The Life of Christ Lesson 1 Luke’s Preface/Dedication & John’s Introduction – Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18 The Genealogy of Jesus - Matthew 1-17; Luke 3:23-38 Prophecy of Birth of John the Baptist – Luke 1:5-25 Annunciation of the birth of Jesus – Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Mary’s visit to Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-56 Birth and early life of John the Baptist – Luke 1:57-80

Jesus’ Birth Foretold “You will have a Son” – Luke 1:31-33 Mary’s response … Any lack of faith? Did she ask for a sign? (1:18) “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Obviously Mary interpreted the angel’s promise to be imminent. The angel did not refer to Joseph; therefore, this announced an immediate conception rather than one to take place after her future marriage was to be consummated. That, of course, was true (cf. Matt. 1:18, “before they came together;” and Matt. 1:25, “did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son”).

Jesus’ Birth Foretold – Luke 1:35-37 Holy Spirit will come upon you – Holy Child to be called the Son Of God. (Matthew 1:18-20; Hebrews 10:5) No need to devise her own plan to help God out. Elizabeth is also with child “Nothing will be impossible with God.” Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27 Genesis 18:14 – is anything too difficult for the Lord? He is not limited or bounded by time (Acts 17:26; Isa. 40:28; Deut. 33:27; Ps. 139:13-16) or space (Acts 17:27-29; John 4:20,24; 1 Kings 8:27; Acts 7:50; Jer. 23:24). He is uncreated, uncaused and independent in being (Acts 17:24-25; Exod. 3:14). Neither is He limited in knowledge: past, present or future (Pss. 139:1-6; 147:5; Deut. 18:18-22; Acts 17:30-31; Rom. 11:33; Heb. 4:13; 1 John 3:20). In fact, He can remove all that He created at will and free Himself of any minor limitations the creation imposes. Gen 18:13-14, “And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed 1bear a child, when I am so old?' 14 "Is anything too 1difficult for the Lord ? At the appointed time I will return to you, 2at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." Job 42:2, “"I know that aYou can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Jer 32:17, “Ah Lord 1God ! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,”

Jesus’ Birth Foretold Mary’s response of faith: “Behold the bondslave (female servant) of the Lord; may it be done according to your word.” (verse 38) “At Thy bidding”; “at Your (Thy) word” (ASV, NJKV, ESV) (Luke 5:5; 1 Kings 18:36) 1 Corinthians 4:1, we’re just servants of Christ. Because God said so. Mary chose to believe what she did not understand and to submit herself to the will of God. (Luke 1:45, 48) Genesis 18:14 – is anything too difficult for the Lord? Bondslave – female servant – willing to accept anything God wished to do with her life and her body.

Jesus’ Birth Foretold From Joseph’s perspective – Matthew 1:18-25 Mary was “found to be with child … by the Holy Spirit.” How did he “find” out? Joseph – A righteous/just man (equitable, innocent, (Strong)) “And” – “it (can) join affirmative to negative sentences, Luke 3:14 …” (Thayer), KJV sometimes translates “yet”. Not wanting to disgrace Mary. Make a public spectacle (Colossians 2:15).

Jesus’ Birth Foretold Joseph – “While he thought on these things …” What to do? Think before you act and speak. Any temptation to just react? Psalms 25:9, “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way” (ESV). James 1:19; John 7:24 “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream …” Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. “The child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit …” To be named “Jesus” who will “save His people from their sins.”

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-45 Mary traveled from Nazareth to a city in Judaea in the hill country. More than 70 miles. 3-4 days? The baby “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb. (Luke 1:15) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth’s blessing. Focus on Mary and who her child would be. “The mother of my Lord should come to me …” “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord” verse 45