Luke
By Joyce Webb 2019
Chapter 1 Vs. 39-80
Vs. 39 After the angel told Mary that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus—–Mary went to see her cousin, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was an older woman. And now God had allowed her to get pregnant and the baby in her was to be full of the Holy Spirit even while he was in the womb.
( This should make us think carefully about abortion.
God looked on this “fetus”—this unborn, unformed baby—not as a thing or a clump of flesh that was nothing—-God looked upon this “fetus” as a special human— growing to be a special person that would do a special work for God.)
Vs. 41 When Mary arrived, and Elizabeth came to welcome her—the baby in Elizabeth moved “leaped” –”jumped” with joy because of Mary—-and the baby that was in her.
Vs. 42-45 The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth and she began to speak—she said to Mary—you are blessed and given honor above all other women, for you are the mother of my Lord.
My babe leaped within me when he heard your voice of greeting.
Everything that God told you about what would happen to you—it will happen—God will do it.
Vs. 46-55 Mary answered, My soul praises the Lord. He has seen me—–a humble and poor maiden and has blessed me with this wonderful honor.
From now on, people will called me “blessed”.
Mary continued to tell how the Lord shows mercy to those who are humble and of no importance, except that God sees their heart and faith, and God blesses them.
Vs. 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months. When Mary went to see her Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant—vs. 3—-so now Elizabeth is 9 mo.—the Bible does not say—but perhaps Elizabeth baby was born and then Mary returned home.
Vs. 57-66 In the Jewish custom, a baby is given his name on the 8th day. So on the 8th day, the neighbors came to celebrate, and to hear the name of the baby.
Zacharias has not been able to speak all these months.
When the neighbors came—– they thought that the baby would be called Zacharias like his father.
But Elizabeth said, No, his name is to be “John”.
The neighbors were surprised.
They asked Zacharias what the baby’s name would be. Zacharias wrote on a paper—”John”.
As soon as Zacharias wrote “John”—-God allowed Zacharias to talk again.
The neighbors were surprised and the fear of God came on them.
They knew this was a special thing of God.
They went away saying, “What kind of child will this be?
Vs.67 The Holy Spirit came on Zacharias . He blessed the Lord God of Israel, and said that God had visited his people and redeemed them.
He went on to tell that this child would be called a prophet of the most High God. That he would go before the Messiah-Savior and tell of his coming. He would prepare the way for Jesus’ coming.
He would preach salvation to the people. He would bring “light” to those who were in spiritual “darkness”. He would guide them to the way of truth and peace.
(We know that this is what happen, because this baby grew up to be John the Baptist.)
Vs. 80 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, was in the deserts until the day came for him to begin to preach to the people of Israel.
As a young man, John gave his life to God to life a holy life. He went out to live alone. He lived a simple life. He wore clothes made of camel hair—he ate food he found in the desert.
Later, when Jesus was grown and ready to begin his ministry, —then John began to preach and to baptize people in the river, Jordan.
He told the people that the time of the Messiah’s coming was now here.