Luke 1: Unveiling God's Redemptive Plan
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Luke 1 serves as a remarkable introduction to the Gospel of Luke, meticulously laying the foundation for understanding the arrival of Jesus Christ and His forerunner, John the Baptist. Luke, a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 16:10) and the author of the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-3), presents his Gospel as an orderly and carefully researched account, aimed at inspiring confidence in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the historicity of his account by grounding the narrative in specific historical figures and events.
Luke's Purpose and Method (Luke 1:1-4)
Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus' earthly ministry. However, he diligently gathered information from eyewitnesses and those with firsthand knowledge of Jesus Christ. His Gospel is dedicated to Theophilus, a man of high social standing who may have funded the production of the Gospel and the Book of Acts (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Luke's intention is to provide Theophilus (and all readers) with a reliable and accurate account of the events surrounding Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, so that he might be certain of the things he has been taught (Luke 1:4). Luke, like a diligent historian or reporter, carefully investigated everything and wrote it down in an orderly sequence so that Theophilus and others might read and believe.
The Announcement of John the Baptist's Birth (Luke 1:5-25)
The Gospel opens during the reign of King Herod of Judea, also known as "Herod the Great," who ruled from 37 to 4 BC (Luke 1:5). Luke introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a priestly couple known for their righteousness before God (Luke 1:6). Zechariah, a priest from the lineage of Aaron, was serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared to him (Luke 1:5). Old Testament priests were drawn only from the descendants of Aaron. These families were divided into 24 groups, who would rotate their weekly service in the tabernacle or temple.
Despite their righteousness, Elizabeth was barren, a source of social and emotional distress in that era (Luke 1:7). This reminds us that trials and difficulties do not always arise from disobedience; God often allows suffering for His glorious purposes and our sanctification. While Zechariah was offering incense, Gabriel announced that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son, John, who would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). In his ministry to the children of Israel, John would turn many back to God and prepare the people for the Lord. The angel's words show that John would be the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, in which the Lord promised to send Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children. John, then, would preach in the spirit and power of his Old Testament predecessor. Jesus later confirmed this when he told his disciples that John was “the Elijah . . . to come” (Matthew 11:14; see also Matthew 17:12).
Zechariah's initial doubt led to him being struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled (Luke 1:18-20). This served as a sign that God would indeed bring His word to pass. When Zechariah finally emerged from the sanctuary, he was unable to talk. Because of this and the signs he was making to the people, they knew he had seen a vision (Luke 1:21-22). Elizabeth conceived, acknowledging God's favor in removing her disgrace (Luke 1:23-25).
The Announcement of Jesus' Birth (Luke 1:26-38)
Six months after Elizabeth conceived, Gabriel visited Mary, a virgin in Nazareth betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David (Luke 1:26-27). Gabriel conveyed the Lord’s favor to Mary, but she was deeply troubled (Luke 1:28-30). Why would a heavenly being come to see her? The angel announced that she would conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of the Most High and inherit David's throne, reigning forever (Luke 1:31-33). The visitor told Mary she would conceive and give birth to a son, whom she was to name Jesus (Luke 1:31), the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua, which means “the Lord saves.” He would be no ordinary child. He would be called the Son of the Most High—a carbon copy of his Father, bearing the divine nature. God would grant him the throne of his father David, and he will reign . . . forever in his kingdom (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, Jesus would be the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would rule forever (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Mary, understandably perplexed, questioned how this could be, given her virginity (Luke 1:34). Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making the child holy and the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Mary, of course, was stunned. She was a virgin, asking, How can this be? (Luke 1:34). The child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus would be both divine and human—the God-Man. Theologians describe this as the hypostatic union, the combining of a divine nature and a human nature perfectly into one person. “Hypostatic” comes from the Greek word hypostasis, meaning “being” or “person.” The union of two natures in one being. God in the flesh. Thus, he would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
Gabriel further revealed that Elizabeth, Mary's relative, had conceived in her old age, highlighting that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). Moreover, Mary’s relative Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age (Luke 1:36). All of this could happen because nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Mary humbly submitted to God's will, declaring herself the Lord's servant (Luke 1:38). Mary didn’t understand all of the implications for her life, but she humbly submitted to the will of God: I am the Lord’s servant (Luke 1:38).
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary's visit to Elizabeth is a powerful encounter filled with divine confirmation. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). After this, Mary hurried off to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and her baby leaped inside her (thus the unborn possesses personhood) (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth pronounced blessings on Mary (Luke 1:42, 45) and referred to her as the mother of my Lord (Luke 1:43)—confirming what Mary had heard from the angel.
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Mary as the mother of the Lord, praising her faith (Luke 1:42-45). Mary responded with the Magnificat, a song of praise exalting God for His mercy, power, and faithfulness to His promises (Luke 1:46-55). Mary responded to all of this by praising God in song for his favor and for his mighty deed on behalf of his people (Luke 1:46-55). Mary’s song is referred to as the Magnificat, which is the Latin translation of the Greek word rendered in English Bibles as praises or “magnifies” (1:46). Through his Messiah, God would extend mercy toward those who fear him (1:50). Those who recognize their need can expect good things from the Messiah. But he would also bring judgment, scattering the proud and toppling the mighty (1:51-52). God remembered his covenant with and promises to his people, and he would fulfill them (1:54-55).
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, likely until shortly after John's birth, before returning home (Luke 1:56).
The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-66)
The narrative shifts to the birth of John. When Elizabeth gave birth to John, her neighbors and relatives celebrated the Lord’s mercy with her (Luke 1:57-58). At his circumcision on the eighth day, Elizabeth insisted on naming him John, defying tradition (Luke 1:59-60). Everyone assumed that the child would be named after his father, but Elizabeth insisted that he would be called John (Luke 1:59-60). Zechariah confirmed the name in writing, and his ability to speak was immediately restored, leading him to praise God (Luke 1:62-64). When they asked Zechariah, who was still unable to speak, he confirmed it in writing: His name is John (Luke 1:62-63). At that moment, his ability to speak was restored, and he began praising God (Luke 1:64).
The events surrounding John's birth instilled awe and wonder in the community, prompting them to ponder his future role (Luke 1:65-66). Fear and awe came on everyone as they began to wonder, What then will this child become? (Luke 1:65-66).
Zechariah's Prophecy (Luke 1:67-79)
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied about the redemptive work of God through the Messiah and the role of John as His forerunner (Luke 1:67-79). Zechariah was then filled with the Holy Spirit and answered the question that everyone was asking (Luke 1:67). His prophecy of praise is called the Benedictus, which is the first word of the Latin rendering of Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel (1:68): Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel. He worshiped God for the redemption and salvation he was providing for his people through the Messiah, just as he had promised long ago (Luke 1:68-75). As for Zechariah’s son John, he would be a prophet of the Most High who would go before the Lord to prepare his ways as the Old Testament prophets foretold (see Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). He would introduce Israel to her Messiah (see John 1:29-36).
This prophecy, known as the Benedictus, celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and anticipates the dawn of salvation through Jesus Christ.
John's Growth and Preparation (Luke 1:80)
The chapter concludes with a brief note on John's development. John grew up and became spiritually strong, spending much time in the wilderness and being prepared for his future public ministry (Luke 1:80). John grew up and became spiritually strong, spending much time in the wilderness, preparing for his future ministry (Luke 1:80).
Luke 1 masterfully sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus, highlighting God's sovereign plan, His faithfulness to His promises, and the humble obedience of those chosen to participate in His redemptive work. The chapter emphasizes the historicity of the events, grounding them in specific times and places, and underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention in human history. Through the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, Luke reveals the profound grace and mercy of God extended to humanity through the coming of Jesus Christ.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Luke 1 serves as a remarkable introduction to the Gospel of Luke, meticulously laying the foundation for understanding the arrival of Jesus Christ and His forerunner, John the Baptist. Luke, a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 16:10) and the author of the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-3), presents his Gospel as an orderly and carefully researched account, aimed at inspiring confidence in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the historicity of his account by grounding the narrative in specific historical figures and events.
Luke's Purpose and Method (Luke 1:1-4)
Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus' earthly ministry. However, he diligently gathered information from eyewitnesses and those with firsthand knowledge of Jesus Christ. His Gospel is dedicated to Theophilus, a man of high social standing who may have funded the production of the Gospel and the Book of Acts (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Luke's intention is to provide Theophilus (and all readers) with a reliable and accurate account of the events surrounding Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, so that he might be certain of the things he has been taught (Luke 1:4). Luke, like a diligent historian or reporter, carefully investigated everything and wrote it down in an orderly sequence so that Theophilus and others might read and believe.
The Announcement of John the Baptist's Birth (Luke 1:5-25)
The Gospel opens during the reign of King Herod of Judea, also known as "Herod the Great," who ruled from 37 to 4 BC (Luke 1:5). Luke introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a priestly couple known for their righteousness before God (Luke 1:6). Zechariah, a priest from the lineage of Aaron, was serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared to him (Luke 1:5). Old Testament priests were drawn only from the descendants of Aaron. These families were divided into 24 groups, who would rotate their weekly service in the tabernacle or temple.
Despite their righteousness, Elizabeth was barren, a source of social and emotional distress in that era (Luke 1:7). This reminds us that trials and difficulties do not always arise from disobedience; God often allows suffering for His glorious purposes and our sanctification. While Zechariah was offering incense, Gabriel announced that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son, John, who would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). In his ministry to the children of Israel, John would turn many back to God and prepare the people for the Lord. The angel's words show that John would be the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, in which the Lord promised to send Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children. John, then, would preach in the spirit and power of his Old Testament predecessor. Jesus later confirmed this when he told his disciples that John was “the Elijah . . . to come” (Matthew 11:14; see also Matthew 17:12).
Zechariah's initial doubt led to him being struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled (Luke 1:18-20). This served as a sign that God would indeed bring His word to pass. When Zechariah finally emerged from the sanctuary, he was unable to talk. Because of this and the signs he was making to the people, they knew he had seen a vision (Luke 1:21-22). Elizabeth conceived, acknowledging God's favor in removing her disgrace (Luke 1:23-25).
The Announcement of Jesus' Birth (Luke 1:26-38)
Six months after Elizabeth conceived, Gabriel visited Mary, a virgin in Nazareth betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David (Luke 1:26-27). Gabriel conveyed the Lord’s favor to Mary, but she was deeply troubled (Luke 1:28-30). Why would a heavenly being come to see her? The angel announced that she would conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of the Most High and inherit David's throne, reigning forever (Luke 1:31-33). The visitor told Mary she would conceive and give birth to a son, whom she was to name Jesus (Luke 1:31), the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua, which means “the Lord saves.” He would be no ordinary child. He would be called the Son of the Most High—a carbon copy of his Father, bearing the divine nature. God would grant him the throne of his father David, and he will reign . . . forever in his kingdom (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, Jesus would be the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would rule forever (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Mary, understandably perplexed, questioned how this could be, given her virginity (Luke 1:34). Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making the child holy and the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Mary, of course, was stunned. She was a virgin, asking, How can this be? (Luke 1:34). The child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus would be both divine and human—the God-Man. Theologians describe this as the hypostatic union, the combining of a divine nature and a human nature perfectly into one person. “Hypostatic” comes from the Greek word hypostasis, meaning “being” or “person.” The union of two natures in one being. God in the flesh. Thus, he would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
Gabriel further revealed that Elizabeth, Mary's relative, had conceived in her old age, highlighting that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). Moreover, Mary’s relative Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age (Luke 1:36). All of this could happen because nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Mary humbly submitted to God's will, declaring herself the Lord's servant (Luke 1:38). Mary didn’t understand all of the implications for her life, but she humbly submitted to the will of God: I am the Lord’s servant (Luke 1:38).
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary's visit to Elizabeth is a powerful encounter filled with divine confirmation. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). After this, Mary hurried off to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and her baby leaped inside her (thus the unborn possesses personhood) (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth pronounced blessings on Mary (Luke 1:42, 45) and referred to her as the mother of my Lord (Luke 1:43)—confirming what Mary had heard from the angel.
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Mary as the mother of the Lord, praising her faith (Luke 1:42-45). Mary responded with the Magnificat, a song of praise exalting God for His mercy, power, and faithfulness to His promises (Luke 1:46-55). Mary responded to all of this by praising God in song for his favor and for his mighty deed on behalf of his people (Luke 1:46-55). Mary’s song is referred to as the Magnificat, which is the Latin translation of the Greek word rendered in English Bibles as praises or “magnifies” (1:46). Through his Messiah, God would extend mercy toward those who fear him (1:50). Those who recognize their need can expect good things from the Messiah. But he would also bring judgment, scattering the proud and toppling the mighty (1:51-52). God remembered his covenant with and promises to his people, and he would fulfill them (1:54-55).
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, likely until shortly after John's birth, before returning home (Luke 1:56).
The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-66)
The narrative shifts to the birth of John. When Elizabeth gave birth to John, her neighbors and relatives celebrated the Lord’s mercy with her (Luke 1:57-58). At his circumcision on the eighth day, Elizabeth insisted on naming him John, defying tradition (Luke 1:59-60). Everyone assumed that the child would be named after his father, but Elizabeth insisted that he would be called John (Luke 1:59-60). Zechariah confirmed the name in writing, and his ability to speak was immediately restored, leading him to praise God (Luke 1:62-64). When they asked Zechariah, who was still unable to speak, he confirmed it in writing: His name is John (Luke 1:62-63). At that moment, his ability to speak was restored, and he began praising God (Luke 1:64).
The events surrounding John's birth instilled awe and wonder in the community, prompting them to ponder his future role (Luke 1:65-66). Fear and awe came on everyone as they began to wonder, What then will this child become? (Luke 1:65-66).
Zechariah's Prophecy (Luke 1:67-79)
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied about the redemptive work of God through the Messiah and the role of John as His forerunner (Luke 1:67-79). Zechariah was then filled with the Holy Spirit and answered the question that everyone was asking (Luke 1:67). His prophecy of praise is called the Benedictus, which is the first word of the Latin rendering of Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel (1:68): Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel. He worshiped God for the redemption and salvation he was providing for his people through the Messiah, just as he had promised long ago (Luke 1:68-75). As for Zechariah’s son John, he would be a prophet of the Most High who would go before the Lord to prepare his ways as the Old Testament prophets foretold (see Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). He would introduce Israel to her Messiah (see John 1:29-36).
This prophecy, known as the Benedictus, celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and anticipates the dawn of salvation through Jesus Christ.
John's Growth and Preparation (Luke 1:80)
The chapter concludes with a brief note on John's development. John grew up and became spiritually strong, spending much time in the wilderness and being prepared for his future public ministry (Luke 1:80). John grew up and became spiritually strong, spending much time in the wilderness, preparing for his future ministry (Luke 1:80).
Luke 1 masterfully sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus, highlighting God's sovereign plan, His faithfulness to His promises, and the humble obedience of those chosen to participate in His redemptive work. The chapter emphasizes the historicity of the events, grounding them in specific times and places, and underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention in human history. Through the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, Luke reveals the profound grace and mercy of God extended to humanity through the coming of Jesus Christ.