December 6, 2020 - Luke 1:5-25
December 6, 2020
Introduction to Luke
By Wayne Gaeddert
1. Luke is the longest book in the New Testament.
2. Luke was a Gentile, the only Gentile to author a book in the Bible.
3. Luke writes with the Gentiles in mind, therefore, he translates the Aramaic terms, and explains Jewish customs and geography.
4. Luke’s purpose for writing the gospel was so his friend Theophilus would have assurance about the events surrounding Jesus. Luke 1:4
5. We don’t know who Theophilus was.
6. Luke was a doctor. Colossians 4:14
7. Most scholars agree that Luke was written sometime between 60-62AD.
8. The gospels of Mark and Matthew (in that order) were written 50-60 AD.
9. “Luke emphasized Jesus’ statements and deeds that demonstrate the kingdom of God is not for Jews alone but is available to all who will repent and believe. (Luke 9:52; 10:33; 17:16).” Dr. Jere Phillips
10. Luke often traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. In the book of Acts the pronouns shift between he (Paul) and we.
11. Luke is the only New Testament writer to give us the details of Jesus birth in a Bethlehem stable and the visit of the shepherds.
12. The genealogy that Luke gives us is of Mary’s family line.
13. Luke is one of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
14. Synoptic means “To see together.” Dr. Don Laughlin
December 6, 2020
Lessons Learned
By Wayne Gaeddert
Luke 1:5-25
1. Zechariah’s faith was challenged by the announcement of the angel.
2. Men are always afraid when confronted by an angel.
3. Malachi prophesied that there would be a forerunner to prepare and announce the arrival of Jesus. Malachi 4:5-6
4. John the baptist was the son of a priest who was called to fulfill the duty of a priest; turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord. Malachi 2:1,6
5. John the baptist was filled with the Spirit, not wine or strong drink.
6. Gabriel and Michael are the only angels whose names are given in scripture.
7. The good news delivered to Zechariah by the angel:
You will have a son.
He will bring you joy and delight.
He will be great according to Jesus. See Matthew 11:11
He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
8. Zechariah and Elizabeth are called righteous, yet God waited for the right timing to answer their prayer for a son.
9. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a son for many years. In God’s timing their prayer was answered beyond what they had prayed for.
10. Prayer that appears not to be answered may just be waiting for the right time.
11. With God, all things are possible.
12. A priest went into the alter of incense each morning and evening. Exodus 30:7-8
13. Going into the alter of incense was a once in a lifetime event.
18,000 priests divided by 730 times per year equals 24.65 years for all priests to do this one time.
Priests served from age 30 to 50 (Numbers 4:3) a span of only 20 years.
14. Zechariah had to pay the price of not being able to speak for at least 9 months because of his unbelief.
15. A ‘lot’ (Verse 9) was a method to select one person over another or to give a yes or no answer to a question.
16. “God’s promises point to His redemptive plan for His creation.” Dr. Jere Phillips
17. Elizabeth praised God for the answer to her prayer.
18. Application:
God knows your spiritual temperature.
Don’t be discouraged when you feel God has waited too long to answer your prayer—All things are possible with God.
Allow yourself to be molded into God’s plan rather than trying to mold God into your plan.