2:21-40 – The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
As in the story of John, Jesus’ family waits the 8 days for the circumcision to happen as according to the law, and he is named at this point in the same manner. There is no problem with the naming as was the case with John. No one needed correction at this point. All is going according to what the angel told Mary, God’s Word is being fulfilled! We hear that Joseph and Mary also do everything according to the law for purification offering sacrifices. The consecration of the first-born is a reminder of the EXODUS. Jesus’ presentation at the temple has close similarities to the presentation of Samuel (1 Sam 1:24-28; 2:20-22). There were two different task to be obedient to the law, first redeem the first born (Ex 34:19-20; Num 18:16), 5 shekels required. Second, Mary’s purification (Lev 12:1-8). The sacrifice given was for a relatively poor family. Everything happens here according to the law, Mary & Joseph are faithful, devout, with no problems or excitement of any kind, yet.
Simeon, devout, righteous, counterpart to Zechariah, told by God, through the Holy Spirit “resting” on him, that he would see the Messiah before he died. Here we have a fulfillment of the prophetic word to Simeon, who then is God’s prophet about who this child is, and what this child will become. Simeon is introduced in typical biblical pattern. Simeon represents the exemplary response to Jesus that we and the world should have. This child is the fulfillment of all God has said and done in the past!
The meeting in the temple is no accident, but a carefully choreographed meeting by the Holy Spirit! This is the 3rd mention of the HS in this scene, and thus it is clear that God’s hand is carefully making all of these things happen!! Upon meeting Simeon takes the child in his arms, and breaks into song praising God. Simeon’s job is done, he can leave his post, he is witnessing what God told him to witness. He is now going in peace. He sees God’s plan unfolding in this child for salvation, revealed to the Gentiles and Israel alike. The Gentiles who were in darkness will be able to see this light, and Israel will be filled with Glory!!
Joseph & Mary are amazed, and Simeon continues with a rather strange blessing to Jesus’ parents, and specifically to Mary. Jesus will cause the great reversal in the world. He will be opposed, the inner thoughts of many will be revealed, and a sword will pierce Mary’s soul. Jesus’ words will not be comfortable for many to hear. It will be judgment upon their actions, their lives, etc. Mary will share in the pain that Jesus will bear when many will not listen to his words.
Anna, old, constantly in the temple worshiping God, fasting & prayer, counterpart to Elizabeth, and as Zechariah & Elizabeth are paired, so to Anna & Simeon. Anna exemplifies the pious widow in both Old & New Testaments. Widows are mentioned 9 times in the Gospel. We are not given Anna’s words, but it sounds like she confirms Simeon’s earlier statements.
The scene at the temple concludes with the statement that they finished everything required by the law, and then return to their hometown of Nazareth. We hear the similar words said of John, grew, became strong, additionally Jesus grew in wisdom, and the favor of God was on him. (wisdom – Sophia; grace – Charis.
2:41-52 – The Boy Jesus in the Temple
This is the only story of Jesus’ childhood in scripture. This serves as a bridge between the birth stories and the ministry of Jesus. This story shows the wisdom he is growing into. This isn’t a miracle story, and so does not really show forth Jesus’ power. It is rather restrained in that. Rather, Luke seems to be focusing upon Jesus’ connection with God, the Father, and it being a conscious connection that Jesus chooses, but he is also feeling the necessity of this choice.
Jesus’ parents are devout Jews, and go to the temple every year. If they travelled at 15 miles/day it would have taken 4-5 days to make the trip. Since Jesus was 12 he was still considered a child, at age 13 he would become man. Jesus’ parents don’t seem to be blamed for him being left behind, as we might think today. It seems that Jesus’ is blamed, certainly by Mary, but also at the end, when we are told he was obedient from that point on, with the little connotation that he wasn’t really too obedient in this story. However, the point is the Jesus is going to be doing his father’s business, and its not woodworking!! Jesus is found in the temple listening to the teachers and asking questions. Mary’s response is our response. Then Jesus provides his first words. Even as a child Jesus is perceiving an imperative in his life. He “MUST” be doing God’s will, God’s business, in God’s house. The point of this story is that Jesus’ life is going to be divinely inspired, as has been everything in his life up until now.
Jesus goes back with his parents, is obedient, and again Mary has things to “ponder” in her heart. V52 is similar to v40 in telling us he is increasing in wisdom, and grace both divine & human.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Gospel of Luke Study – Chapter 2
2:1-20 – The Birth of Jesus
Here we have the fulfillment of the second announcement by the angel Gabriel. In society first is always most important. Biblically first seems to be inferior to second, especially in relation to birth stories (Esau & Isaac). Here the birth of Jesus is told with a minimum of detail. We hear a placement within world history. Emperor Augustus & Quirinius are mentioned to fix a date and time for this birth to take place, also setting up who is in charge of the worldly realm at this time. The power of Rome is clear. When they say move, everyone moves, just like on a chess board. There is irony here also, that the moves of such a powerful government are actually exactly what is needed for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. Augustus was also claimed to be the good news for the world, and the divine savior of the Roman world. Here we have a dramatic contrast between worldly power, and God’s power.
Historical dating is a difficulty here though. Augustus reigned from 44/42BC – 14AD. Quirinius was governor beginning 6 AD, at which time he took a census of Judea. There is no other historical record of a worldly census, and some of the other historical records that we do have make no mention of this at this time (Josephus). Also, the Roman system of registration didn’t require returning to your homeland. Therefore, if history doesn’t help us here there must be some other reason for Luke to present this story in this way. Luke’s mention of these names does provide the contrast, and people would remember the misery that the Romans brought to Palestine.
Luke is clear in wanting to link the census with the birth of Jesus. Luke frequently wants to link the gospel story with significant historical events and rulers. It is clear that this Gospel story is going to have profound effect upon not only those who believe, but upon the worldly powers as well. Augustus was acclaimed as the “bringer of peace.” Here we begin to see Luke pitting Jesus against Augustus (this will continue), and who truly is the “bringer of peace!” Joseph and Mary are shown as those who are obeying Roman Law, they are not shirkers. The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, this helps explain how that was possible. Matthew resolves this dilemma with the fleeing into Egypt, and the later return not to Bethlehem, but Nazareth. The census is also a good way for Luke to explain Jesus’ family lineage, and how he is descended from the house and family of David (Messiah).
Mary & Joseph are engaged, and Mary is expecting a child at this point. The announcement by Gabriel has come true. Mary is still in an unusual position, being not married and pregnant. It is clear that Mary & Jospeh have not consummated the marriage yet, thus still only engaged. Mary is pregnant through the Holy Spirit, not Joseph. Two verses then tell us the birth story. The time came, she gave birth, first-born son, wrapped in bands of cloth (typical motherly care, providing comfort for the child), laid in manger (feeding trough, not unusual for the poor), no place in inn. (what is not here?). 1st century people in Palestine didn’t keep animals in barns.
Angelic Pronouncement
The shepherds in the field are the first to hear of this event taking place. The angels come to them. Shepherding was a despised job in this day. Shepherds were thought of as dishonest who grazed their flocks on other people’s lands. They were outcasts of this society, and obviously cast out of the town, “living in the fields.”
Shepherds are in the field, then an angel appears, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, terror fills their hearts. First words from the angel? “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” Contrast the humble setting of the birth, and the humble setting of these shepherds in the field, with this rather dramatic pronouncement by the angel, and then the “multitude of the Heavenly Host!!” Here we have a fulfillment of Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.” In this scene we have the shepherds, in actual darkness (nighttime), with the actual real light from the angel, glory of the Lord shone upon them. You also have Shepherds, considered those who were walking in darkness, not following faithfully, who have the Light of the World literally shown to them by the angels. Here is a foreshadowing of what Jesus is going to do, and even on the night of his birth he is already bringing people into the light both literally and figuratively.
The angels bring good news of great joy!! The response to the gospel is JOY!!! The announcement makes clear that this is the long awaited fulfillment of the Messiah; city of David, savior, Messiah/Christ/Lord. The shepherds receive a sign, go see the child, wrapped, lying in a manger. Jesus is the only child lying in a manger!! Then the heavens burst open, and the Shepherds must have been in awe. The song of the angels is the angelic song of the choirs of heaven, proclaiming glory to God always, and showing that God is the one who brings peace!! As instructed the shepherds go, thus the shepherds are actually redeemed already, no longer are they good for nothings, but actually dutiful servants who obey and do as they are told.
They go quickly and find everything as was told to them. They passed on to Mary and Joseph everything that took place to them, thus making them the first evangelists, telling their story. Mary treasures these words, and ponders them. This is what she did when the Angel Gabriel told her what was going to happen, and she continues to take in these words from God and ponders them. The shepherds then leave, but they leave in great joy, worshipping God. The shepherds are the premier example of what our response to Jesus really should be!! The shepherds pass on the story “as it had been told them.” This is exactly what Luke is doing. Luke may very well see himself in the Shepherd role here of passing on the Angelic pronouncement through his writing.
Contrasted in this birth story of the Messiah is with the Kings of the earth. Jesus is born in a small place, not in home, but in purely humble surroundings, and the only visitors for Luke are shepherds, despised people, who hear God’s calling. This certainly foreshadows Jesus as coming for the lowly and despised people of this world. This is the way true peace comes to earth, not with the power and majesty of earthly kings.
Here we have the fulfillment of the second announcement by the angel Gabriel. In society first is always most important. Biblically first seems to be inferior to second, especially in relation to birth stories (Esau & Isaac). Here the birth of Jesus is told with a minimum of detail. We hear a placement within world history. Emperor Augustus & Quirinius are mentioned to fix a date and time for this birth to take place, also setting up who is in charge of the worldly realm at this time. The power of Rome is clear. When they say move, everyone moves, just like on a chess board. There is irony here also, that the moves of such a powerful government are actually exactly what is needed for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. Augustus was also claimed to be the good news for the world, and the divine savior of the Roman world. Here we have a dramatic contrast between worldly power, and God’s power.
Historical dating is a difficulty here though. Augustus reigned from 44/42BC – 14AD. Quirinius was governor beginning 6 AD, at which time he took a census of Judea. There is no other historical record of a worldly census, and some of the other historical records that we do have make no mention of this at this time (Josephus). Also, the Roman system of registration didn’t require returning to your homeland. Therefore, if history doesn’t help us here there must be some other reason for Luke to present this story in this way. Luke’s mention of these names does provide the contrast, and people would remember the misery that the Romans brought to Palestine.
Luke is clear in wanting to link the census with the birth of Jesus. Luke frequently wants to link the gospel story with significant historical events and rulers. It is clear that this Gospel story is going to have profound effect upon not only those who believe, but upon the worldly powers as well. Augustus was acclaimed as the “bringer of peace.” Here we begin to see Luke pitting Jesus against Augustus (this will continue), and who truly is the “bringer of peace!” Joseph and Mary are shown as those who are obeying Roman Law, they are not shirkers. The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, this helps explain how that was possible. Matthew resolves this dilemma with the fleeing into Egypt, and the later return not to Bethlehem, but Nazareth. The census is also a good way for Luke to explain Jesus’ family lineage, and how he is descended from the house and family of David (Messiah).
Mary & Joseph are engaged, and Mary is expecting a child at this point. The announcement by Gabriel has come true. Mary is still in an unusual position, being not married and pregnant. It is clear that Mary & Jospeh have not consummated the marriage yet, thus still only engaged. Mary is pregnant through the Holy Spirit, not Joseph. Two verses then tell us the birth story. The time came, she gave birth, first-born son, wrapped in bands of cloth (typical motherly care, providing comfort for the child), laid in manger (feeding trough, not unusual for the poor), no place in inn. (what is not here?). 1st century people in Palestine didn’t keep animals in barns.
Angelic Pronouncement
The shepherds in the field are the first to hear of this event taking place. The angels come to them. Shepherding was a despised job in this day. Shepherds were thought of as dishonest who grazed their flocks on other people’s lands. They were outcasts of this society, and obviously cast out of the town, “living in the fields.”
Shepherds are in the field, then an angel appears, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, terror fills their hearts. First words from the angel? “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” Contrast the humble setting of the birth, and the humble setting of these shepherds in the field, with this rather dramatic pronouncement by the angel, and then the “multitude of the Heavenly Host!!” Here we have a fulfillment of Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.” In this scene we have the shepherds, in actual darkness (nighttime), with the actual real light from the angel, glory of the Lord shone upon them. You also have Shepherds, considered those who were walking in darkness, not following faithfully, who have the Light of the World literally shown to them by the angels. Here is a foreshadowing of what Jesus is going to do, and even on the night of his birth he is already bringing people into the light both literally and figuratively.
The angels bring good news of great joy!! The response to the gospel is JOY!!! The announcement makes clear that this is the long awaited fulfillment of the Messiah; city of David, savior, Messiah/Christ/Lord. The shepherds receive a sign, go see the child, wrapped, lying in a manger. Jesus is the only child lying in a manger!! Then the heavens burst open, and the Shepherds must have been in awe. The song of the angels is the angelic song of the choirs of heaven, proclaiming glory to God always, and showing that God is the one who brings peace!! As instructed the shepherds go, thus the shepherds are actually redeemed already, no longer are they good for nothings, but actually dutiful servants who obey and do as they are told.
They go quickly and find everything as was told to them. They passed on to Mary and Joseph everything that took place to them, thus making them the first evangelists, telling their story. Mary treasures these words, and ponders them. This is what she did when the Angel Gabriel told her what was going to happen, and she continues to take in these words from God and ponders them. The shepherds then leave, but they leave in great joy, worshipping God. The shepherds are the premier example of what our response to Jesus really should be!! The shepherds pass on the story “as it had been told them.” This is exactly what Luke is doing. Luke may very well see himself in the Shepherd role here of passing on the Angelic pronouncement through his writing.
Contrasted in this birth story of the Messiah is with the Kings of the earth. Jesus is born in a small place, not in home, but in purely humble surroundings, and the only visitors for Luke are shepherds, despised people, who hear God’s calling. This certainly foreshadows Jesus as coming for the lowly and despised people of this world. This is the way true peace comes to earth, not with the power and majesty of earthly kings.
Chapter 1 - Continued
1:39-56 – Mary’s Visit with Elizabeth
Here the two stories converge for a moment to show they are not really two, but are really part of one story, but they will separate again for the births, and then return together at Jesus’ Baptism. Following the meeting with the Angel, Mary shows her willing obedience by doing exactly as the angel instructs, she goes to see her cousin with haste! Here we are going to have a traditional older woman teaching a younger woman the ropes sharing her story, but we will also have Mary teaching Elizabeth (more unusual). She enters the house and greets Elizabeth, and immediately we have confirmation that what the angel has said is coming true. John leaps in the womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit (Elizabeth here is a prophet), and speaks the Word of God. Elizabeth is the first person to call Jesus LORD, and the first woman to give beatitude. She speaks a blessing upon Mary, upon what is happening even now, and she confirms that the child that this lowly peasant woman is carrying is GREAT as she is flabbergasted that, “The mother of my Lord comes to me?” Those who are great do not visit those who are less great. It is always the other way around. Does this signify the great reversal that God is bringing about through Jesus? Jesus calls the disciples to be servants of others. The blessing of children is always the highest blessing for women in scripture, but Mary has an even greater blessing that she is blessed among women.
Elizabeth comments on John leaping for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting. Gen 25:22-23 here the unborn twins of Rebecca “struggled/leaped” in her womb, it was a sign of that they would be at odds. Here we have a sign that John is expectantly awaiting Jesus, and that at Jesus presence John is already pointing to him even from the womb. Elizabeth knows that John is leaping for JOY! The angel told Zechariah that he would have joy, now joy comes to Elizabeth & John. Mary/Jesus bring JOY. Joy is another recurring theme throughout Luke. Finally a blessing is spoken over Mary, and proclaims her faithfulness, her obedience to God’s word an amazing and wonderful thing!! This testifies to the fact that God never fails those who are so faithful, and could possibly contrast with her husband Zechariah’s less than faithful response to the angel.
The Magnificat – (v46-55)
Here is the first of Luke’s strong, powerful songs sung as pronouncements of what God is going to do, prophetic utterance, something far greater than the scene it is in. These songs in Luke very possibly were being used in Worship already, and he weaves these pieces in to his story to lift up the significance of what is happening, and as a powerful way to shape his telling of this story. None of these prophetic songs are in the other gospels.
Mary’s song here proclaims that what God is doing is going to change the world forever. God is the Savior. It is in Jesus that the role of God as Savior becomes visible to the world, actually very sacramental. This focus on God as Savior means that nothing else can save us, and we are to look nowhere else. Mary begins by focusing on what God has done for her, and then moves to what God is doing for all people.
Similar to Hannah’s hymn of praise (1 Sam 2:1-10) as she presented Samuel to the temple for service after the Lord granted her a son. Begins by praising God, and how Mary is filled with an amazing sense of gratitude towards God. She is amazingly humble, and recognizes how incredible all of this is. Mary seems from the very beginning to really understand what is happening. Mary is the first, in a sense, to truly feel the impact of salvation for humanity. What she is experiencing is what all humanity will experience. This song proclaims what God is doing through her, and she is allowing this to take place, and is embracing God’s will for her completely. God cares for the lowly, and has even selected one for this great honor. Mary will be remembered, revered, and surely known as blessed by God. But it has nothing to do with what Mary has done; it is because God has bestowed this upon her.
Starting at v50 we begin to hear a prophetic utterance of how what God is doing is going to go global. God has mercy on those who fear God. Here are the themes of the Gospel: In this birth God is showing his strength (although in an unusual way), he is going to scatter the proud (those not fearing God), bring down the powerful, lift up the lowly, fill the hungry, sent the rich away empty. This is the great reversal; all things will be turned upside down in Jesus. This is God helping Israel, fulfilling the covenants he made with Abraham and his posterity. This is the Messiah!! God is fulfilling the covenants he made forever! In this we have a sense of Judgment as well as Salvation. Those who are not following God will not fare well. God knows our hearts!! Luke for sure wants the readers to know that God has not forgotten his promises, and God is making good on his promises through Jesus.
At this time the Roman Empire was extremely powerful, the most powerful force on earth (or so thought). These words of Luke take on even greater significance if this writing was actually composed after the fall of Jerusalem (around 70AD) as a way of saying to the people that God is doing something greater than what the Roman’s can do!!
Mary is the perfect disciple. She listens to God’s word, submits to it, and follows. This theme continues that Mary is to be a premier example of us of discipleship. Mary stay’s 3 months, probably learning about carrying a child, and seems to leave just as Elizabeth is about to give birth. However, it seems strange that she would leave to this point. Why not stay for the birth and see what you need to do??
We are Zechariah, we are called to be Mary
1:57-65 – The Birth of John the Baptist
We’ve had the two announcements by the Angel Gabriel, and the confirmation of the Angel’s announcement in the meeting of Mary & Elizabeth. The two stories diverge again, and we hear the fulfillment of the first, which gives a clue that the fulfillment of the second will follow shortly. We begin with the birth, circumcision, and naming of the child. These parents surely follow God’s law, and do everything in proper order. The fulfillment happens: a son is born, many rejoice at the birth, the name will be John (despite others who wanted a different name, God’s word is followed). As God’s word is followed in obedience (contrast with Mary’s willing obedience from the beginning) Zechariah’s curse is lifted, Zechariah while not as obedient and faithful at first turns out faithful and righteous as was stated earlier about both Zechariah & Elizabeth.
A strange occurrence in the crowd “motioning” to Zechariah, suggesting either that Zechariah was deaf as well as mute, or that maybe since the crowd is trying to go against God’s name for the child that maybe they were just struck mute and couldn’t communicate with Zechariah without motioning with their hands?? Zechariah’s head seems much clearer at this point, and he asks for a way to write what he wants to communicate. Naming falls to the father, in naming the son the father claims the son as his own. As his tongue is freed his first words are to praise God. God’s power is perceived and fear strikes the hearts of those who have witnessed this event take place. Fear is a common Lukan response to God’s power being shown. The people ponder what this man will become, since God’s power has been evident in this birth!! This pondering is similar to Mary’s pondering later, it is a “placing in their hearts,” referring to something that they want to remember and refer back to later, a significant event, even if the significance isn’t readily interpreted.
1:66-80 – The Benedictus (the first words – Blessed be the Lord God of Israel)
As Mary broke out in song when meeting Elizabeth, we have Zechariah breaking out in song here at the naming of his son, and as his tongue is freed. He is filled with the Holy Spirit, thus this is prophetic utterance of God’s word. This song can be seen as God’s answer to the question uttered by the crowd, “what will this child become?” Through v75 the song focuses on what God has done.
Starts blessing God. God has blessed the people redeeming them, fulfilling the covenant made with David and the prophets of old. God is saving his people from enemies, showing his people mercy (not deserved, but God saves anyway), because he remembers his covenants to Abraham. The purpose of this salvation, this mercy, is that we might serve God without fear (our normal response to angels), and in holiness and righteousness. Thus God is setting his people free in order that they may worship God completely.
V76 and on speak of what John is going to do that is going to set this plan in motion. John is the premier prophet of God, who is going to prepare the way, going ahead of Jesus. John is Jesus’ snowplow!! John is going to present the concept of salvation through forgiveness of sin. John is going to begin the way for this sun to shine his way into the darkness of our souls in order that we may live in peace. This imagery is a reference to Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.; 42:6-7. In peace we will be able to worship & serve God. This reference to peace at the end is one of 14 references to peace in Luke. Peace cannot come without redemption/salvation. God is at work here bringing peace to earth – we will hear this again! The problem we will see is the when God brings peace, the world goes to war against God. Closes with John growing up, being strong in spirit, living in the wilderness, similar to Elijah & Moses, not a part of the religious authorities, until he was made public.
Here the two stories converge for a moment to show they are not really two, but are really part of one story, but they will separate again for the births, and then return together at Jesus’ Baptism. Following the meeting with the Angel, Mary shows her willing obedience by doing exactly as the angel instructs, she goes to see her cousin with haste! Here we are going to have a traditional older woman teaching a younger woman the ropes sharing her story, but we will also have Mary teaching Elizabeth (more unusual). She enters the house and greets Elizabeth, and immediately we have confirmation that what the angel has said is coming true. John leaps in the womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit (Elizabeth here is a prophet), and speaks the Word of God. Elizabeth is the first person to call Jesus LORD, and the first woman to give beatitude. She speaks a blessing upon Mary, upon what is happening even now, and she confirms that the child that this lowly peasant woman is carrying is GREAT as she is flabbergasted that, “The mother of my Lord comes to me?” Those who are great do not visit those who are less great. It is always the other way around. Does this signify the great reversal that God is bringing about through Jesus? Jesus calls the disciples to be servants of others. The blessing of children is always the highest blessing for women in scripture, but Mary has an even greater blessing that she is blessed among women.
Elizabeth comments on John leaping for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting. Gen 25:22-23 here the unborn twins of Rebecca “struggled/leaped” in her womb, it was a sign of that they would be at odds. Here we have a sign that John is expectantly awaiting Jesus, and that at Jesus presence John is already pointing to him even from the womb. Elizabeth knows that John is leaping for JOY! The angel told Zechariah that he would have joy, now joy comes to Elizabeth & John. Mary/Jesus bring JOY. Joy is another recurring theme throughout Luke. Finally a blessing is spoken over Mary, and proclaims her faithfulness, her obedience to God’s word an amazing and wonderful thing!! This testifies to the fact that God never fails those who are so faithful, and could possibly contrast with her husband Zechariah’s less than faithful response to the angel.
The Magnificat – (v46-55)
Here is the first of Luke’s strong, powerful songs sung as pronouncements of what God is going to do, prophetic utterance, something far greater than the scene it is in. These songs in Luke very possibly were being used in Worship already, and he weaves these pieces in to his story to lift up the significance of what is happening, and as a powerful way to shape his telling of this story. None of these prophetic songs are in the other gospels.
Mary’s song here proclaims that what God is doing is going to change the world forever. God is the Savior. It is in Jesus that the role of God as Savior becomes visible to the world, actually very sacramental. This focus on God as Savior means that nothing else can save us, and we are to look nowhere else. Mary begins by focusing on what God has done for her, and then moves to what God is doing for all people.
Similar to Hannah’s hymn of praise (1 Sam 2:1-10) as she presented Samuel to the temple for service after the Lord granted her a son. Begins by praising God, and how Mary is filled with an amazing sense of gratitude towards God. She is amazingly humble, and recognizes how incredible all of this is. Mary seems from the very beginning to really understand what is happening. Mary is the first, in a sense, to truly feel the impact of salvation for humanity. What she is experiencing is what all humanity will experience. This song proclaims what God is doing through her, and she is allowing this to take place, and is embracing God’s will for her completely. God cares for the lowly, and has even selected one for this great honor. Mary will be remembered, revered, and surely known as blessed by God. But it has nothing to do with what Mary has done; it is because God has bestowed this upon her.
Starting at v50 we begin to hear a prophetic utterance of how what God is doing is going to go global. God has mercy on those who fear God. Here are the themes of the Gospel: In this birth God is showing his strength (although in an unusual way), he is going to scatter the proud (those not fearing God), bring down the powerful, lift up the lowly, fill the hungry, sent the rich away empty. This is the great reversal; all things will be turned upside down in Jesus. This is God helping Israel, fulfilling the covenants he made with Abraham and his posterity. This is the Messiah!! God is fulfilling the covenants he made forever! In this we have a sense of Judgment as well as Salvation. Those who are not following God will not fare well. God knows our hearts!! Luke for sure wants the readers to know that God has not forgotten his promises, and God is making good on his promises through Jesus.
At this time the Roman Empire was extremely powerful, the most powerful force on earth (or so thought). These words of Luke take on even greater significance if this writing was actually composed after the fall of Jerusalem (around 70AD) as a way of saying to the people that God is doing something greater than what the Roman’s can do!!
Mary is the perfect disciple. She listens to God’s word, submits to it, and follows. This theme continues that Mary is to be a premier example of us of discipleship. Mary stay’s 3 months, probably learning about carrying a child, and seems to leave just as Elizabeth is about to give birth. However, it seems strange that she would leave to this point. Why not stay for the birth and see what you need to do??
We are Zechariah, we are called to be Mary
1:57-65 – The Birth of John the Baptist
We’ve had the two announcements by the Angel Gabriel, and the confirmation of the Angel’s announcement in the meeting of Mary & Elizabeth. The two stories diverge again, and we hear the fulfillment of the first, which gives a clue that the fulfillment of the second will follow shortly. We begin with the birth, circumcision, and naming of the child. These parents surely follow God’s law, and do everything in proper order. The fulfillment happens: a son is born, many rejoice at the birth, the name will be John (despite others who wanted a different name, God’s word is followed). As God’s word is followed in obedience (contrast with Mary’s willing obedience from the beginning) Zechariah’s curse is lifted, Zechariah while not as obedient and faithful at first turns out faithful and righteous as was stated earlier about both Zechariah & Elizabeth.
A strange occurrence in the crowd “motioning” to Zechariah, suggesting either that Zechariah was deaf as well as mute, or that maybe since the crowd is trying to go against God’s name for the child that maybe they were just struck mute and couldn’t communicate with Zechariah without motioning with their hands?? Zechariah’s head seems much clearer at this point, and he asks for a way to write what he wants to communicate. Naming falls to the father, in naming the son the father claims the son as his own. As his tongue is freed his first words are to praise God. God’s power is perceived and fear strikes the hearts of those who have witnessed this event take place. Fear is a common Lukan response to God’s power being shown. The people ponder what this man will become, since God’s power has been evident in this birth!! This pondering is similar to Mary’s pondering later, it is a “placing in their hearts,” referring to something that they want to remember and refer back to later, a significant event, even if the significance isn’t readily interpreted.
1:66-80 – The Benedictus (the first words – Blessed be the Lord God of Israel)
As Mary broke out in song when meeting Elizabeth, we have Zechariah breaking out in song here at the naming of his son, and as his tongue is freed. He is filled with the Holy Spirit, thus this is prophetic utterance of God’s word. This song can be seen as God’s answer to the question uttered by the crowd, “what will this child become?” Through v75 the song focuses on what God has done.
Starts blessing God. God has blessed the people redeeming them, fulfilling the covenant made with David and the prophets of old. God is saving his people from enemies, showing his people mercy (not deserved, but God saves anyway), because he remembers his covenants to Abraham. The purpose of this salvation, this mercy, is that we might serve God without fear (our normal response to angels), and in holiness and righteousness. Thus God is setting his people free in order that they may worship God completely.
V76 and on speak of what John is going to do that is going to set this plan in motion. John is the premier prophet of God, who is going to prepare the way, going ahead of Jesus. John is Jesus’ snowplow!! John is going to present the concept of salvation through forgiveness of sin. John is going to begin the way for this sun to shine his way into the darkness of our souls in order that we may live in peace. This imagery is a reference to Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.; 42:6-7. In peace we will be able to worship & serve God. This reference to peace at the end is one of 14 references to peace in Luke. Peace cannot come without redemption/salvation. God is at work here bringing peace to earth – we will hear this again! The problem we will see is the when God brings peace, the world goes to war against God. Closes with John growing up, being strong in spirit, living in the wilderness, similar to Elijah & Moses, not a part of the religious authorities, until he was made public.
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