Luke 1: People of Hope
LUKE BEGINS HIS story of the extraordinary Christ by introducing some very ordinary people. They live in a small, second-rate country occupied by imperial Rome. It is around 4 B.C. For over 400 years their nation, Israel, has had no prophetic voice from God. Has God forgotten his chosen people? Has he left them to be the perennial pawns of aggressive neighbors? Is he going back on his many promises to send his Messiah to save them?
No. God is about to break into Israel's dark history with new light, and he chooses to do this through an elderly childless couple and a teenaged village girl.
Warming Up to God
How do you feel when you are part of a hopeful minority among pessimistic people on a committee or in a group?
Read Luke 1. »
Discovering the Word
- Gabriel announces some astounding facts to Zechariah about his son who is to be born (vv. 11-17). Do you find yourself sympathetic or critical of Zechariah's response of unbelief (vv. 18-22)? Explain.
- Luke 1:26-56 has Gabriel's second birth announcement. How is it even more extraordinary than the first?
- The visit to her cousin Elizabeth bolsters Mary's faith for the stupendous event to come. As expressed in her song of response, what kind of God does she believe in (vv. 46-55)?
- Note the effects of John's birth on neighbors and relatives (vv. 57-66). What might be Luke's purpose in describing their response in such detail?
- In Zechariah's inspired prophecy he sees (1) the great acts that God's Redeemer will do (vv. 68-75), and (2) his child's unique relation to this Redeemer (vv. 76-79). Suppose you were one of Zechariah's neighbors or relatives listening to him. Which part would have stirred you as a devout Jew? Explain.
Applying the Word
- When is it difficult for you to hope in God?
- Zechariah and Mary expressed their hope in God differently. What in their interaction with God gives you hope as you also seek to trust God totally?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God for being the only source of true hope.
For Further Study
Hope: Never Beyond Hope (Christian Basics Bible Study) by J. I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom