Luke 1-2 - "Miracles That Led To Jesus' Birth!"

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In the Bible, Luke is traditionally identified as Luke the evangelist, one of the four gospel writers alongside Matthew, Mark, and John. He is also the author of the book of Acts of the Apostles, which continues the narrative from the gospel of Luke and chronicles the early spread of Christianity and the rise of the Christian Church.

Traditionally, Luke has been understood as a medical doctor. This has been reinforced by Christian tradition and historical writings. In fact, the Bible identifies Luke as a beloved physician, as mentioned in Colossians 4:14 where Paul refers to him as “Luke, the beloved physician”. As a medical doctor and a man of science, Luke feels compelled to provide a fact based, accurate narrative about the life and ministry of Jesus. As a man of science, he feels convicted to make sure to describe much of the overwhelming evidence that proves Jesus IS the Son of God who was prophesied as the coming Messiah as detailed throughout the entire Old Testament.

He admits that many people have set out to write stories about the life of Jesus, but Luke wants to make sure that these stories come directly from the disciples of Christ who had an eye-witness account of His miracles and His power. That is why he states in 1:3 that he had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning.”

In verse 3, Luke identifies who he is writing this letter to. He is writing to a man by the name of Theophilus. He gives him the title “most honorable”. This term was a formal title of respect, often used to address individuals of high social or political standing. Theophilus is traditionally believed to have been a person of influence and authority, possibly a Roman official or someone prominent in the early Christian community. He has mentioned twice in the gospel of Luke and once in the book of Acts.

It's interesting to note that the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each begin their books with different interests in mind. Matthew is interested in capturing the attention of the Jewish people and showing that Jesus was part of the genealogy of King David where his lineage would produce the Messiah. Mark wasted no time with genealogy, but rather plunged directly into the ministry of John the Baptist. John begins with explaining that Jesus is the eternal God and is the word that spoke everything into existence. However, Luke takes a different route. Luke's gospel goes further back and shares how John the Baptist was born through Zechariah and Elizabeth and the familial relationship they had with Mary and Joseph, the parents of the Lord Jesus.

Luke begins with a story of John the Baptist. It's an amazing story detailing a miracle that the other writers do not address. Even though Zechariah and Elizabeth were older in years and somewhat beyond the childbearing years, Zechariah was begging God for a miracle to have a son. One of the most amazing stories to come out of the Bible is this story about John the Baptists birth! In fact, it begins with the Angel Gabriel, who stands in the very presence of God, and who is commanded by God to go to Zechariah while he's working in the temple and share the good news of the birth of his son and how his ministry will change the lives of thousands of people.

I find it interesting that Gabriel mentions that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth!

Sadly, like so many of us today, Zechariah prayed for a miracle. And even though God sent his angel Gabriel to announce to Zechariah that is prayer would be answered, Zechariah could not believe it. As a result of his lack of faith, God took away his ability to speak until the child was born!

Keep in mind, the way to please God is through our faith and him. The Bible tells us explicitly in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Within the same chapter, Luke shares the details of how the angel Gabriel also came to Mary and spoke of the virgin birth of Jesus.

Another amazing fact that the other writers failed to mention is that when Mary went to visit Elizabeth a few months later, the infant John jumped inside of Elizabeth's womb as Mary approached Elizabeth bearing the son of God in her womb. Both Mary and Elizabeth must have been a tremendously excited to know that they were bearing sons who would change the world!

It's interesting to note in verse 48 that Mary describes herself as “a lowly servant girl” and was amazed that God Almighty would even consider her for such an amazing opportunity!

As we begin chapter 2 we see more of some amazing miracles and proof that Jesus is the son of God!

First, the physician Luke describes Jesus as being a descendant of King David – which was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Luke also lets his readers know that Jesus would come out of Nazareth of Galilee, also fulfilling Old Testament scripture detailing that he would not only be a Nazarene from Nazareth but also out of Galilee. To the Jewish people, these were two profound statements!!

Second, Luke speaks of the incredible account of how the shepherds near Bethlehem witnessed angels by the thousands praising God and giving glory to God for the birth of the Messiah. Once the shepherds heard the good news from the angels they hurried to the village and found baby Jesus wrapped in a dirty blanket and lying in a Manger. I'm sure both Mary and Joseph were amazed by the stories the shepherds told of the angels who came and visited them and shouted glory to God for the birth of their son.

Third, Luke also tells the amazing story of how the godly man by the name of Simeon who was eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah was led by the Holy Spirit to Mary and Joseph and Jesus and prophesied over the baby as the salvation for all people. This prophecy took place just eight days after Jesus was born while Mary and Joseph were taking Jesus to be presented to the high priest as the Mosaic law required.

Fourth, Luke continues to tell the stories that others fail to tell. Luke tells of the story of Anna, a prophetess who was 84 years of age. She also Saul Mary and Joseph standing in the temple with baby Jesus and begin to praise God and shared with everyone how he was the Messiah all of the nation of Israel had been looking for many years!

Fifth, Luke continues with another story about Jesus at the age of 12. Jesus and his parents would go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival every year and on this particular occasion he began to teach many of the priests about things they had questioned. In 2:46-47, we find that Jesus was left behind by his parents accidentally. However, God had his own plans for his son! For three days Jesus spoke with the religious leaders of the temple both asking questions and answering questions. And all who heard him were amazed at Jesus’ understanding and answers to the scriptures!

In verse 52 we read one of the most important scriptures. This particular verse should apply to all of us! It says that Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Oh that that would happen to us! May we do the same thing! May we also grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Only God can provide His favor on your life! Have you asked him for His Favor? If not, ask him right now and be sure to live for Him!