Luke – Chapter 1
Part 1: Divine Clockwork – Luke 1:5-25 (43:19)
God is always on time. There is no such thing as early or late with Him. His sovereign plan of the ages is finely tuned and everything He has ordained occurs on schedule. This is what Paul was referring to when he said, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4)
The Gospel of Luke is unique as it begins by intertwining the conception and birth of John the Baptist with the virgin conception of Mary. Luke was a careful historian and knew the importance of that connection. The birth of Christ is indeed a study in DIVINE CLOCKWORK.
Part 2: Time to Prepare – Luke 1:57-80 (51:39)
According to Luke’s Gospel, that first Christmas began early – six months early to be exact. Luke begins his Gospel by telling us of the special conception of John in Elizabeth’s womb and then of the virgin conception of Jesus, six months later, in the womb of Mary. After describing the birth of John, he then introduces the birth of Jesus – again, six months later. Immediately following these accounts, Luke then jumps to the ministry of John as the one who prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus.
In all of this there is a pattern of lead time that, in a special way, exhibits the mercy of God. God was not only preparing the way for Jesus – He was also giving an opportunity to the people to preare themselves for the coming of Christ. God in His Mercy was giving them time to prepare for the most significant decision in their lives – will they receive Jesus Christ as the Savior.
Part 3: The Moment of Truth – Luke 1:26-56 (31:12)
Mary’s miraculous virgin conception is one of the most wonderful stories in the Bible. It begins with an amazing conversation between a young Jewish girl living in Nazareth and an angel who has come directly from the presence of God. Gabriel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will conceive a seed in her womb apart from any intimate experience with a man and Mary immediately humbles herself to accept this miracle from God – even though it will be misunderstood by others.
The scene then shifts to the hill country of Judea, about seventy miles south of Nazareth where Mary visits Elizabeth. There Jesus and John meet for the first time as babies in their mothers wombs – Dr. Luke must have loved this part of the story. Then we are treated to Elizabeth’s Benedictus and Mary’s Magnificat, two wonderful responses from two incredible women. What a story!
Part 4: God’s Perspective of Time – Galatians 4:1-7 (41:44)
God’s Perspective of Time – Galatians 4:1-7 – Our perspective of time versus God’s perspective of time