Luke 1 Reading Guide

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Passage: Luke 1

Chapter Summary

v1-4 - We've already read through the book of Acts together which begins in a very similar way with an address to a mysterious man named Theophilus (whose name literally means 'lover/friend of God'). That's because Luke wrote both books, making him, by volume at least, the most prolific writer in the New Testament. Luke was not physically with Jesus the way he was involved with the story recorded in Acts, but the opening verses tell of all the work Luke did to prepare this 'orderly account' (v3).
v5-25 - The angel Gabriel visits an otherwise unassuming old priest named Zechariah and tells of his coming son, John. When Zechariah incredulously asks for proof, Gabriel takes away his ability to speak. Sure enough, when Zechariah returns home, his wife becomes pregnant.
v26-38 - Gabriel nexts visits a young girl named Mary with the shocking news that she would have a son, though she was a virgin. Though this would be certainly hard news to believe, Gabriel reassures Mary that "no word from God will ever fail (v37)."
v39-45 - Relatives Mary and Elizabeth visit each other, each of them miraculously pregnant.
v46-56 / 67-80 - Psalms are not just found in the book of Psalms, or even just in the Old Testament. Both Mary and Zechariah write beautiful New Testament psalms.
v57-66 - The birth and naming of Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, is recorded in this passage.

Old Testament Reference -

1 Samuel 2:1-10 is a psalm written by by Hannah, who also experienced a miraculous pregnancy.

Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions.

ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The Mighty One who has done great things (v49), and who also displays tender mercies (v78).
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Realize what Mary did: that you are the Lord's servant; may God's will be fulfilled (v38).
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: