series – The Gospel of Luke by William Barclay

The Gospel According to Luke by G. Campbell Morgan

The New American Commentary – Luke by Robert H. Stein

Exploring the Gospel of Luke, An Expository Commentary – by John Phillips

The New Testament Documents- Are They Reliable by F.F. Bruce