Luke 1

Summary

 

Luke 1 sets the stage for the birth of John the Baptist and the Annunciation of Jesus' birth, highlighting the miraculous events surrounding the two central figures in the Gospel narrative.

 

1. Introduction of Luke's Gospel: The chapter begins with Luke providing an introduction to his Gospel, emphasizing his intention to write an orderly and accurate account of the events surrounding Jesus.
2. The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (Luke 1:5-25): The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah, a priest, and informs him that his wife Elizabeth will conceive and bear a son, who is to be named John. Zechariah initially doubts this message due to his old age and is struck mute until the child's birth.
3. The Annunciation of Jesus' Birth (Luke 1:26-38): The angel Gabriel also visits Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth, and tells her that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and that he will be the Son of God. Mary humbly accepts this role, responding with the famous words, "Let it be to me according to your word."
4. Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56): Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps in Elizabeth's womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary responds with the Magnificat, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
5. The Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-66): Elizabeth gives birth to John, and on the eighth day, he is circumcised and named John, by the angel's instructions.

6. Zechariah's Prophecy (Luke 1:67-80): Zechariah, now able to speak again, prophesies about the role of his son John and the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy is known as the Benedictus.

 

References

 

1. Anyabwile T. M. (2018). Exalting Jesus in Luke. Holman Reference.