LUKE CHAPTERS 1-3

[Rosse]

.....Sounds interesting.

[ShArP]

you know what else is interesting, that Luke really didn't write Luke... i asked my pastor about it and he said that it is really unknown who wrote it, because normally it would be someone that is close to say Luke that would have wrote it and he just told the stories, don't know why that came to my mind lol

[L]

i think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary each pose a question to the angel and the angel has 2 totally different reactions to what are seemingly innocent questions. before i post my thoughts, i was just wondering if you all would like to post your thoughts on why the angel reacts so differently?

God's blessings and grace...

[WanderingStar]

you know what else is interesting, that Luke really didn't write Luke... i asked my pastor about it and he said that it is really unknown who wrote it, because normally it would be someone that is close to say Luke that would have wrote it and he just told the stories, don't know why that came to my mind lol

I am going to do my absolute best not to get all academic on these boards, but I am studying the Bible rather in-depth at my University, and over the past couple semesters we've gone through a lot of material on all the viewpoints on the author of Luke/Acts. So I just thought I'd add a bit to your comment. There are a few different major schools of thought-- one of them being that it was written by someone who put Luke's name on it, or who was reporting and compiling stories Luke and others told. Probably the most commonly accepted view right now in Evangelical academic circles is that it was written by Luke the physician, a Gentile traveling companion of Paul. Of course the book is technically anonymous, so there isn't a definite answer.


L, I've actually been thinking over that question lately too. My personal thoughts as I wrestle with this is that it seems like Zechariah is questioning God's ability to do it at all. Mary seems to be more asking how God will do it. Maybe I'm wrong on that, but the tone of their questions seem different to me.


One of the things that struck me personally re-reading these chapters was how long people had waited for Jesus... it wasn't like His birth was random. Anna and Simeon had been waiting for years. Even after Jesus was born, there was more waiting as John went ahead of Him preaching. I admire people like Anna and Simeon so much... they were faithful to wait for the Savior, for the fulfillment of God's plan. I'm not sure I can fully express my thoughts in words in this case, but it was a good reminder to me that part of faith is being willing to wait on God's timing, whether in a big way like waiting for the return of Christ or a small way like waiting to move away from home, get a job, so on.

[isaiah53]

[quote="L"]i think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary each pose a question to the angel and the angel has 2 totally different reactions to what are seemingly innocent questions. before i post my thoughts, i was just wondering if you all would like to post your thoughts on why the angel reacts so differentl.

very quick thoughts Zechariah was a priest and up in years and should have known to trust GOD. He had been praying for a child for a very long time. He was in the temple burning incense, and should have good knowledge of GODS Word and miracles. he had to be a learned man. luke 1:18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. maybe it was how he said it. was he snickering or doubting in his answer?
i look at this incident as it would be in our times, that if GOD had an angel approach Billy graham and he doubted the saying he was told.
Mary was a young girl and was she expecting anything special to happen to her? she had to be devoted to GOD, as she was chosen to be the one to bear GODS SON JESUS. Mary being young may not of understood it at first. she had a heart of a child and when she told the angel Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” was she saying it in a different tone than Zechariah was?
verse 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her
i think we can sum up Mary's heart and life with what elizabeth said to her in verse 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Mary had a trust in GOD that that couldn't be shaken

[Star of fire]

What stood out to me first in chapter one is several people being called blameless and righteous. Think about that. Why are people being called blameless if all have sinned? My only thought is it's a hyperbole fairly typical of the Hebrew culture to show that they try to follow God more than most.

Another thing is that Zacharias was given a child while serving in the line of duty for God and well passed the point of giving up hope. How often do people expect God to give them everything without lifting a finger for God's kingdom and then get mad when they don't get it? I've seen it. Cynics will come to a time of crisis, pray for intervention, not get it and then act like it's proof they were right all along. Or how often do we give up on God coming through in certain areas, either because of hardship or not sharing His timing? I know I've all but given up on a few things lately.

Another thing that kicked me in the shins was reading how Zacharias gave praise to God as soon as his tongue was functional. I know when I get out of a hardship my normal reaction is to curse the hardship instead of praising God for seeing me through it.

and my final thought from chapter one was from God trying to get me to slow down and soak up familiar, or seemingly "mundane" verses. There really is a beauty and use for all Scripture. Sometimes you just don't know how to find it.

[isaiah53]

and my final thought from chapter one was from God trying to get me to slow down and soak up familiar, or seemingly "mundane" verses. There really is a beauty and use for all Scripture. Sometimes you just don't know how to find it.

GOD surprises me sometimes when i hear a verse, psalm, or passage and i am fimiliar with it. Then a completely new meaning comes out of it.

[adeadmanrising]

i think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary each pose a question to the angel and the angel has 2 totally different reactions to what are seemingly innocent questions. before i post my thoughts, i was just wondering if you all would like to post your thoughts on why the angel reacts so differently?

It is an interesting perspective that we are so quick to see the angel's response as a consequence or a punishment. Could it be, instead, that rather than punishing the doubt of Zecheriah, the angel was more interested in destroying the doubt of Zecheriah?

[adeadmanrising]

I am going to do my absolute best not to get all academic on these boards, but I am studying the Bible rather in-depth at my University, and over the past couple semesters we've gone through a lot of material on all the viewpoints on the author of Luke/Acts. So I just thought I'd add a bit to your comment. There are a few different major schools of thought-- one of them being that it was written by someone who put Luke's name on it, or who was reporting and compiling stories Luke and others told. Probably the most commonly accepted view right now in Evangelical academic circles is that it was written by Luke the physician, a Gentile traveling companion of Paul. Of course the book is technically anonymous, so there isn't a definite answer.

I'm right with ya man. I have a seminary education but I'm going to try very hard to study this book with you guys on the forum more from the heart than from the books. I need that!

But that being said, it may also help to indicate that a great deal of the content in the Book of Luke is not original material. Mark and Matthew share much of the content word for word. I don't mean word for word like the same stories, I mean word for word down to the letter. Most academics believe that Mark, Matthew, and Luke all wrote their gospels using an unknown written source (interestingly they call that source Q, which I think is very cool), and that Q was an important document being used as a reference while these authors wrote their accounts. Regardless of the identity of Luke, this actually gives the Gospel of Luke credibility (in my opinion) since other authors apparently found the same source (Q) a credible document. The three gospels don't disagree, but they do add original material according to the perspectives and unique sources used by their authors.

I, for one, favor the academic viewpoint that Luke was a physician who specifically traveled a great deal with Paul. This idea seems very strongly supported in the wording of the book of Acts, where the author switches from "they" to "we" language at times when he was apparently along for the ride.

[Kevin Young]

Wow. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts this week. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to get on here an post your thoughts. I did not know that about Luke's authorship being in question. That is why I love reading these books together with you guys. I am always learning.

There is a verse in Chapter 3 that I love very much that I want to use to share a brief encouragement with you guys.

Luke 3:4-6 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the LORD'S coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.'"

I love this verse. It talks about mountains, valleys, curves and rough places. I just imagine a road construction crew building a road through the mountain. They have to use dynamite to blow up big hills... or dig tunnels under the mountain. They have to move huge amounts of dirt to fill up the valleys and straighten out curves. They have to bring in the heavy equipment to smooth out the road so people can drive on it. That is the picture that John used to tell us to "Prepare the way of the LORD. Clear the road for him!"

Mountains = Addictions, and bad habits. Things that seem insurmountable. But mountains could also be our achievements, and our possessions. We have to get these things out of God's way. Clear the road for him. Blow up the mountains...... better yet, speak to the mountain "Move!"

Valleys = Times of depression and loss. When are depressed, we can sometimes believe the lie that we are alone. God does not want us to be alone. He wants to be with us. Don't believe the lie that says, "You are alone." Believe the truth that says, "You are loved! You are wanted! You have purpose!" Clear the road for him. Fill in the valleys.

Curves = Unexpected events that just show up out of nowhere to try to distract us, make us angry, get us off track. We must ready to straighten out these curves. Clear the road for him!

Rough Places = Areas in our life where that we keep secret. Hidden bitterness, anger, lust, jealousy, pride, not being content....... a horrible attitude towards life and serving God. These rough places must be smoothed out. We need God to bring in the heavy equipment and crush our pride and bitterness. Smooth out the rough places. Clear the road for him!

Let's make a clear path for God to work in our life. Crush the mountains, fill in the valleys, straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Amen!

[Kevin Young]

Just a reminder. Just because we may move on to the next chapters, does not mean you can't still post your thoughts here on previous threads. Post on this thread for as long as you like. Most of us still read the posts. So it's ok if you start late. So if you were thinking about posting something...... DO IT NOW!

[ClothedInRoses]

Thanks for the reminder...I missed this due to homework (again). Gonna try to keep up despite the courseload and all that.

So, umm, my thoughts...
1:6 "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly." I love this description. Would love for someone to be able to sum up my life like that...
1:6-7 In that culture if a woman was not able to conceive, it was taken as a sign of her sinfulness somehow--interesting that Luke juxtaposes those two verses: she was righteous but still being "punished" in everyone else's eyes.

2:35 Not much is really said about Mary after Jesus' childhood--she shows up briefly with his brothers (don't remember the reference) and appears again at the cross, but that's about it. This comment (about a sword piercing her soul as well) was interesting just in that it's really the only spot where we see how Jesus' ministry would have affected her.

3:1-2 This was in around 29 AD--Tiberius ruled from 14 to 37, and a lot of the other people named can be used to help narrow things down as well.

3:23-38 This is commonly believed to be Jesus' geneaology through Mary (she was listed using Joseph's name after her marriage). The geneaology in Matthew traces Jesus' legal line back to Abraham through David, establishing him as the ideal Jew and king of David's line. This one, in contrast, establishes his genetic descent from Adam as the first man, and Jesus as the "second Adam" to end death.

[adeadmanrising]

As promised, I wanted to wrap up my thoughts on the "baptism of repentance" that was preached by John.

It is instructive to me that John's message was to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance." He then warns the Israelites that there heritage alone will not save them, and that the time is coming when those who do not "bear fruit" will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

After this we have a series of people who approach John seeking guidance; the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers. To each he gives a specific type of response, but all responses are actions of repentance, making right where wrong has taken place.
Crowds: Share your excesses with those who have nothing.
Tax Collectors: Collect fair amounts.
Soldiers: Do not use your authority to take from people, and be content with your wages.

As I study this book I am working through the [i]actions[i] that are so important in our lives as disciples and followers of Christ. There is so much focus in our Christian culture on this salvation decision, and so little focus on action. I challenge myself to ask the Spirit, as I continue to review this gospel, to help me to hear the instructions that Jesus gave.

I wish I had some time to write thoughts on the baptism of the Holy Spirit that John speaks of as well. But for now I'm going to move forward with the momentum of the book study.

[Sparkz4Christ]

I find it really interesting and comforting that the angel Gabriel had to say, "Do not be afraid." to everyone he was sent to. It's comforting to know that those who had faith and trust in God and His plan for them, were still scared.

Does anyone else find it kind of rare to hear pastors, leaders, or even friends admit that they're scared sometimes? I'm just curious to hear what everyone's answers are to that.

1:20 "And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

1:37-38 For nothing is impossible with God. "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Nothing is impossible with God. I love that

3:4-6... "A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation."

3:8-9 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

[L]

i think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary each pose a question to the angel and the angel has 2 totally different reactions to what are seemingly innocent questions. before i post my thoughts, i was just wondering if you all would like to post your thoughts on why the angel reacts so differently?

It is an interesting perspective that we are so quick to see the angel's response as a consequence or a punishment. Could it be, instead, that rather than punishing the doubt of Zecheriah, the angel was more interested in destroying the doubt of Zecheriah?

i think you have a very interesting perspective. and i totally agree with you. and what a way to destroy doubt. as a priest, not being able to talk for approximately a year! i think everybody in Israel was talking about Zechariah's inability to speak. that would be a lot of peer pressure. i think i would praise God too if my voice was restored after a year. i'm not sure if he would have eventually not been able to perform his duties or if he was unable to perform duties period.

Wanderingstar and Isaiah53 i agree with you both also. God has more mercy for those who are not as well educated in His ways. doesn't that make you shake?

[L]

i think it's interesting that both Zechariah and Mary each pose a question to the angel and the angel has 2 totally different reactions to what are seemingly innocent questions. before i post my thoughts, i was just wondering if you all would like to post your thoughts on why the angel reacts so differently?

It is an interesting perspective that we are so quick to see the angel's response as a consequence or a punishment. Could it be, instead, that rather than punishing the doubt of Zecheriah, the angel was more interested in destroying the doubt of Zecheriah?

i think you have a very interesting perspective. and i totally agree with you. and what a way to destroy doubt. as a priest, not being able to talk for approximately a year! i think everybody in Israel was talking about Zechariah's inability to speak. that would be a lot of peer pressure. i think i would praise God too if my voice was restored after a year. i'm not sure if he would have eventually not been able to perform his duties or if he was unable to perform duties period.

Wanderingstar and Isaiah53 i agree with you both also. God has more mercy for those who are not as well educated in His ways. doesn't that make you shake?

[disciple freak 101]

The Biggest things for me is one
when john the baptist was still a baby he leapedin his mothers womb because of the Holy Spirit


God knew more then the fishermen and called them to live a life for Him and they went without questions