April 3, 2016

Luke

Filed under: Old and New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 9:59 am

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

Getting Acquainted with the book of Luke

Like other Gospels, Luke’s Gospel recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, who fulfills all of his Father’s saving promises.
Unlike other Gospels, Luke has a companion volume—Acts—in which salvation advances, in Jesus’ name, to “the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Luke’s Gospel invites us to be part of this worldwide spread of the Christian message by showing how Jesus brings salvation to the last, the lost, and the least.
Luke’s Gospel describes a world turned upside down.
- Sinners are saved while religious leaders are exposed as frauds.
- “Outsiders” embrace Jesus while “insiders” reject him.
- The poor rejoice while the rich are “sent away empty” (Luke 1:53).
Because such paradoxes can create doubt, Luke writes to assure us that Jesus represents the fulfillment of God’s saving purposes.
The most glaring paradox Luke presents is that of Jesus himself.
No person has ever lived more faithfully than Jesus, yet no person has ever endured more suffering.

As it points us to Jesus’ cross and resurrection, Luke’s Gospel prepares us to follow Jesus through hardship and humiliation, strengthened by faith in the God who exalts the lowly.

Date and Historical Background

Luke was likely written in the early 60s, sometime after the events described in Acts 28but before two major events—Paul’s martyrdom in AD 64/65, and the destruction of the temple in AD 70.

This means that Luke wrote within decades of Jesus’ ministry and death.
In Luke’s day, the Christian message had spread throughout Palestine, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome.

This is a hard question, but what enabled the Christian message to spread through this region so easily?

The stability of the Roman empire enabled Paul and other Christian missionaries to travel extensively, preaching to Jews and Gentiles alike. (TAKE NOTE OF THAT STATEMENT…. The Roman empire enabled …..something to remember)…..we’ve heard about how God waited until it was time, or until all things were ready, to bring Jesus into the world. Well, according to that statement, God waited until the Roman empire established “easy travel” to bring Jesus into the world…so that the Gospel could be spread easily.

Both groups (Jews and Gentiles) had difficulty accepting the possibility that a crucified man could be the Savior of the world—
If you were a Jew, what did death by crucifixion represent:
- Jews because crucifixion represented a divine curse,
If you were a Gentile, what did crucifixion represent?
- weakness and humiliation.
Other questions were raised by the fact that many Gentile “outsiders” were embracing Jesus, while many Jewish “insiders” continued to reject him and his followers.
Luke wrote, at least in part, to reassure readers that the message about Jesus is true, despite such paradoxes.
Today, Luke’s Gospel continues to offer assurance to anyone who wrestles with the challenges of trusting and following Jesus.

A Chapter-by-Chapter Summary of Luke.

Part 1: The Birth and Early Life of Jesus

Luke 1: The book begins by introducing John the Baptist, whose birth is prophesied by the angel Gabriel. The angel then visits Mary, announcing the birth of Jesus. Mary’s response, the Magnificat, is a powerful expression of faith.

Luke 2: Jesus is born in Bethlehem, visited by shepherds and wise men. He is presented at the temple, and Simeon and Anna prophesy about Him. Jesus grows in wisdom and stature.

Part 2: The Ministry of John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry

Luke 3: John the Baptist begins his ministry, preaching repentance and baptizing people. Jesus is baptized by John and is declared the Son of God.

Luke 4: Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness, then begins His ministry in Galilee. He reads from Isaiah in the synagogue and performs miracles.

Part 3: Jesus’ Ministry and Teachings

Luke 5: Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be His disciples. He performs a miraculous catch of fish.

Luke 6: Jesus chooses the Twelve Apostles. He delivers the Sermon on the Plain (similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew), teaching about blessedness, love for enemies, and judgment.

Luke 7: Jesus heals a centurion’s servant and raises a widow’s son. He forgives a sinful woman and is questioned by John the Baptist’s disciples.

Luke 8: Jesus casts out demons, heals the sick, and calms a storm. He raises Jairus’ daughter and heals a woman with a bleeding disorder.

Luke 9: Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles. He feeds the five thousand, reveals His identity as the Messiah to Peter, and foretells His suffering and resurrection. The Transfiguration occurs.

Luke 10: Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples. He tells the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Luke 11: Jesus teaches about prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit.

Luke 12: Jesus warns His disciples about hypocrisy and fear. He teaches about wealth and stewardship.

Part 4: Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem

Luke 13: Jesus heals a woman with a deformed spine and discusses the Kingdom of God.

Luke 14: Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath and teaches about humility and invitation.

Luke 15: Jesus tells the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.

Luke 16: Jesus tells the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus and warns about wealth.

Luke 17: Jesus teaches about faith, forgiveness, and the coming of the Son of Man.

Luke 18: Jesus tells the parable of the Persistent Widow and the Pharisee and Tax Collector. He blesses children.

Luke 19: Jesus encounters Zacchaeus and tells the parable of the Ten Minas.

Part 5: Jesus’ Final Days in Jerusalem

Luke 20: Jesus answers questions about paying taxes, the resurrection, and the Messiah.

Luke 21: Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times.

Luke 22: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, prays in Gethsemane, is arrested, and stands trial.

Luke Chapter 1

Objective:

To explore the themes of promise, faith, and doubt as exemplified in the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

COMPARING “LUKE” to the other three Gospel’s. Let’s briefly begin with a quick overview of the Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Matthew

Author: Believed to be Matthew, a former tax collector who became one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. A Jew.
Audience: Primarily Jewish Christians.
Focus: Presents Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
Style: Emphasizes Jesus’ teachings and authority, often using lengthy discourses.

Mark

Author: Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter.
Mark was a Gentile. While he was closely associated with the early Christian church and likely converted to Christianity, his background was not Jewish.
Audience: Roman Christians.
Focus: Presents Jesus as a servant of God who suffers for the sake of others.
Style: Fast-paced and action-oriented, highlighting Jesus’ miracles and deeds.

Luke

Author: Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of Paul.
Audience: Both Jewish and Gentile Christians. BUT, Matthew Henry said “Luke was a Gentile, writing to a Gentile audience”….which makes sense, since he addressed this book to “Theophilus.”
Focus: Presents Jesus as the Son of Man who came to save all humanity.
Style: Detailed and informative, with a strong emphasis on the human side of Jesus.

John

Author: Traditionally attributed to John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples.
John, the author of the Gospel of John, was a Jew.
Audience: Believed to be a broader Christian audience.
Focus: Presents Jesus as the divine Son of God.
Style: Theologically deep, with a focus on Jesus’ identity and teachings about eternal life.
Luke was a physician, and a Gentile convert to Christianity.
Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel, which is stated in the first few verses today: to provide a detailed and orderly account of Jesus’ life and ministry, especially for Gentile believers.
Introduce the Theme of chapter one: God’s promises and faithfulness.

THE DEDICATION TO THEOPHILUS

1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, ²just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. ³So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, ⁴so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.^,

ASK: Does anyone know what language Luke wrote in? I mean was it Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, or what? (Greek…remember…he was a Gentile).

ASK: OK, what are your thoughts about this INTRO from Luke? Any thoughts about the writing, or the path that Luke is taking here at the very beginning of his writing?

CSB STUDY NOTES 1:1–4 Using elegant Greek, Luke begins his narrative about the events of Jesus’s life and ministry with a formal preface. This was a common practice in historical works of Luke’s era. His prologue (1) acknowledges previous treatments of the subject, (2) states his methodology, (3) identifies the recipient, and (4) articulates his purpose in writing.

FSB 1:1 many have attempted Indicates that Luke is familiar with other sources that discuss Jesus…

ASK: So….what does that mean? What other sources?
ASK: DOES this mean that Luke was familiar with other Gospels?
Gemini:
- Luke 1:1 states, “Many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been fulfilled among us.” This suggests that there were other accounts or writings circulating about the life and ministry of Jesus at the time Luke was writing his Gospel.
- Luke is acknowledging the existence of these other narratives, but he also emphasizes that his own account is based on careful research and eyewitness testimony. This suggests that he believed his Gospel to be a more accurate and reliable portrayal of the events surrounding Jesus’ life.
The unique content in Luke—material not found in the other Synoptic Gospels (Mark and Matthew)—is the result of his research (see Luke 1:3) and access to sources not available to Mark or Matthew.

ASK: Who or what is “Theophilus?” What do your commentary bibles say?

From https://www.gotquestions.org/Theophilus-Luke-Acts.html#:~:text=The%20name%20%E2%80%9CTheophilus%E2%80%9D%20literally%20means,Theophilus%E2%80%9D%20is%20just%20a%20generic

The fact is that we really do not know who Theophilus was, which is why there are several different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was.

The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.” This has led some to believe that “Theophilus” is just a generic title that applies to all Christians. However, from the context of Luke and Acts, it seems clear that Luke is writing to a specific individual, even though his message is also intended for all Christians in all centuries. While both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts have applications for all Christians, they were probably written to a specific individual whom Luke addresses as “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3).

Since it seems clear that Theophilus was an actual person, we will look at what we do know about him from the Bible and then discuss a few of the many theories as to who he might have been. First, it is important to note that Luke addresses him as “most excellent,” a title often used when referring to someone of honor or rank, such as a Roman official. Paul used the same term when addressing Felix (Acts 23:26; Acts 24:2) and Festus (Acts 26:25). Therefore, one of the most common theories is that Theophilus was possibly a Roman officer or high-ranking official in the Roman government.

Another possibility is that Theophilus was a wealthy and influential man in the city of Antioch. There are second-century references to a man named Theophilus who was “a great lord” and a leader in the city of Antioch during the time of Luke. Such a man would fit the description, as many scholars believe that Theophilus could have been a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul and Luke on their missionary journeys. That would account for Luke’s wanting to provide an orderly and detailed account of what had happened.

Another theory about who Theophilus was is that he was the Jewish high priest named Theophilus ben Ananus. Theophilus ben Ananus was high priest in Jerusalem in A.D. 37-41. He was the son of Annas and the brother–in-law of Caiaphus. While less popular, this theory seems to be gaining popularity among some groups. Still another theory is that the Theophilus Luke was writing to was a later high priest named Mattathias ben Theophilus, who served in Jerusalem in A.D. 65-66.

Yet another theory about the identity of Theophilus is that he was the Roman lawyer who defended Paul during his trial in Rome. Those who hold this theory believe that Luke’s purpose in writing Luke and Acts was to write a defense of Christianity, somewhat akin to a legal brief. If this theory is correct, Luke’s writings were designed to defend Paul in court against charges of insurrection and, at the same time, to defend Christianity against the charge that it was an illegal, anti-Roman religion.

While each of these theories holds possibilities, it seems most likely that Theophilus was a high-ranking or influential Gentile for whom Luke wanted to provide a detailed, historical account of Christ and the spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Whether this Theophilus was a wealthy relative of Caesar, an influential government official, a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul or Paul’s Roman lawyer does not really matter. We cannot know for sure who Theophilus was, but we can know what Luke’s intentions for writing were. His stated reason for writing to Theophilus was “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4). Luke wrote an historical account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and detailed the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His intention was to give Theophilus certainty that the “things he had been taught” were indeed true and trustworthy.

MATTHEW HENRY: Theophilus is thought to be a Roman official, or at least a person in high rank. Luke’s intention was to present to Theophilus an orderly account of the gospel. Apparently, Theophilus was already familiar with some parts of the gospel, but Luke wanted him to know with certainty concerning the things about which he had been instructed.

NOTE: THE FSB AND CSB STUDY notes basically say the same thing….several options, nobody knows for sure who Theophilus was.

OK, moving on to the next section in Luke, Chapter 1 …

1. The birth of John the Baptist foretold (Luke 1:5–25)

⁵In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. ⁷But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

⁸When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. ¹¹An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. ¹²When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. ¹³But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. ¹⁴There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. ¹⁶He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

¹⁸“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. ²⁰Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

²¹Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. ²²When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was making signs to them and remained speechless. ²³When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

²⁴After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, ²⁵“The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

OK…..LET’S BREAK THESE VERSES DOWN, ONE BY ONE.

VERSE 5, 6, 7, 8 – In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah.

Abijah’s division. What is that all about? Who is Abijah, and what’s a division?

Zechariah’s service as a priest involved a complex system of rotation and responsibilities within the Levitical priesthood. Here’s a breakdown of his role:

Division of Abijah: Priests were divided into 24 divisions, each serving a specific week of the year. Zechariah belonged to the division of Abijah.
Lot Selection: When his division was on duty, priests were chosen by lot to perform specific temple tasks.
Burning Incense: In Zechariah’s case, he was chosen to burn incense, a sacred ritual performed in the Holy Place of the temple. This was a highly honored and privileged task.

Key points of the priestly duty:

It was a ceremonial role, symbolizing the people’s prayers ascending to God.
It required strict adherence to ritual purity and holiness.
It was a public act of worship on behalf of the people.

Zechariah’s position as a priest, and specifically his role in burning incense, provided a solemn and sacred context for the angelic visitation and the subsequent announcement of John the Baptist’s birth.

This system of priestly divisions is described in more detail in 1 Chronicles 24.

(verse 5 continued) His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. ⁷

How would you explain verse 6….both were righteous…etc. What would that look like to you?

Righteous in God’s sight: This means they lived their lives in a way that was pleasing to God. Their actions and attitudes aligned with God’s moral standards.
Living without blame: They were free from wrongdoing. Their lives were characterized by integrity and honesty.
According to all the commands and requirements of the Lord: They faithfully obeyed all of God’s laws and regulations as outlined in the Old Testament.
Essentially, Zechariah and Elizabeth were devout and obedient followers of God, living exemplary lives according to the religious standards of the OT.

VERSE 7. But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

And what other couple in the bible, had a baby, and were well along in years?

Abraham and Sarah

VERSE: ¹⁰At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.

ASK: What’s this “at the hour of incense” all about? What is significant about this hour?

The hour of incense refers to the specific time of day (every day) when incense was burned in the temple as part of the daily sacrificial ritual. This was a significant moment in the Jewish religious calendar, and it marked a time of heightened prayer and devotion. Here are some key points about the hour of incense:

Timing: It’s believed to have been around 3:00 PM in the afternoon.
Significance: ASK: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE BURNING INCENSE REPRESENTED? The burning of incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.
Prayer Time: The people would often gather outside the temple to pray during this time, as indicated in Luke 1:10.

So….”a time of heightened prayer and devotion.” ….. so… is that something that should make us ponder and wonder about us? Is that something we do? Why or why not? Is that an “old testament” thing, or is it for us to?

¹⁸“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

Now, let’s start where we left off…..verse 11.

¹¹An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

Is there any significance to “standing to the right of the alter?”

The angel’s position at the right side of the altar of incense in Luke 1:11 carries several important implications:

Divine Presence and Power: The right side is often associated with strength, authority, and favor in biblical symbolism. The angel’s placement on the right side emphasizes the divine power and authority behind the message he brings.
Proximity to God: The altar of incense was seen as a point of connection between heaven and earth. The angel’s position near it signifies a close proximity to God, underscoring the divine nature of the message he is about to deliver.
Counteracting Fear: Zechariah was filled with fear upon seeing the angel (Luke 1:12). The angel’s placement on the right side, a position of strength and authority, may have been intended to reassure Zechariah and to convey the importance of the message he was about to receive.

In summary, the angel’s position at the right side of the altar of incense is not merely a detail but a carefully chosen symbolic representation of divine power, authority, and the blessings to come.

¹²When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear.

ASK: “WHY” terrified and overcome with fear?

Here are a few reasons for his fear:

Uncommon Occurrence: Angelic appearances were rare, and most people would have never encountered one in their lifetime.
Sacred Setting: The temple was a holy place, and the sudden appearance of a celestial being would have been deeply unsettling.
Overwhelming Presence: The glory and majesty of an angel could be intimidating and awe-inspiring, inducing fear in those who beheld them.

¹³But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.

ASK: “Do not be afraid.” Off the top of your head, when dealing with Angels appearing, when have we heard that phrase before?”

Other Angels Who Said “Do Not Fear”

The Angel to Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30): The angel Gabriel tells Mary not to be afraid when he announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God.
The Angel to the Shepherds (Luke 2:10): The angel reassures the shepherds, frightened by the appearance of the Lord’s glory, with the words, “Do not be afraid.”
The Angel to Joseph (Matthew 1:20): An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.
The Angel at Jesus’ Tomb (Matthew 28:5): An angel tells the women who have come to visit Jesus’ tomb not to be afraid, announcing Jesus’ resurrection.

VERSE 13: Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

ASK: John was NOT a family name, so this prophecy was braking Jewish tradition. What is the significance of the name “John” in this verse? Does anyone know what the name John means in Hebrew?

The name John is Hebrew for “Yahweh is gracious.” This name is deeply symbolic and prophetic, foreshadowing the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus Christ.
Here’s a breakdown of its significance:
Divine Grace: The name emphasizes God’s grace and mercy, which is a central theme in John the Baptist’s message.
Prophetic Role: John’s name reflects his role as a herald of God’s grace, preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.
Contrast with Law: The name “John” stands in contrast to the Law, which focuses on human obedience. John’s message is about God’s grace and forgiveness.
By giving John this name, God revealed the nature and purpose of his son’s life before he was even born, highlighting the divine plan and purpose behind his ministry.

¹⁵For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer.

ASK: What does “never drink wine or beer” indicate? Who else do we remember that had this requirement too?

FSB 1:15 never drink wine or beer Like Samson and Samuel, John the Baptist was to be a Nazirite from birth (see Num 6:1–4; Judg 13:2–5; 1 Sam 1:11).

ASK: Someone tell us what else does being a Nazirite meant, besides not drinking wine or beer?

FSB: According to Num 6, Nazirites were Israelites who were separated or consecrated for God’s service. They were to abstain from wine and strong drink, vinegar products, and anything produced from grapes. They also had to take care not to come into contact with dead bodies. They were not permitted to cut their hair until their vow was complete, at which time they were to offer sacrifices to Yahweh.

VERSE 15 Continued. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.

ASK: OK, let’s brainstorm. There is more to this verse than meets the eye. Explain the significance of that verse. Explain what this would mean.

This extraordinary statement indicates that John the Baptist was set apart for a special purpose from the very beginning of his life.

Unique Anointing: Being filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb is a unique occurrence in Scripture, emphasizing John’s special calling as a prophet and forerunner of Christ.
Preparation for Ministry: This divine endowment prepared John for the demanding role he would play in preparing the way for the Messiah.
Power and Authority: The presence of the Holy Spirit within him would grant him the power and authority to fulfill his prophetic mission.

Essentially, this verse highlights the extraordinary nature of John the Baptist’s calling and the supernatural power that would accompany his ministry.

ASK: What do you think? When reading about John the Baptist, which is always read when we read about Jesus, do you really think about the anointing, power, authority and role of John the Baptist? Or, do we just overlook him because along comes Jesus?

ASK WHAT THIS MEANS: ¹⁶He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

This verse outlines the primary purpose of John the Baptist’s ministry: to bring about a spiritual revival among the people of Israel.

Conversion: John’s mission was to lead people away from their sinful ways and towards a renewed relationship with God.
Restoration: He would play a crucial role in restoring the spiritual health of the nation, which had drifted from God’s ways.
Preparation: His ministry would prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Messiah.

Essentially, John was to be a catalyst for spiritual transformation, turning people back to God and preparing the way for the Savior.

VERSE 17: And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah,

ASK: In verse 17, what would the spirit and power of Elijah indicate? What do we know about Elijah, and what mental picture is this giving us?

Elijah-like Spirit: John will possess the same spirit and power as Elijah, a prophet known for his fiery zeal and confrontational style.

19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.

ASK: Someone tell us everything we know about the angel Gabriel.

The Angel Gabriel: God’s Messenger

The Angel Gabriel is a prominent figure in both the Old and New Testaments, known primarily for his role as a divine messenger.

Here’s a brief overview of his appearances:

Daniel (Old Testament): Gabriel appears to Daniel in the book of Daniel, interpreting a complex vision and revealing future events (Daniel 8:16).
Zechariah (New Testament): As we’ve seen, Gabriel appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19).
Mary (New Testament): Gabriel also appears to Mary, announcing the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26).

ASK: What are some of the Key characteristics of Gabriel include:

Divine Messenger: He is clearly a high-ranking angel, directly commissioned by God to deliver important messages.
Revealer of God’s Plan: Gabriel’s appearances often involve unveiling significant aspects of God’s plan for humanity.
Bringer of Good News: While his messages can be challenging, they ultimately convey hope and promise.

Gabriel’s role in Scripture highlights the importance of divine revelation and the active involvement of heavenly beings in God’s plan for salvation.

20Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

ASK: Is there anything significant to learn from verse 20?

GEMINI: This verse reveals a significant consequence for Zechariah’s doubt of the angel’s message.

Punishment for Doubt: Zechariah’s temporary muteness serves as a form of divine discipline for his lack of faith in God’s promise.
Emphasis on Belief: The verse underscores the importance of believing God’s word and trusting in His promises.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The angel assures Zechariah that the promised birth will undoubtedly occur, even if he does not believe it.

MATTHEW HENRY: If you want a sign for the support of our faith, it shall be one that it also the punishment of our unbelief. He lost his hearing as well as his speech. (not sure where he gets that, but bunches of other commentaries said he lost his hearing too).

22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.

What’s the most likely scenario here? How would they realize that he had seen a vision?

The people realized Zechariah had seen a vision based on two key observations:

His Inability to Speak: Zechariah’s sudden loss of speech was an unusual and unexpected occurrence. This was a clear deviation from his normal behavior and suggested something extraordinary had happened.
His Gestures: Zechariah’s attempts to communicate through signs indicated a mental and emotional state that was not typical. This nonverbal communication further suggested a profound experience that had left him speechless.

²⁴After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, ²⁵“The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

ASK: Does anyone’s study bible have any notes for the seclusion for five months? Here is what the CSB Study Bible said:

CSB: 1:24–25 Elizabeth withdrew and kept herself in seclusion for five months after she miraculously conceived. ASK: Why did she do this?

Some speculate that she feared miscarrying during the early months of pregnancy.
More likely she recognized that her unusual pregnancy would draw unwelcome attention if it became widely known.
Better to have a restful start to a pregnancy that came so late in life.

VS 25 take away my disgrace among the people. Matthew Henry said something “interesting” about disgrace among the people:

Fruitfulness was looked upon to be so great a blessing among the Jews, because of the promise of the increase of their nation, and the rising of the Messiah among them.
It was a great reproach to be barren.
Those who were so, though ever so blameless, were concluded to be guilty of some great sin….

Luke 1:26 to 38

GABRIEL PREDICTS JESUS’S BIRTH

²⁶In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin engaged^, to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” ²⁹But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. ³⁰Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³²He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. ³³He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

³⁴Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”

³⁵The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. ³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.”

³⁸“See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

GABRIEL PREDICTS JESUS’S BIRTH

VERSE 26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin engaged^, to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.

ASK: In the sixth month. What sixth month?

CSB STUDY NOTES: 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel, the same angel who had appeared to Zechariah previously (v. 19), was dispatched by God to Nazareth. This was a small village in Galilee, a region north of Judea and Samaria.

27 to a virgin engaged^, to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

Virgin – ASK: Any thoughts or input here? Talk to me about the word virgin.

FSB NOTES: 1:27 a virgin = Luke calls Mary a virgin twice in this verse to demonstrate that Jesus’ conception was an act of God.

Throughout his Gospel, Luke draws extensively from the book of Isaiah.

By doing so, he portrays Jesus’ life through Isaiah’s theological lens.
In this verse, Luke alludes to the Septuagint (ancient Greek translation) version of Isa 7:14, applying Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin (parthenos in Greek) being with child as a reference to Mary’s miraculous conception.
In this way, Luke portrays Jesus as God’s promised Messiah.
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23 virgin = Greek word Parthenos
Mark: The Gospel of Mark does not explicitly mention the virgin birth of Jesus. The narrative begins with Jesus’ baptism and public ministry, bypassing the events surrounding His birth.
John: The Gospel of John does not explicitly mention the virgin birth of Jesus. However, it does allude to Jesus’ divine origins and pre-existence.

CSB NOTES: parthenos

Greek pronunciation [pahr THEHN ahss]

CSB translation virgin

Uses in Luke’s Gospel 2

Uses in the NT 15

Focus passage Luke 1:27, 34

In the Greek NT, parthenos (virgin) connotes an unmarried female virgin of marriageable age.
Both Matthew and Luke acknowledge that Mary was a parthenos at the time she conceived Jesus (Mt 1:20, 23; Lk 1:27, 34), and Matthew indicates that she remained a virgin while she carried the child to term (Mt 1:25).
- Matthew 1:25 He married her ²⁵but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
- ASK: TRIVIA QUESTION….WHY DO YOU THINK MATTHEW MENTIONED THAT SHE STAYED A VIRGIN UNTIL AFTER SHE GAVE BIRTH? (I have no idea)
Both books mention the salvific significance of Jesus’s birth (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31–32).
However, Matthew alone indicates the prophetic significance of Jesus’s birth by a virgin (Mt 1:23).
- Matthew 1:23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,
According to Matthew, Mary was the fulfillment of a prophecy given through the prophet Isaiah, who described a virgin (Is 7:14; parthenos occurs here in the Greek OT) who would give birth to a child to be named Immanuel.
OK, I KNOW WE ARE STUDYING LUKE, NOT MATTHEW, BUT PLEASE TELL ME THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MATTHEW’S USE OF THE WORD “IMMANUEL” AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT VERSE:
- Meaning of Immanuel: “Immanuel” is a Hebrew term that means “God with us.” This emphasizes the idea that Jesus is not merely a human being but the divine presence of God dwelling among humanity.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: This statement fulfills the prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the birth of a child by a virgin who would be called “Immanuel.” This connection reinforces the understanding that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Divine Nature: The name “Immanuel” highlights the divine nature of Jesus, emphasizing His unique identity as both fully God and fully human.
- Hope for Humanity: The phrase “God with us” offers hope and reassurance to humanity, suggesting that God is present and active in the world, working for the salvation of His people.

28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”

ASK: What are your thoughts here? WHY WAS MARY “FAVORED”?

CBS STUDY NOTES: 1:28–30 Mary was favored because the Lord set his undeserved grace upon her, not because she had earned good standing. Understandably, she was deeply troubled by Gabriel’s visit and greeting, wondering how she had come to receive such an honor. Gabriel’s admonishment that Mary not be afraid was the same thing he said to Zechariah (v. 13).

“WHY DID GOD CHOSE MARY?” FROM “GOTQUESTIONS.ORG.”

Mary was of the right lineage. Luke traces Mary’s lineage through David, Boaz, Judah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Her son would be qualified to bear the title Son of David and be the righteous “Branch” that was to come from David’s family (Isaiah 11:1).
2. Mary was engaged to a man whose heritage would require him to visit Bethlehem at just the right time. Micah 5:2foretold the birthplace of the Messiah, pinpointing Bethlehem in Judah. Many virgins may have known God’s favor and may have descended from King David’s line, but not many would also be in the small town of Bethlehem when it was time for the Messiah to be born.

3. Mary was a virgin. It was critical that the mother of the Messiah be a virgin in order to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Matthew reminded his readers of that prophecy, which was crucial in verifying Jesus’ identity (Matthew 1:23). She could not be married, or the world would assume Jesus had an earthly father. She could not have a bad reputation, or no one would have believed her story about a virgin birth, not even her own family. The virgin birth, in bypassing a human father, circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the Messiah to be a sinless man.

4. Mary was from Nazareth. Prophecies given hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth declared that the Messiah would be of little reputation (Isaiah 53; Zechariah 9:9; cf. Matthew 2:23). To be called a Nazarene or a Galilean was something of an insult in those days (see John 1:46). Had Mary been wealthy, socially prestigious, or from an affluent city, Jesus could not have easily connected with lowly people, the ones He’d come to save (Luke 19:10; Mark 2:17). But because He was from Nazareth, Mary’s hometown, the humility and commonness prophesied about Him was fulfilled.

God may have had more reasons for choosing Mary of Nazareth, but we will have to wait until we get to heaven to find out what they are. Mary was just a person God used for His purposes. Because of certain misunderstandings about Mary, it is important to note that she was not chosen because she was more holy than other people. The angel’s address to her as “highly favored” and “blessed” (Luke 1:28, NKJV) is a reference to the uniqueness of her pending task, not to any level of virtuousness she had attained. Mary was surely a godly woman, but that is not the point. Gabriel’s emphasis was on her privilege, not her piety. She had “found favor with God” (verse 30), but that says more about God’s goodness than Mary’s. She was the recipient of God’s grace, His undeserved favor.

Mary gives us an example of total devotion to the Lord in her answer to the angel Gabriel: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be unto me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). May we have the wisdom and grace to answer God’s call, whatever it is, the way Mary did.

²⁹But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

ASK: Obviously, this announcement would trouble anyone, but why do you think Mary was troubled?

GEMINI: Several factors contributed to her distress:

Unexpected Encounter: The sudden appearance of an angel in her home was undoubtedly startling and unsettling.
Unfamiliar Greeting: The angel’s greeting, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” was extraordinary and perplexing. Mary likely wondered about the meaning of such a unique salutation.
Understanding the Implications: The implications of the angel’s message were profound and would have caused Mary to consider the potential consequences of what was being asked of her.

Mary’s reaction is a natural human response to an overwhelming and unexpected event. Her trouble suggests a deep sense of humility and a desire to understand the full meaning of the angel’s message.

³⁰Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

ASK: Any thoughts here?

GEMINI: This verse is a crucial turning point in the narrative.

Reassurance: The angel begins by calming Mary’s fear, a common theme in angelic encounters.
Divine Favor: The core message is that Mary has found favor with God. This is a remarkable declaration, suggesting a divine election and purpose for her life.

It’s important to note that this “favor” is not earned but freely given by God, emphasizing the concept of grace.

³¹Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

ASK: Discuss the significances of this verse:

GEMINI: 1:31–33 The miracle that would cause Mary to conceive and give birth to a son would be a far greater miracle than the one that caused Elizabeth to conceive in old age (vv. 13, 18) because, unlike Elizabeth, Mary was still a virgin (v. 34).

The name Jesus is equivalent to the Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning “the Lord is salvation.” MATTHEW HENRY not only points out that Jesus’ name means “The Lord will save”… he also makes a good point that Jesus is the Savior that the world needs, rather than such a one as the Jews expected.

³²He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. ³³He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

Being the Son of the Most High means Jesus was the Son of God himself (v. 35) because God created the life in Mary’s womb without the aid of a human father (see note at vv. 34–35).
Humanly speaking, though, Jesus’s lineage would be traced legitimately through the royal family of David because Joseph, Jesus’s adoptive father, was a descendant of David.
This made Jesus heir to David’s throne according to God’s eternal covenant (forever … his kingdom will have no end, v. 33; see 2Sm 7:13, 16).
- 2 Samuel 7:13 & 16 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 16. Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”

ASK: When Zechariah questioned Gabriel, what happened? (deaf and dumb). But now, it seems that Mary is asking a question, why is she not “punished” like Zechariah was?

CSB: 1:34–35 The difference between Mary’s response (how can this be) and Zechariah’s (v. 18) is that Mary asked her question not from unbelief but from puzzlement. The answer to Mary’s question about how she could get pregnant without having sexual relations with a man is that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and cause her to conceive (see note at vv. 31–33). Because the Holy Spirit was the agent of conception, the child (the holy One; 2Co 5:21; Heb 4:15) would be the Son of God.

HERE is the significance of this verse…..verse 34..

This verse marks a pivotal point in the narrative, introducing the concept of the virgin birth.

Question of Possibility: Mary expresses her confusion and disbelief about how the angel’s promise can be fulfilled given her virgin status.
Miraculous Conception: This verse sets the stage for the miraculous conception of Jesus, emphasizing the divine nature of His birth.

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming the unique nature of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully human.

35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. ³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.”

ASK: Gabriel said consider your “relative”… So, was Elizabeth Mary’s cousin, or Aunt, or what?

CSB: 1:36–37 There is no way of knowing whether your relative Elizabeth means Elizabeth was Mary’s aunt or cousin.

MATTHEW HENRY: It was further encouragement to her faith to be told that her COUSIN, though stricken in years, was with child.

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE: the word “relative” is the Greek word (4773) suggenes, a relative by blood, by extension, a fellow countryman…..

38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

ASK: What are your thoughts here? “May it happen to me as you have said.”…..do those words teach us anything?

CSB: 1:38 Mary’s response is a classic model of humble commitment (I am the Lord’s servant) and willing obedience (may it be done to me according to your word).

OK, Mary’s response here means more than just that Mary would do what the Lord wants. What does Mary’s response teach US today?
- MATTHEW HENRY. We must, as Mary here, guide our desires by the Word of God, and ground our hopes upon it.

This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing Mary’s profound faith and submission to God’s will.

Acceptance of God’s Plan: Mary accepts the extraordinary task given to her without hesitation or complaint.
Humility: Her self-designation as the Lord’s servant reflects a deep sense of humility and dependence on God.
Faith and Trust: Mary demonstrates unwavering faith in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill His plan.

This verse is often considered a model of Christian faith and obedience, showcasing a willingness to surrender one’s own desires for the sake of God’s kingdom.

ASK: What are some of the ways in which we can say, as Americans, that we see our country, our culture, NOT surrendering our desires for the sake of God’s kingdom?

LUKE 1:39-56

MARY’S VISIT TO ELIZABETH

39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”

MARY’S PRAISE

46 And Mary said:

My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. 51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. 53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

VERSE BY VERSE ANALYSIS:

39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.

ASK: Why did Mary go see Elizabeth?

CSB: 1:39–45 Mary visits Elizabeth to assist her in the final months of her pregnancy. Given the immense social pressures and stigma that Mary was about to endure as an unwed mother, she likely sought solace in Elizabeth, who would believe the divine nature of her conception.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

ASK: OK, here in this verse, it is clear that this scripture said that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit… but….what about baby John? He lept inside Elizabeth….Is there any chance that John was also filled with the Holy Spirit?

Luke 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
CSB: 1:41–45 The baby (John) being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 15) fulfilled Gabriel’s prediction to Zechariah. But Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit also (v. 41), and the Spirit’s revelations to her were apparently the source of her knowledge about the blessed roles and identities of Mary and her unborn child. When baby John leaped inside Elizabeth, she understood that he had experienced great joy at Mary’s presence.
MATTHEW HENRY: he has interesting notes here. THE BABY LEAPED, this was more than an ordinary motion of the child. It is the same word that is used by the Septuagint for the struggling of Jacob and Esau in Rebecca’s womb (Gen 25:22).

42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”

Verse 43…MATTHEW HENRY: She not only bids her welcome, but she sees this visit a great favor, which she thought herself unworthy of. Her son, John the Baptist, spoke similarly, when he said “Comest thou to Me” (Mattt 3:14).

STATE: OK, NOW WE MOVE INTO “MARY’S PRAISE.” ASK: What else is these group of verses, from 46 to 55 called?

CSB: 1:46–55 Mary’s hymn of praise is known as the “Magnificat,” so named for the Latin term rendered as praises the greatness.

ASK: Is there any other verses, in the Old Testament, where the verses are similar to the “Magnificat?”

CSB: It is similar in tone to the song of Hannah (1Sm 2:1–10).

BEFORE we analyze the Magnificat, ASK SOMEONE TO READ 1 SAM 2:1-10. Then we will compare the two.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah prayed:

My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord. My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 2 There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God. 3 Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant words come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by him. 4 The bows of the warriors are broken, but the feeble are clothed with strength. 5 Those who are full hire themselves out for food, but those who are starving hunger no more. The woman who is childless gives birth to seven, but the woman with many sons pines away. 6 The Lord brings death and gives life; he sends some down to Sheol, and he raises others up. 7 The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap. He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; he has set the world on them. 9 He guards the steps of his faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness, for a person does not prevail by his own strength. 10 Those who oppose the Lord will be shattered;, he will thunder in the heavens against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give power to his king; he will lift up the horn of his anointed.^,

OK, before moving on to Mary’s PRAISE; what was happening with Hannah? What was this prayer all about that we just read?

Hannah prayed triumphantly because she had experienced God’s faithfulness in answering her fervent prayer.

For years, Hannah had endured the pain of infertility and the taunts of her rival wife. Yet, she maintained her faith in God and poured out her heart to Him in prayer. When she finally conceived and gave birth to Samuel, her joy and gratitude overflowed into a powerful song of praise.

Here are some key reasons for her triumphant prayer:

Answered Prayer: God had miraculously answered her long-held desire for a child.
Overcoming Adversity: She had endured years of suffering and humiliation but had persevered in faith.
God’s Sovereignty: She recognized God’s power and control over her life and circumstances.
Gratitude and Worship: Her heart was filled with gratitude and worship for God’s goodness and mercy.

OK, So, that was Hanna. Now let’s read about Mary…and compare thoughts?

MARY’S PRAISE

46 And Mary said:

OK: Discuss the similarities and the differences between Hannah’s triumphant prayer and Mary’s PRAISE.

Hannah and Mary: Songs of Praise and Hope

Similarities:

Gratitude and Praise: Both Hannah and Mary express deep gratitude and praise to God for answering their prayers.
Humility: Both women recognize their humble status and acknowledge God’s grace in their lives.
Divine Intervention: Both women emphasize God’s power and sovereignty in their lives.
Hope for the Future: Both express hope for the future, with their children playing central roles in God’s plan.

ASK: Do you see any Differences:

Context: Hannah’s prayer is a response to a personal blessing, while Mary’s praise is rooted in a divine, ordained event—the incarnation of God.
Scope: Hannah’s prayer is focused on her personal experience and the fulfillment of her desire for a child. Mary’s praise encompasses a broader perspective, including God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Prophetic Nature: Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, contains more explicit prophetic elements, pointing to God’s judgment.

ASK: Is the Magnificat just a Catholic thing or do protestants also celebrate and recognize the magnificat?

No, the Magnificat is not exclusively a Catholic thing. It’s a cherished part of the Christian tradition shared by many denominations. Churches such as Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopal incorporate the Magnificat into their worship services.

Here are some key points to consider:

A Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: The Magnificat is primarily an expression of gratitude to God for choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah. It reflects her overwhelming joy and wonder at God’s grace.
A Proclamation of God’s Sovereignty: Mary affirms God’s power and authority over all creation. Her recognition of God’s greatness is evident in her description of Him as the “Mighty One” who has done great things.
A Reflection of God’s Mercy: The Magnificat highlights God’s compassion and mercy toward the humble and oppressed. Mary echoes the prophetic themes of God’s preferential love for the poor and marginalized.
A Hopeful Vision of the Future: Mary’s song expresses a deep hope in God’s kingdom. Her words anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises and the coming of a new era of justice and peace.
A Model of Faith: Mary’s complete trust in God’s plan, despite the challenges and uncertainties she faced, serves as a powerful example of faith for believers.

Discuss the themes of God’s mercy, justice, and salvation as expressed in this song.

God’s Mercy

Focus on the humble: Mary emphasizes God’s attention to the lowly and oppressed, highlighting His mercy towards those who are often overlooked.
Unmerited favor: Her recognition of being chosen, despite being an ordinary woman, underscores the concept of God’s grace and undeserved kindness.
Compassionate love: The Magnificat portrays God as a loving and compassionate Father who cares deeply for His children.

God’s Justice

Overturning the proud: Mary’s proclamation that God “has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly” emphasizes God’s commitment to justice.
Filling the hungry and sending the rich empty away: This verse suggests God’s desire to rectify social and economic inequalities, demonstrating His justice.
Remembering His mercy: The song implies a continuity of God’s merciful and just actions throughout history.

God’s Salvation

Messianic hope: Mary’s anticipation of the Messiah’s coming reveals her understanding of God’s plan for salvation.
Kingdom of God: Her words point to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, where God’s will is done.
Eternal covenant: The Magnificat suggests a promise of salvation that extends to future generations, emphasizing God’s faithfulness.

By examining these themes within the Magnificat, we can gain a deeper appreciation of God’s character and His redemptive purposes.

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

CSB: 1:56–57 Mary visited Elizabeth shortly after hearing she was “in the sixth month” of her pregnancy (vv. 36, 39–40) and stayed with her about three months. Mary may have returned to Nazareth either shortly before or after the birth of Elizabeth’s son, John. Given their spiritual bond and the great roles their sons would play in God’s plan, it seems likely that Mary stayed for John’s birth.

Luke 1:57 to 80

THE BIRTH AND NAMING OF JOHN

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. 58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her his great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But his mother responded, “No. He will be called John.”

61 Then they said to her, “None of your relatives has that name.” 62 So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.

ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times; 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us. 72 He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham. He has given us the privilege, 74 since we have been rescued from the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. 78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 The child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

HERE WE GO, VERSE BY VERSE

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. 58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her his great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

ASK: Anything significant in these two verses? Are there any Gospel thoughts associated with these two verses?

The fact that Elizabeth’s relatives and neighbors “heard that the Lord had been merciful to her” is significant for several reasons:

God’s Mercy is Shared: The joy of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s child was not confined to their household but was shared with the broader community. This highlights the communal nature of God’s grace.
Witness to God’s Power: The birth of John after years of barrenness served as a powerful witness to God’s ability to overcome seemingly impossible circumstances.
Hope for Others: The community’s response suggests that their own hopes and dreams were stirred by Elizabeth’s experience. They saw in her story the possibility of God’s intervention in their own lives.

Essentially, the community’s reaction to Elizabeth’s pregnancy reflects the ripple effect of God’s mercy. Their joy and celebration serve as a testament to the transformative power of God’s love.

59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father.

OK, what was happening on the 8^th day and why? THEN….Ask what is the significance of the Circumcision?

Circumcision on the eighth day was a significant ritual in Jewish law, as outlined in Leviticus 12:3. It marked the formal entry of a male child into the covenant community of Israel.

Here’s why it was crucial:

Fulfillment of Covenant: Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). By adhering to this practice, parents were affirming their commitment to God’s covenant and their child’s inclusion in the people of Israel.
Identity and Belonging: Being circumcised signified belonging to the chosen people of God. It was a marker of identity and community.
Holiness and Separation: Circumcision symbolized a separation from the surrounding cultures and a dedication to a holy life in accordance with God’s laws.

In the context of Luke 1:59, the circumcision of John the Baptist, while fulfilling the Law, also foreshadows the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant was marked by outward physical signs, the New Covenant would be marked by a spiritual circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29).

60 But his mother responded, “No. He will be called John.”

MATTHEW HENRY: ASK: I think we covered this already, but once again, what does the name of “John” mean? (Gracious). Matthew Henry points out that he is to be called John because he shall introduce the gospel of Christ, in which God’s grace shines more brightly than before.

VERSES 60 to 63….they asked his father….why?

FSB: In ancient Israel, fathers held the final naming rights.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

Opened and his tongue set free…as prophesized by Gabriel in verse 20 of this chapter….. ²⁰And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.

Verse 65 and 66… .ASK why did “fear come on all those who lived around them?”

Luke 1:65-66:

The people were afraid because they experienced a supernatural event: the sudden restoration of Zechariah’s speech. This miraculous occurrence was beyond their understanding and challenged their normal perception of reality.

Fear is a common human response to the unknown and extraordinary. The people’s fear was likely mixed with awe and wonder as they witnessed a direct manifestation of God’s power.

OK, NOW MOVING TO ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY…VERSES 67 TO 80….. Just like we had Elizabeth’s “Magnificat”….. what is Zechariah’s Prophecy called?

1:68–79 Zechariah’s prophecy is traditionally called the “Benedictus,” from the first word (blessed) of v. 68 in the Latin Vulgate Bible….also sometimes known as “The Canticle of Zechariah…(Canticle….a hymn or chant…typically with a biblical text.)

ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

OK, to recap….how many people have been filled with the Holy Spirit in this chapter so far?

(4 – Elizabeth; Mary; Baby John; and now Zechariah).

What is that telling us? What is the “significance” of 4 people being filled with the Holy Spirit?

The fact that four individuals—Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist (before birth), and Zechariah—are described as being filled with the Holy Spirit is highly significant.

Here’s a breakdown:

Divine Empowerment: Each individual was empowered by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose, demonstrating God’s active involvement in human history.
Preparation for the Messiah: The filling of these individuals with the Holy Spirit was part of God’s plan to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah.
Witness to God’s Power: These miraculous events served as powerful witnesses to God’s power and sovereignty.
Unity and Purpose: The shared experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit created a spiritual bond between these individuals, uniting them in a common purpose.

Ultimately, the multiple instances of being filled with the Holy Spirit in Luke 1 highlight the extraordinary nature of the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the announcement of Jesus’ conception. It underscores God’s active involvement in human history and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives.

68 Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.

VERSE 68: PROVIDED “redemption” for his people:

OK, this is before Jesus was born. In the Old Testament, how many ways was “redemption” necessary? What types of redemption are outlined in the OT?

GEMINI: Redemption in the Old Testament was a complex concept involving liberation from various forms of bondage. It primarily revolved around:

1. Deliverance from Slavery or Oppression:

Exodus from Egypt: The Israelites were redeemed from slavery in Egypt through God’s powerful acts (Exodus 6:6).
Deliverance from Exile: The return from Babylonian captivity was seen as a redemptive act (Isaiah 43:14).

2. Land Redemption:

Levitical Laws: If an Israelite was forced to sell their land due to poverty, a relative could redeem it (Leviticus 25:25-28).
Jubilee Year: Every 50th year, land reverted to its original owner, symbolizing restoration and redemption.

3. Personal Redemption:

Firstborn Redemption: The firstborn son was considered consecrated to the Lord but could be redeemed by offering a substitute (Exodus 13:13).
Vows and Nazarites: Individuals could make vows to God and later redeem themselves by offering sacrifices (Numbers 6:21).

4. Sacrificial System:

Atonement: Sacrifices, particularly the Passover lamb, foreshadowed the ultimate redemption through Christ. They offered temporary atonement for sins.

Key Points:

Redemption was often tied to the concept of a goel [Hebrew word] or redeemer, typically a close relative.
The sacrificial system pointed to the need for a perfect and final sacrifice.
MAIN POINT OF NEW TESTAMENT REDEMPTION: While these OLD TESTAMENTS methods offered temporary relief or restoration, the complete redemption of humanity from sin and death would only be accomplished through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. AND, OBVIOUSLY, THAT’S WHERE WE ARE HEADING IN THE BOOK OF LUKE.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

ASK: “horn of salvation”… what does that mean?

FSB: 1:69 a horn of salvation A metaphor for power (e.g., 2 Sam 22:3; Pss 18:2; 148:14).

70 just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;

71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.

72 He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—

73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham. He has given us the privilege,

74 since we have been rescued from the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear

75 in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.

STATE: Verses 71 to 75. CSB STUDY NOTES: 1:71–75 The ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus fulfilled God’s covenant with David (v. 69; 2Sm 7:12–16) and the oath that he swore to … Abraham (see Gn 12:1–3). As a result, in the Messiah’s future reign, Israel would have full salvation from their enemies and would serve God in holiness and righteousness.

76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

CSB: 1:76 John was to be the prophet of the Most High who would go before Jesus, “the Son of the Most High” to prepare his ways (see Is 40:3; Mal 3:1).

Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
Malachi 3:1 See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple, the Messenger of the covenant you delight in—see, he is coming,” says the Lord of Armies.

77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

ASK THE GROUP: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JOHN THE BAPTISTS PREACHING “KNOWLEDGE OF SALVATION” AND THE PREACHING THAT JESUS DID?

John the Baptist’s Preaching vs. Jesus’ Preaching

John the Baptist: A Voice of Preparation

John the Baptist’s primary message was one of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. He preached a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). His focus was on calling people to turn away from their sins and prepare their hearts for the coming Kingdom of God. His message was a call to action, urging people to change their ways.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of Salvation

Jesus, on the other hand, proclaimed the Kingdom of God as present and offered forgiveness of sins through faith in Himself. His message was one of grace and salvation. While John prepared the way, Jesus came to fulfill the promise.

Key Differences:

Focus: John emphasized repentance and preparation; Jesus emphasized the Kingdom of God and salvation through faith.
Message: John’s message was primarily one of warning and judgment; Jesus’ message was one of grace and mercy.
Authority: John pointed to the coming Messiah; Jesus is the Messiah.

In essence, John the Baptist was a forerunner, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, brought the Kingdom of God and offered salvation through faith in Himself.

78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us

79 to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

CSB: 1:78–79 Dawn from on high speaks of the coming Messiah (Mal 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall.). The Lord’s visitation began with John’s birth. The next part of that visit would be Jesus’s birth (2:1–20). The phrase those who live in darkness and the shadow of death echoes Isaiah 9:1–2, which is cited in Mt 4:16. The way of peace with God is through faith in Christ (Rm 5:1).

Isaiah 9:1-2 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. ²The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness

80 The child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Yes, there are other references to John the Baptist’s life in the wilderness.

Matthew 3:1-2: “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”
Mark 1:4: “John appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

These passages reinforce the idea that John lived a secluded and austere life in the wilderness, preparing for his ministry as a prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ. His choice to live in the wilderness was symbolic of his rejection of the world and his commitment to a life of repentance and spiritual discipline.

Luke 11

LUKE CHAPTER 11

Section 1 – The Lord’s Prayer – 11:1-13

Section 2 – Jesus and Beelzebul, the Strong Man, and True Blessedness – 11:14–28

Section 3 – The Sign of Jonah – 11: 29-32

Section 4 – The Lamp of the Body – 11:33-36

Section 5 – Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers – 11:37-54 [end]

The Lord’s Prayer

11 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” ²And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

³ Give us each day our daily bread,

⁴ and forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation.”

VS 1 – “one of his disciples”…. Are we talking the 12 here, or, the 70?
- Several commentaries said it could mean either….the 12 or maybe one of the 70….
VS 1 – Why did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray?
Answer: They saw Jesus praying often and sensed its importance. They wanted to learn how to connect with God like He did, just as John the Baptist taught his disciples.
ASK: vs2- Father….is that a normal way that the Jews would have addressed God?
- CSB: It was unusual for Jews to refer to God as Father. Such an address would seem too personal and familiar.
VS2 – What does “Hallowed be your name” mean?
- Answer: It means “may your name be honored as holy.” It expresses reverence and worship for God.
Vs2 Your kingdom come. ….what does that tell us?
- CSB: some aspects of the kingdom are still future (your kingdom come).
- It is a prayer for God’s rule, justice, and peace to be established on earth, and for people to live under His will.
VS3… Give us each day our daily bread, what does that say to us?
- All people are dependent on the Lord to meet their daily needs, as in give us … our daily bread. It shows dependence on God for our everyday physical needs. It teaches trust in God’s daily
Vs 4 indebted to us. – ASK what does that say to us?
- CSB refers to what is “owed” to us spiritually (i.e., having been sinned against).
Verse 4 forgive us our sins. ASK how are sins and debt related?
- CSB forgive us our sins = sin and debt are related—sin functions like a debt before God and others (Matt 6:12).
Verse 4: As we forgive others. Will God forgive us of our sins, if we are not forgiving other people of their sins against us?
- BARNES: The idea is, that unless we forgive others, God will not forgive us; and unless we come to him “really” forgiving all others, we cannot expect pardon.
- ASK: When we forgive others, then do we “deserve” to be forgiven too?
  - BARNES: It does not mean that by forgiving others we “deserve” forgiveness ourselves, or “merit it,” but that this is a disposition or state of mind without which God cannot consistently pardon us.
- STATE: The phrase lead us not into temptation.”
  - CSB: is in contrast with Christ himself, who was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested by Satan (see note at 4:1–2).
  - It’s a prayer for protection from situations where we might fall into sin and a request for strength to resist evil.

Life Applications verses 11:1-4

Make Prayer a Habit

Just like Jesus, we should pray regularly—not just in emergencies. Prayer deepens our relationship with God.

Pray with Reverence

Begin prayers by honoring God. This reminds us of who He is and puts us in the right mindset.

Trust God for Daily Needs

Rather than worrying about the future, depend on God one day at a time.

Forgive Others Freely

Don’t carry grudges. Forgiveness brings peace and reflects God’s grace to others.

Ask for Spiritual Strength

Temptation is real. Pray for discernment and strength to avoid it.

Use the Lord’s Prayer as a Model

It’s not meant to be repeated mindlessly, but used as a guide for talking to God with sincerity and balance.

Luke 11:5–13 – The Friend at Midnight & Ask, Seek, Knock

⁵And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, ⁶for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? ⁸I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. ⁹And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; ¹²or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Student Questions and Answers:

Question: Why did Jesus use the example of a friend who was initially unwilling to help? Doesn’t that make God seem reluctant?
- Answer: Jesus uses this parable as a contrast, not a direct comparison. The point is that if even a human friend, who might be inconvenienced and initially reluctant, will eventually help because of persistence, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father, who is always willing and abundantly able, respond to our prayers.
- The focus is on the effectiveness of persistent asking when approaching a source of help, highlighting that God is far more generous and responsive than the sleepy friend.
Question: What is the difference between “asking,” “seeking,” and “knocking”?
- Let’s look at these 3 verbs: These three verbs likely represent an increasing intensity and earnestness in prayer:

- Ask: This is the basic act of making a request or petition to God, acknowledging a need.
- Seek: This implies a more active and diligent effort. It’s not just asking, but actively looking for God’s guidance, His will, or the answer to the prayer, perhaps through scripture, circumstances, or wise counsel.
- Knock: This conveys a persistent and determined effort, like someone repeatedly knocking at a door, fully expecting it to be opened. It suggests perseverance in prayer, especially when answers are not immediate. Together, they paint a picture of a wholehearted, sustained engagement with God in prayer.

Question: Does the promise “everyone who asks receives” mean I will get absolutely anything I want if I just ask for it?
- Answer:
  1. This powerful promise should be understood within the context of God’s character as a loving and wise Father. He gives “good gifts.”
  2. Sometimes, what we ask for might not actually be good for us in the long run, or it might not align with His perfect will or timing.
  3. Therefore, while God always hears and responds to sincere prayer, the “receiving” might not always be the specific thing we asked for in the exact way we envisioned.
  4. He will always give what is ultimately best, which, as Jesus points out, culminates in the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  5. We can trust His goodness and wisdom in how He answers.

Question: Why does Jesus specifically mention that the Father will give the “Holy Spirit” as the ultimate gift?
- Answer: The Holy Spirit is presented as the most precious and essential gift from God.
  1. For believers, the Holy Spirit is God’s personal presence within them, providing guidance, comfort, strength, wisdom, and the power to live a life that pleases God.
  2. The Holy Spirit helps us understand spiritual truths, transforms our character to be more like Christ’s, and empowers us for service.
  3. By highlighting the Holy Spirit, Jesus points to a gift that meets our deepest spiritual needs and enables a true, vibrant relationship with God.

Question: If God already knows all our needs before we even ask, why is persistence in prayer so important?
- Answer: Persistence in prayer isn’t about convincing a reluctant God or informing Him of something He doesn’t know. Rather, persistence:

- 1. Develops our character: It cultivates qualities like faith, patience, humility, and deepens our dependence on God.
  2. Clarifies our desires: The process of persistently praying can help us understand what we truly need and desire, sometimes revealing that our initial requests need refinement.
  3. Aligns our will with God’s: As we continually bring our requests before God, we open ourselves more to His will and may find our desires changing to match His.
  4. Strengthens our relationship with Him: Consistent and heartfelt communication builds intimacy and trust.
  5. Demonstrates the earnestness of our request: It shows God (and ourselves) the depth of our longing and our faith in Him as the source of all good things.

Life Application Skills to Live By:

Cultivate Persistent Prayer: Don’t give up easily when you pray. Understand that God values your persistent heart and that continuing to bring your requests before Him demonstrates faith and earnestness.
Approach God with Bold Confidence: Know that you can come to God with your needs, no matter how big or small, or what time of day or night. He is not bothered by your requests like the friend in the parable; He is a loving Father.
Trust in God’s Goodness: Believe that God is a good Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. Even if His answers don’t look exactly like what you expected, trust that He knows what is best.
Seek the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Recognize the immense value of the Holy Spirit in your life. Actively ask for the Father to fill you, guide you, and empower you through His Spirit. This is a prayer He is especially pleased to answer.
Be Proactive in Your Spiritual Life (Ask, Seek, Knock): Don’t be passive. Actively “ask” for God’s help and provision. Diligently “seek” His will and His presence in your daily life. Persistently “knock” on the doors of opportunity He may open, and on heaven’s door in prayer.
Develop Relational Trust over Transactional Demands: Understand that prayer is fundamentally about relationship with God, not just a transaction to get what you want. Your persistence deepens this relationship.
Recognize True Needs: While God cares about all aspects of your life, this passage particularly points to the ultimate “good gift” of the Holy Spirit. Prioritize seeking spiritual nourishment and God’s presence above all else, trusting that He will also care for your other needs.

Section 2 = Verses 14 to 28 [top]

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. ¹⁵But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” ¹⁶while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. ¹⁷But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. ¹⁸And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²¹When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²²but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. ²³Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

²⁴“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ ²⁵And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. ²⁶Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

²⁷As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” ²⁸But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Luke 11:14-28: Jesus’ Power, Kingdom Conflict, and True Blessedness

A Summary of the Passage:

This section of Luke’s Gospel details a significant encounter where Jesus’ power over demons is displayed, leading to varied reactions and profound teachings about the nature of His kingdom, the spiritual battle, and the source of true blessing.

Jesus and Beelzebul

Verse 14 question: Did anyone research who “Beelzebul” was?
- Beelzebul, the god worshiped by Philistines in Ekron, had become a nickname for Satan.
VERSE 15 Question: Why did some people accuse Jesus of using demonic power (Beelzebul) when He performed a good miracle like healing the mute man?
- Answer: Their accusation likely stemmed from a combination of factors:

- - Unbelief and Hostility: They may have already been predisposed against Jesus and were looking for ways to discredit Him.
  - Fear of His Power: His undeniable power might have frightened them, and attributing it to Satan was a way to reject its divine origin.
  - Misunderstanding of God’s Kingdom: They may have had preconceived notions about how the Messiah would operate, and Jesus didn’t fit their expectations.
  - Spiritual Blindness: Their hearts might have been hardened to the point where they couldn’t recognize God’s work, even when it was clearly displayed.

Verses 14-16: The Healing and the Accusation: Jesus casts out a demon that was causing a man to be mute. When the demon leaves, the man begins to speak, and the crowds marvel. However, this miracle elicits mixed responses. Some in the crowd accuse Him, saying, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Others, to test Him, demand a sign from heaven.

¹⁷But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. ¹⁸And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Verses 17-19 Question: How did Jesus argue against the accusation that He was using Satan’s power (verses 17-19)?
- Answer: Jesus used clear logic:

- A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand: He pointed out that it makes no sense for Satan to fight against himself by empowering Jesus to cast out his own demons. Such internal division would lead to the collapse of Satan’s kingdom.
- The Example of Their Own Followers: He asked by whose power their own exorcists (or “sons”) cast out demons. If they attributed their own exorcisms to God, they were being inconsistent and hypocritical in accusing Him. Their own practices would condemn them.

Verse 19 question: Did the Jews perform “exorcisms?
- FSB: Some Jews practiced incantations intended to ward off or remove evil spirits; for example, among the Dead Sea Scrolls (ca. 250 bc–ad 50), an incantation text commonly called Aramaic Exorcism was discovered.
Verse 20 Question: What did Jesus mean by “if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (verse 20)?
- Answer: The “finger of God” is a metaphor for God’s power and direct action (it echoes the language used in Exodus 8:19 when the Egyptian magicians recognized God’s power in the plagues).
- Jesus was saying that His ability to overcome demonic forces was clear evidence that God’s sovereign rule and power (His Kingdom) were actively breaking into the world through His person and ministry.
- His miracles were not just random acts of power but signs that God’s reign was present and confronting the powers of darkness.
Summary – Verses 17-20: Jesus’ Rebuttal – A Kingdom Divided: Knowing their thoughts, Jesus refutes their accusation with logic. He explains that any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan is also divided, casting out his own demons, his kingdom could not stand. Jesus then challenges them: if He drives out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do their own followers (or exorcists) drive them out? Their own people will then be their judges. Crucially, He declares, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” This directly links His exorcisms to the arrival and power of God’s kingdom.

²¹When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²²but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

Verses 21 & 22. Question: In verses 21-22, who is the “strong man,” and who is the “stronger one”? What does this parable teach? Answer:

- The “strong man” represents Satan, who powerfully holds humanity captive to sin and his evil influence. His “palace” is his domain of darkness, and his “possessions” or “plunder” are the people he controls.
- The “stronger one” is Jesus Christ, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, demonstrates His superior power over Satan.
- The parable teaches that Jesus has come to invade Satan’s domain, defeat him, and set people free from his grasp. Jesus is more powerful than Satan and can liberate those who are enslaved.

Verses 21-22: The Strong Man Overpowered: Jesus uses the parable of a “strong man” (Satan) who is fully armed and guards his palace (his domain, those he holds captive). His possessions are safe until “someone stronger” (Jesus) attacks and overpowers him. This stronger one then takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder (those set free by Christ). This illustrates Jesus’ superior power over Satan.

²³Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Verse 23 Question: What is the significance of Jesus’ statement, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (verse 23)?
- Answer: This statement declares that in the spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness, neutrality is impossible. To not actively align with Jesus and His mission of “gathering” people into God’s kingdom is, by default, to be in opposition to Him and to contribute to the “scattering” or working against God’s purposes. It’s a call for a decisive commitment to Christ.
Verse 23: No Neutrality: Jesus makes a definitive statement: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” This underscores that in the conflict between God’s kingdom and Satan’s, there is no neutral ground.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

Question (verses 24-26)?: What is the main lesson of the story about the unclean spirit returning to the empty house
- Answer: The main lesson is a warning against incomplete spiritual change or reformation without true, ongoing occupation by God’s Spirit.
- Merely getting rid of evil influences (the house being “swept clean and put in order”) is insufficient.
- If that spiritual “space” is not then filled with the positive presence and power of God (through the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and commitment to Christ), it remains vulnerable.
- The person can end up in an even worse state of spiritual bondage if evil returns to an “empty” life.
- It highlights the need for genuine conversion and a life actively filled with God.
CSB: 11:24–26 These verses warn that the exorcism of a demon is incomplete unless Christ enters by faith and indwells the person who is healed. Otherwise, there is nothing to prevent the demon and seven other spirits from reentering and possessing the person. In that case, this person’s last condition is even worse than it was initially.

True Blessedness

Verse 27 & 28 Question: When the woman in the crowd blessed Jesus’ mother (verse 27), was Jesus correcting her or dismissing his mother (verse 28)?
- Answer: Jesus was not dismissing or disrespecting His mother, Mary. Instead, He was redirecting the focus to a higher and more universally accessible form of blessedness. He was teaching that while His physical family ties were unique, true and enduring blessedness comes from hearing God’s word and actively obeying it. This kind of blessing is available to everyone, not just those with a direct earthly connection to Him. He was prioritizing spiritual relationship and obedience over physical lineage.
Verses 27-28: True Blessedness Redefined: As Jesus is speaking, a woman from the crowd, impressed, exclaims, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you!” Jesus redirects this sentiment, stating, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” He emphasizes that true and lasting blessedness comes not from a mere physical connection to Him, but from actively hearing and, more importantly, obeying God’s word.

Life Application Skills to Live By:

Discern the Source of Power: True power from God aligns with His character and Word and leads to freedom and order, not the perpetuation of evil.
Recognize the Reality of God’s Kingdom: Understand that Jesus’ actions demonstrate that God’s kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality that actively confronts and overcomes evil. Live as a citizen of that kingdom.
Acknowledge Christ’s Ultimate Authority: Believe in Jesus as the “stronger one” who has defeated Satan. Place your trust in His power to protect you and set you free from any influence of evil.
Make a Deliberate Choice for Christ: Realize that neutrality in spiritual matters is not an option. Actively choose to be “with” Christ and “gather” for His purposes, rather than passively or actively being “against” Him or “scattering.”
Guard Against Spiritual Voids: Don’t just focus on removing negative habits or influences from your life. Actively fill your life with God’s presence through prayer, His Word, fellowship with believers, and the Holy Spirit. A life merely “emptied” of bad is vulnerable.
Prioritize Hearing and Obeying God’s Word: Understand that the deepest and most enduring blessings come from a consistent relationship with God, characterized by listening to His Word (the Bible) and diligently putting it into practice in your daily life.
Seek True Transformation, Not Just External Change: Aim for a deep, internal change wrought by God’s Spirit, rather than just superficial behavioral modifications. True freedom and godliness come from the inside out.
Don’t Be Swayed by Mere Sentiment or Popular Acclaim: While human praise or emotional responses (like the woman’s cry) can be well-intentioned, always bring the focus back to the foundational truths of God’s Word and the importance of obedience, as Jesus did.

Section Three [top]

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. ³¹The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. ³²The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Can someone give us a Summary:

Crowds demand a sign, but Jesus says they’ll only get the sign of Jonah (a symbol of His death and resurrection). He warns that people of other nations (like Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba) responded better to God’s messengers than this generation is responding to Him.

Verse 29 question: Q: What is “the sign of Jonah”?
A: Jonah’s three days in the fish symbolize Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Verse 31 question: What does this mean? The queen of the South –

In Luke 11:31, “the queen of the south” refers to the Queen of Sheba.

The verse states: “The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Here’s a breakdown of why this is the Queen of Sheba:

Historical Context: The story of the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon to hear his wisdom is found in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12. She traveled a great distance, bringing valuable gifts, to be in the presence of Solomon’s renowned wisdom.
Jesus’s Comparison: Jesus uses the Queen of Sheba as an example to contrast her eagerness to seek wisdom with the lack of response from the people of his own generation. He points out that they have someone “greater than Solomon” (referring to himself and his divine wisdom) in their midst, yet they are not as receptive or eager as the Queen of Sheba was.
“Queen of the South”: This is the title used in the New Testament to refer to this historical figure. “South” likely refers to the geographical location of her kingdom relative to Israel. While the exact location of Sheba is debated, it was generally considered to be in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen or possibly parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea).

Therefore, when you encounter “the queen of the south” in Luke 11:31 (and also in the parallel passage in Matthew 12:42), it is a reference to the historical Queen of Sheba and her journey to learn from the wisdom of King Solomon. Jesus uses her example to highlight the spiritual blindness and lack of receptivity of his contemporaries.

Someone explain ³²The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

“The men of Nineveh will rise at the judgment with this generation…”: This refers to the future Day of Judgment when all people will be resurrected and stand before God. The men who lived in the ancient city of Nineveh will be present at this judgment alongside the people who were alive during Jesus’s ministry (referred to as “this generation”).
“…and condemn it…”: The actions of the Ninevites will serve as a condemnation of the people of Jesus’s time. Their response to God’s message will highlight the lack of a similar positive response from those who heard Jesus.
“…for they repented at the preaching of Jonah…”: The people of Nineveh, as recounted in the Old Testament book of Jonah, were a wicked people. However, when Jonah reluctantly preached God’s message of impending judgment, they believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. They genuinely repented of their evil ways.
“…and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”: Jesus then draws a direct comparison between himself and the Old Testament prophet Jonah. He emphasizes that his own message, his miracles, and his very being carry far greater authority and significance than Jonah’s. Despite this, the people of his generation are not responding with the same repentance and faith that the Ninevites showed to Jonah’s much less compelling message.

In essence, Jesus is saying:

“The people of Nineveh, who were not even part of God’s chosen people and only heard a warning of judgment from a reluctant prophet, repented. When the time of judgment comes, their repentance will stand as a stark contrast and a condemnation of you, the people who are now hearing and seeing someone far greater than Jonah, yet you are not repenting.”

The lesson here is a powerful call to recognize and respond to God’s message when it is presented, especially when it comes with greater authority and evidence. The lack of response from Jesus’s contemporaries, compared to the Ninevites’ reaction to Jonah, highlights their spiritual blindness and stubbornness.

SUMMARY OF the passage in Luke 11:29-32, where Jesus speaks about the sign of Jonah and the Queen of the South, offers several powerful “Life Applications” for us today:

Recognize and Respond to God’s Clear Evidence:

Life Application: Just as the Ninevites responded to the sign of Jonah’s preaching and the Queen of Sheba traveled far to hear Solomon’s wisdom, we are surrounded by evidence of God’s presence and truth. This includes the Bible, the witness of believers, and even the created world. We must be open to recognizing this evidence and respond with faith and repentance.
Skill to Develop: Discernment, open-mindedness, a willingness to examine evidence, and humility to accept truth even if it challenges our current beliefs.

Don’t Miss the Greater for the Lesser:

Life Application: Jesus clearly states that “something greater than Jonah is here” and “something greater than Solomon is here.” We can easily get caught up in lesser things – distractions, temporary pleasures, or even religious rituals – and miss the profound presence and message of Jesus Christ.
Skill to Develop: Prioritization, focusing on what is truly important and eternal, and cultivating a deep awareness of Jesus’s presence in our lives.

Genuine Repentance Leads to Transformation:

Life Application: The Ninevites’ repentance was not just words; it involved action – fasting, wearing sackcloth, and turning from their evil ways. Our repentance should also be genuine, leading to tangible changes in our behavior and attitudes.
Skill to Develop: Self-reflection, honesty about our sins, a willingness to change, and seeking accountability in our walk with God.

The Judgment Will Be Based on Our Response to God’s Revelation:

Life Application: Jesus uses the examples of the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba to illustrate that those who had less revelation responded more readily than those who had the privilege of being in Jesus’s presence. We will be held accountable for how we respond to the clear and abundant revelation of God we have in Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
Skill to Develop: Taking God’s Word seriously, obeying its teachings, and living in a way that reflects our belief in Jesus.

Don’t Be a Stubborn or Unbelieving Generation:

Life Application: Jesus rebukes his generation for demanding a sign even though they had already witnessed many. We can fall into the same trap of constantly seeking more proof or miracles instead of simply believing the clear message of the Gospel.
Skill to Develop: Faith, trust in God’s Word, contentment with the evidence provided, and avoiding a cynical or demanding spirit towards God.

In summary, Luke 11:29-32 calls us to be a generation that is:

Attentive to God’s evidence.
Focused on the greatness of Jesus.
Genuine in our repentance.
Responsible in our response to God’s Word.
Characterized by faith rather than constant skepticism.

Section 4 The Lamp of the Body – 11:33-36 [top]

The Light in You

³³“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. ³⁴Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. ³⁵Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. ³⁶If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

QUESTION: LIGHT: ask, what does “light” usually represent in the bible?
- FSB: light in you is not darkness Light and darkness are often used as metaphors for the spiritual condition.

- ASK: What other verse tells us about our light shining?

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

LIFE APPLICATIONS TO FOLLOW:

Be a Source of Light, Not Darkness:

ASK: Tell me about our Light? What is our Light supposed to look like, and how do we do that?
- Life Application: Just as a lamp is meant to be seen, our lives, filled with the light of Christ, should be visible to the world around us. We are called to live in a way that reflects God’s love, truth, and goodness, illuminating the path for others. We should not hide our faith or allow darkness (sin, negativity, fear) to obscure the light within us.
Guidance: Actively seek to embody Christ’s character in your daily life. Speak truth, show compassion, act with integrity, and let your good deeds be evident to those around you.

Cultivate a Healthy “Eye” – A Clear Spiritual Focus:

Life Application: Our “eye” represents our inner vision, our spiritual understanding, and our focus. If our hearts and minds are fixed on God and His truth, our whole lives will be filled with spiritual light, guiding our thoughts, actions, and decisions. A healthy spiritual focus allows us to see clearly what is truly important.
ASK: How can we ensure that we have a “healthy eye?
- Guidance: Prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Guard your heart and mind from influences that could cloud your spiritual vision (e.g., worldly values, negativity, sin). Seek wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit.

Beware of Inner Darkness Masquerading as Light:

Life Application: Jesus warns us to be careful that the “light” within us is not actually darkness. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are enlightened or righteous when, in reality, our hearts may be harboring sin, pride, or self-deception. This inner darkness will inevitably affect our whole being.
Guidance: Regularly examine your heart and motives. Be honest with yourself about your weaknesses and blind spots. Seek accountability from trusted believers and be open to correction. Allow the light of God’s Word to expose any hidden darkness within you.

Let Your Whole Being Be Filled with Light:

Life Application: The goal is for our entire being – our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions – to be permeated by the light of Christ. This happens as we consistently cultivate a healthy spiritual focus and guard against inner darkness. When we are fully filled with light, our lives will shine brightly and effectively.
Guidance: Strive for consistency in your faith. Let the principles of the Gospel influence every aspect of your life. Seek to grow in holiness and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out.

In essence, Luke 11:33-36 encourages us to be intentional about cultivating inner spiritual light through a clear focus on God, guarding against inner darkness, and allowing that light to shine brightly through our lives for the benefit of those around us. We are called to be beacons of hope and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness.

Section 5 Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers – 11:37-54 [end] [top]

Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers

³⁷While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. ³⁸The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. ³⁹And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? ⁴¹But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.

⁴²“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. ⁴³Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. ⁴⁴Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”

⁴⁵One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” ⁴⁶And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. ⁴⁷Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. ⁴⁸So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ ⁵⁰so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, ⁵¹from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. ⁵²Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”

⁵³As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, ⁵⁴lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Summary of Luke 11:37-54

This passage records a sharp rebuke from Jesus directed towards the Pharisees and experts in the law. After dining with a Pharisee who was surprised Jesus didn’t wash before eating, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and inner corruption.

ASK: In summary, what did Jesus condemn the Pharisees for?

Focusing on outward cleanliness while neglecting inner purity: They meticulously clean the outside of the cup and dish but are inwardly full of greed and wickedness.
Neglecting justice and the love of God: They meticulously tithe even the smallest herbs but disregard the weightier matters of the law.
Loving positions of honor and public recognition: They crave the chief seats in synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
Being like unmarked graves: They appear outwardly normal but are spiritually defiling to those who come into contact with them.

ASK: When the experts in the law object, what did Jesus condemn them for?

Burden people with laws they themselves don’t keep: They impose heavy and difficult regulations on others.
Honor the prophets their ancestors murdered: They outwardly build tombs for the prophets while inwardly harboring the same spirit of persecution.
Have taken away the key of knowledge: They have hindered people from understanding the true meaning of scripture and entering the kingdom of God.

The passage concludes with the Pharisees and legal experts becoming intensely hostile towards Jesus, trying to trap him in his words.

Student Questions with Answers

Question 1: Why was the Pharisee surprised that Jesus didn’t wash his hands before eating? Answer: According to Jewish tradition and the meticulous practices of the Pharisees, ritual handwashing before meals was considered important for ceremonial purity, not necessarily for hygiene in the modern sense. The Pharisee was likely concerned with Jesus’s adherence to these religious customs. The ritual washing that took place before a meal was an ancient Jewish tradition, but it was not commanded in the Mosaic law (Mk 7:3).

Question 2: What does Jesus mean when he says the Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish but are inwardly full of greed and wickedness?

Answer: Jesus is using this as a metaphor for their hypocrisy. They meticulously observe outward religious rituals but neglect inner righteousness, justice, and love. Their outward piety doesn’t reflect a genuine transformation of their hearts.

Question 3: Why does Jesus condemn the Pharisees for tithing mint, rue, and every herb? Isn’t tithing a good thing?

Answer: Jesus isn’t condemning tithing itself. He acknowledges it should be done. His criticism is that they prioritize these minor details while neglecting the “weightier matters of the law”: justice, mercy, and the love of God. Their focus is misplaced, emphasizing trivialities over fundamental principles.

Question 4: What does Jesus mean by calling the Pharisees “like unmarked graves”?

Answer: Unmarked graves were dangerous because people could unknowingly come into contact with them and become ritually unclean according to Jewish law. Jesus uses this analogy to say that the Pharisees, despite their outward appearance of righteousness, are spiritually defiling and can lead others astray through their hypocrisy and false teachings.

Question 5: How did the experts in the law burden people?

Answer: They imposed numerous and often overly complex interpretations and regulations of the Law, creating a heavy burden for the common people to bear. They focused on the letter of the law without its spirit, making it difficult and joyless to follow God.

Question 6: Why does Jesus say the experts in the law have “taken away the key of knowledge”?

Answer: By their rigid interpretations and self-serving teachings, they prevented people from understanding the true meaning and intent of the Scriptures. They obscured the path to genuine faith and hindered people from entering the kingdom of God.

Life Application Skills Learned from Luke 11:37-54

This challenging passage offers several crucial life application skills for modern believers:

Prioritize Inner Transformation Over Outward Performance:

Skill: Cultivate self-awareness and honestly examine your inner motives, thoughts, and desires. Focus on developing genuine love, justice, and mercy in your heart, rather than just adhering to external religious practices.

Practice Consistent Integrity:

Skill: Strive for consistency between your private life and your public persona. Ensure that your actions and words genuinely reflect your beliefs and values, avoiding hypocrisy.

Discern the Weightier Matters:

Skill: Develop spiritual discernment to understand the core principles of faith – love for God and neighbor, justice, mercy, and humility – and prioritize these over secondary or trivial matters.

Be Aware of the Danger of Legalism:

Skill: Avoid imposing rigid and burdensome rules on yourself and others that go beyond the clear teachings of Scripture. Focus on the spirit of the law rather than just the letter, emphasizing grace and relationship with God.

Examine Your Desire for Recognition:

Skill: Be honest about your motivations for serving and participating in religious activities. Guard against the desire for public praise and recognition, seeking instead to please God in humility.

Be a Source of Spiritual Health, Not Defilement:

Skill: Ensure that your words and actions build up and encourage others in their faith, rather than leading them astray through hypocrisy, negativity, or false teachings.

Be a Facilitator of Knowledge and Understanding:

Skill: Strive to understand the true meaning of Scripture and share it in a way that illuminates and guides others towards God, rather than obscuring it with complex or self-serving interpretations.

Expect Opposition for Speaking Truth:

Skill: Develop courage and resilience to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or faces opposition. Be prepared for those who may resist or become hostile to challenging words.

In essence, Luke 11:37-54 serves as a powerful warning against religious hypocrisy and a call to genuine inner transformation, emphasizing the importance of aligning our hearts with God’s principles of love, justice, and truth. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our faith is authentic and impactful.

Luke 12

The Value of Life

Luke 12:4-7

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 17 January 2016.

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

We should be discussing this topic every week, not just on “Sanctity of Life Sunday”.
All life is valuable to God

Jesus is teaching His disciples to be faithful, even in difficult times. They (we) should not out fear persecutors, they (we) should fear God!

Truths:

1) God values all life. Luke 4:4-7 clearly shows that God values all life. Even sparrows, 5 sold for 2 cents, are all important to God (every one of them).
What might be considered insignificant by the world is not insignificant to God. All of creation is important to God, because God owns creation!

2) God especially values human life. In this scripture, the value of human life is noted to be more important to God than the value of sparrows… noting that God cares for each sparrow!

Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

God formed us! God was intricately involved in our creation.

So, why are we more important than other life on this earth? Because we were made in His image!

Genesis 1:26-27
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

We have a spiritual aspect of our lives, we have discernment, we have moral awareness.

God is indeed involved in our creation …but He is also involved in our conformance to His Son throughout our lives.

The issue of abortion continues to be a struggle. 53 million abortions since 1963.
73% of those state to have religious associations.

When we abort a child, we are not protecting the right of the woman, we are challenging the sovereignty of God.

If you are struggling with abortion, reach out to Christ! He loves you!

We must extend this to all aspects of human life. Those with physical and mental challenges, those caught in human trafficking, those who are homeless… He cares about each and every life!

3) God values even the details of our lives. He cares about every hair on our head! God’s care for us doesn’t end when we are born… He is so aware of us, He knows more about us than we know ourselves! God has given us breath, God numbers each of our days. If He is so involved in our lives, we can trust Him in every aspect of our lives. He knows everything we are going through.

So, what can we?

1) Find our value and identity in the Lord. We are valuable because we bear the image of God. We seek to find value in our relationships, in our success, in our appearance. These things are not what defines us. God defines us! We are valuable to the Lord because He created us!

2) Engage in matters of social justice seeking to defend the vulnerable.

Proverbs 31:8-9
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

We should actively engage on issues relating to the sanctity of human life… All issues relating to the sanctity of human life. Shine the light of Jesus Christ in your life! Life needs a Gospel voice… It doesn’t need a Republican voice… It doesn’t need a Democrat voice… It needs a Christian voice.

3) Fight for “life”. Get informed and get involved!

You
-Psalm 139 Project
-serve in crisis pregnancy centers
-consider adoption

4) Pray for life! Pray for ways that will help life, not hinder it.

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 17 January 2016.

Jesus on Trial

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 26 September 2021.

Luke 23:1-25 (ESV): Jesus Before Pilate

23 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king. 3 And Pilate asked him, â€œAre you the King of the Jews?â€ And he answered him, You have said so. 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, â€œI find no guilt in this man. 5 But they were urgent, saying, â€œHe stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.

Jesus Before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, Crucify, crucify him! 22 A third time he said to them, Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him. 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

Rejection comes in various ways to all of us, but Jesus endured much as He was rejected. He endured rejection so that we could be accepted.

1) An affirmation of innocence.

It becomes apparent that Jesus was innocent of the Chief Priests accusations. Their agenda was to falsely accuse Jesus so that they could put Him to death. They sought false testimony against Him. Pilate focuses on the third accusation – that Jesus is the King of the Jews. After questioning Jesus, Pilate sees no guilt and sends him on to Herod.

Luke wants us to see the innocence of Jesus. Why is it such a big deal that Jesus was innocent? Because it is foundational to the Gospel!

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

If Jesus wasn’t without blemish, He would not have been an adequate sacrifice for us! We are dependent on His innocence. Jesus was absolutely perfect in every way.

2) A spectacle of injustice.

It is important to see the human element going on behind the scenes. The trial and crucifixion of Jesus was an incredible injustice! Pilate and Herod both found Jesus innocent. However, the Chief Priests continued their protest. They pressured the Government leaders to crucify Him, even after His innocence was declared three times.

(A) This was an injustice fueled by moral blindness.

Everything about Jesus arrest, prosecution, and crucifixion was being driven by the religious leaders! It was not the Government. The religious leaders would have done anything to have Jesus crucified! Sin HAS NO LIMITS! We cannot externally work our way out of sin – it must start with our heart!

(B) This was an injustice fueled by indifference.

Herod and Pilate allow the crucifixion to continueâ€¦ even when they found Jesus innocent! Luke is showing us the folly of indifference. When reading this Scripture, we can find ourselves feeling a bit sorry for Pilate. He tried we can say – but due to his indifference, Jesus was crucified. Â We don’t need a hardened heart to reject Jesus we only need to show indifference. It’s easy to see those who actively reject the Gospel. The danger is being more like a Pilate or Herod – being indifferent to the truth of Jesus. The road to Hell is paved with indifference.

(C) This was an injustice fueled by compromise. V22 – I found no guilt; V24 – their demand should be granted. Pilate was more concerned with the voices of the crowd than with the innocence of Jesus.

If we absorb more from social media and the news than we do from the Word of God, we are on the cusp of falling off the ledge. Don’t compromise yourself!

3) A moment of irony.

Acts 4:23-31 (ESV): The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers were gathered together,

against the Lord and against his Anointed

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.â€ 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Although the religious leaders were scheming to crucify Jesus, they ultimately contributed to fulfilling God’s great plan!

Barabbas story could be seen as our story – a guilty man, rightly condemned, being set free through Jesus crucifixion!

1 Peter 3:18-20 (ESV): 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

We are the unrighteous! Jesus stood in our place to accept the guilt and judgment of God! We have been set free from the curse of sin! We have been set free from the guilt of our sin! Shouldn’t our life demonstrate the glory of our salvation? There is nothing we can do to repay God – the gift of our salvation was free to us! It was costly for Christ, but not for us.

Isaiah 53:4-12 (ESV): 4 Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;

and as for his generation, who considered

that he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people?

9 And they made his grave with the wicked

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;

he has put him to grief;

when his soul makes an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days

the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

make many to be accounted righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 26 September 2021.

———————————————————————————————

He Is Risen
Luke 24:1-12

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 27 March 2016

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity. Without it, Christianity fails. As a result, there have been many skeptics attempting to disprove it.
There were skeptics among the religious leaders, the government officials, and the people. However, some of the first skeptics were Jesus’ disciples!

Note that the disciples’ skepticism was captured in the Book of Luke. It would have been easy to “clean up” that part, but Luke captured the truth. The disciples were men growing in their faith and their understanding of Christ Jesus. As we consider the truth of the resurrection and how it impacted the Disciples, we can learn some things.

How does the resurrection impact our walk in faith?

1) The source of faith.
It helps to confirm the source of our faith. Consider walking with Jesus for a few years, watching His incredible miracles, and learning from His teachings.
After Jesus died, the disciples were scattered, confused, and afraid.
When the women went to tend to the body of Jesus, there was no anticipation of Jesus’ rising. They were expecting to tend to a dead body. Many times before Jesus’ crucifixion, He told them that He would rise from the dead… But they were not waiting in excitement.
When the women reach the tomb, they meet two “men…in dazzling apparel”. The women then went to the disciples to tell them about what they saw. However, the disciples did not believe them. They did not believe what Jesus had previously said. We must be careful not to criticize the disciples, because we so often don’t take Jesus at His word. Faith is a continuous battle. Our minds will often reject the truth, even when it is staring us in our face. This should be a reminder to take God at His word, and a rebuke for all those times when we don’t.
Too often we allow the experiences of this life to lead us, instead of trusting in Him. Fear and doubt will fester in our lives if we rely on the world, instead of believing Him.
We have a choice to make each and every day. Will we remember and trust in God’s word, or will we trust in the things of this world?

2) The development of faith.
It reminds us that God is faithful to keep His promises. The resurrection has a big stamp that says, “I am faithful to keep my Word!” It should not shock us when God does what He says He is going to do.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

God has proven himself time and time again… But we still struggle with trusting Him.

1 Corinthians 15:12-23
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

If you have not yielded to God, call to Him! God has every right to condemn us, but He gave us His Son to die on the cross for our sins. He willingly took the punishment that we deserved. If you believe in Him, your sins will be forgiven! Believe in Him!

3) The obedience of faith.
Peter ran to the tomb. Although the disciples were slow to understand, they started to “get it.”

Luke 24:36-43
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

Luke 24:50-53
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

We watch the disciples going from skeptics to martyrdom. Are we on this path? Is your faith waivering? If so, you are in good company. The disciples of Jesus Christ did the same!

Based on the sermon of Pastor Adam Polk on 27 March 2016

__________________________________

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
Luke 24:45-49
Rev Mark Dooley
10.19.2014

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

1. Forgiveness is ARRANGED and Publicized by God (V. 45). Isaiah 53:3-6
2. Forgiveness is Accomplished and PERFORMED by Christ. (V46)
3. Forgiveness is ANNOUNCED and Powered by the Spirit. (V 47-49)

Contact Adam

Last edit 05.10.25

Comments Off

Adam Osborne dot net My Bible Studies

April 3, 2016

Luke

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

A Chapter-by-Chapter Summary of Luke.

Part 1: The Birth and Early Life of Jesus

Part 2: The Ministry of John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry

Part 3: Jesus’ Ministry and Teachings

Part 4: Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem

Part 5: Jesus’ Final Days in Jerusalem

Luke Chapter 1

The Angel Gabriel: God’s Messenger

Hannah and Mary: Songs of Praise and Hope

Luke 1:65-66:

1. Deliverance from Slavery or Oppression:

2. Land Redemption:

3. Personal Redemption:

4. Sacrificial System:

John the Baptist’s Preaching vs. Jesus’ Preaching

John the Baptist: A Voice of Preparation

Jesus: The Fulfillment of Salvation

Luke 11

LUKE CHAPTER 11

Student Questions and Answers:

Life Application Skills to Live By:

Luke 11:14-28: Jesus’ Power, Kingdom Conflict, and True Blessedness

Life Application Skills to Live By:

Luke 12

The Value of Life

Luke 12:4-7