Luke 1:57-66
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009The narrative now shifts back to Elizabeth and the birth of her son and how the birth of John removes shame from both her and Zacharias. Their reversal foreshadows that of Israel under the ministry of John and the Messiah that would follow. However, the unique circumstances of the naming of their child hints that redemption may come in an unexpected manner.
1:57. Just [...]
Luke 1:39-45
Thursday, March 5th, 2009Verses 39-45 reveal the confirmation that both Mary and Elizabeth received about the divine origins and purposes for their sons. They receive this confirmation through the testimony of two sources that would be surprising for Luke’s first century readers: an unborn child and a woman. Such unconventional methods would cause the reader to wonder what sort of life [...]
Luke 1:18-25
Friday, January 23rd, 2009In the narrative section of 1:5-25 Zacharias has been shown that against all odds, God answers prayer (v. 13), especially in relation to God’s promises in Scripture. The nation of Israel wondered if God would ever provide a Messiah, and Zacharias wondered if God would ever provide him a son. God was now bringing both to fruition in [...]