Luke 1; John 1
Common Theme
God initiates His redemptive plan by sending the Word into the world and preparing the way through faithful servants. Luke emphasizes God’s unfolding plan through miraculous births and fulfilled prophecy, while John unveils the eternal nature of Jesus as the incarnate Word and true light.
Questions
- How does seeing Jesus as the eternal Word (John 1) shape your view of His role in creation and redemption?
- What can we learn from the faith and obedience of those God chose to participate in His plan in Luke 1?
God Shot
God is both transcendent and near: the eternal Word through whom all things were made has come to dwell among us. He is a promise-keeping God who acts in mercy, power, and precision, orchestrating history for His glory and our salvation.
Deeper✝
Luke 1
Luke 1:1–4 emphasizes the careful construction of Luke’s account of Jesus, rooted in tradition and eyewitness testimony. Luke undertook a thorough investigation, starting with John the Baptist, and included unique material, ensuring clarity in his narrative. He aims to reassure Theophilus of the certainty of the teachings he received. The text highlights three key applications: God’s historical acts through Jesus affirm the authenticity of the story; God desires to include everyone in His community, transforming outsiders into insiders; and readers can trust Luke’s Gospel as a reliable account of Jesus, revealing God’s heart and addressing humanity’s needs.
In Luke 1:5–25, the narrative begins during the reign of Herod the Great, highlighting a significant moment in Zechariah’s priestly career. Zechariah, serving at the temple, encounters the angel Gabriel while offering incense, a moment symbolizing worship and the need for sin cleansing. Initially terrified, Zechariah receives the angel’s comforting message about the birth of his son, John the Baptist, who will play a crucial role in God’s plan for redemption. John’s ascetic lifestyle and prophetic mission aim to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus, emphasizing repentance and righteousness.
The passage also reflects on the personal story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous couple facing disappointment due to childlessness. While Zechariah doubts the angel’s message, Elizabeth exemplifies faith and acceptance, rejoicing when her burden is lifted. The text encourages readers to be prepared for God’s work and to respond humbly to His calling. John’s greatness lies in his faithful pursuit of God’s will, serving as a catalyst for others to seek God. The lessons from Zechariah and Elizabeth remind us to bring our struggles and joys to God, recognizing that His timing and plans often exceed our expectations.
In Luke 1:26–38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a humble virgin engaged to Joseph, that she will bear a child, highlighting her as a chosen vessel of God’s grace. Despite her initial fear, Mary accepts this divine calling, demonstrating her character and willingness to serve God, even at the risk of ridicule. The passage emphasizes that spiritual greatness is determined by the heart, not social status. Key lessons include God’s promise to fulfill His word, Mary’s exemplary faith, the significance of the virgin birth, and the importance of sexual faithfulness. Ultimately, it illustrates how God works through ordinary individuals willing to follow His will.
In Luke 1:39–56, the text emphasizes the significance of Elizabeth being filled with the Spirit, indicating that her words and emotions are divinely inspired. Elizabeth expresses humility and amazement at her role in God’s plan, paralleling her son John’s acknowledgment of God’s greatness. The passage highlights three key points: the special blessing of Mary’s child, the astonishment of being part of divine events, and the joy that comes from believing in God’s promises. Mary’s hymn of praise reflects her gratitude and recognition of God’s grace, shifting from personal to broader themes of God’s mercy towards those who fear Him. The text suggests that Mary serves as a model of grace, illustrating how God’s mercy extends to the humble and pious, often referred to as the anawim. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God’s promises and to expect future vindication, despite current hardships. It underscores the importance of gratitude and humility, contrasting Mary’s attitude with a modern expectation of entitlement. The text calls for compassion towards the poor, emphasizing that true vindication comes from a heart turned to God rather than through violence. Ultimately, Mary’s gratitude stems from her understanding of God’s active involvement in her life, inspiring a deep sense of praise and wonder.
In Luke 1:57–80, the narrative centers on the circumcision and naming of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son, John. Contrary to expectations, Elizabeth names him John, leading to surprise among the crowd, who anticipate a family name. Zechariah, previously mute, confirms the name in writing, and upon doing so, he praises God, reflecting on his divine mission. His hymn, inspired by the Holy Spirit, acknowledges God’s mercy and the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding redemption. Zechariah expresses a desire for deliverance from enemies to serve God in righteousness. He anticipates the coming Messiah, who will not only rescue Israel but also bring light to those in darkness, guiding them toward peace.
The text emphasizes that even the righteous, like Zechariah, must continue to grow spiritually. It highlights the unexpected nature of God’s power, as He sends a king who leads through teaching and light rather than military might. The narrative challenges conventional views of power and control, urging followers to seek the true source of light in Jesus. The application of this passage extends throughout the Gospel, encouraging believers to embrace the path of righteousness and peace illuminated by Christ, the morning star. Ultimately, it serves as an introduction to the broader message of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus.
John 1
The prologue of the Gospel of John, often viewed as an ancient Christian hymn, sets the stage for the entire narrative. It emphasizes the preeminence of the Word (Logos), identified as Jesus Christ, who existed before creation and is integral to divine functions like creation and life-giving. John asserts that the Word was God, establishing a foundational Christology and hinting at Trinitarian thought. The prologue is structured into four strophes: the first highlights the Logos’s divine identity; the second discusses the Logos’s role in creation and the light versus darkness theme; the third emphasizes the Logos’s revelation to the world, noting the rejection by many, including the Jewish people; and the fourth focuses on the incarnation, where the Word became flesh, revealing God’s glory and grace.
John’s narrative underscores the importance of witnessing, with John the Baptist serving as a key figure who points to Jesus rather than claiming significance for himself. The prologue concludes by affirming the unique revelation of Christ, who embodies truth and grace. The application section reflects on the contemporary search for meaning, asserting that the Christian message offers a definitive understanding of Christ as God incarnate, the necessity of rebirth, and the transformative power of divine intervention in a broken world. This theological framework challenges modern perspectives, emphasizing that true renewal comes from recognizing and embracing the divine presence in Jesus.
The passage from John 1:19–51 explores the nature of discipleship and the significance of encountering Jesus. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure, attracts attention through his baptizing at the Jordan River, prompting inquiries from Jewish leaders. He denies being the Messiah, Elijah, or "The Prophet," instead identifying himself as a voice preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing the imminent arrival of the messianic era. John testifies that Jesus is "the Lamb of God," highlighting his role as a sacrificial figure who takes away sin, and notes the Spirit’s permanent anointing on Jesus, marking him as the Messiah.
The narrative continues with the calling of disciples, including Andrew and possibly John, who respond to John’s testimony about Jesus. Their interaction with Jesus emphasizes the essence of discipleship through the invitation to "come and see." Jesus renames Simon as Peter, indicating his future role despite his current impulsiveness.
The account also includes Philip and Nathanael, who recognize Jesus’s divine insight and identity. Jesus’s declaration about angels ascending and descending on the "Son of Man" connects him to divine authority and avoids politically charged titles.
Overall, the text serves as a theological model for discipleship, advocating for a balance between personal devotion and theological understanding, which is essential for sustaining faith amidst challenges. This dual emphasis is crucial for contemporary believers, who must integrate love for God with a robust understanding of their faith.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.