Intro of Luke:

· The author of this Gospel account, Luke, was a doctor, a Greek, and a Gentile Christian.

· His Gospel was directed to a Gentile audience—the very first sentences of his letter reflect this.

· Matthew begins with a genealogy; Mark opens with a concise statement that moves into the gospel story immediately; John gives a theological treatise.

· Luke begins with a few words to justify his writing and to assure the reader of the reliability and accuracy of his account.

· This follows the pattern of the great Greek and Hellenistic historians, who would explain their work in a short preface.

· Luke’s opening verses prove that he truly believed that he, along with the other evangelists, was recording history.

Luke 1:1-4

LUKE’S ACCOUNT OF INTRODUCING CHRIST:

1. The request made in prayer.

a. Luke 1:5-13a

b. What is the motive of Zacharias’ prayer?

2. The revelation of a son.

a. He will be called John. Luke 1:13b

b. He will become a Nazirite. Luke 1:14-15

c. He will serve as the Messiah’s forerunner. Luke 1:16-17

3. The reluctance to believe.

a. Luke 1:18

b. Similar to Abraham, Zacharias only looked at the human scope, rather than the God scope.

4. The rebuke.

a. Luke 1:19-20

5. The restraint.

a. Luke 1:21-23

b. Numbers 6:24-26

6. The reign of Jesus is established.

a. Luke 1:24,26-33

b. The announcement of Christ birth came from God through a messenger—angel.

c. Luke 1:34-37

d. The importance of the virgin birth.

e. The nature of God is established. Luke 1:37

7. The blessing of fulfillment.

a. Luke 1:39-45

b. We see divine interaction here, Elizabeth knew Mary was carrying the Messiah through revelationand spiritual enablement.