Notes on The Gospel of Luke: Introduction

Overview

• Luke's Investigation: Luke investigated early eyewitnesses of Jesus's life.
• Objective: To compose an account of Jesus's life.

Setting

• Location: Begins in the hills of Jerusalem.
• Significance: Location where prophets said God would establish His Kingdom.

Key Events

Vision of Zacharias

• Character: Zacharias, a priest in Jerusalem.
• Event: Angel appears to Zacharias in the temple.
• Message: Zacharias and his wife will have a son despite their old age, named John.
• Parallel: Comparison to Abraham and Sarah who were also old and childless before having Isaac.
• Implication: God is about to do something significant.
• Prophecy: This son will prepare Israel for God's arrival in Jerusalem.

Political Context

• Roman Rule: Jerusalem is under Roman rule, specifically by Herod.
• Jewish Desire: Jews seek freedom and self-governance.

Annunciation to Mary

• Character: Mary, a young woman from Galilee.
• Event: Angel appears to Mary.
• Message: Mary will have a son named Jesus, "The Lord Saves."
• Promise: Jesus will be a King like David and rule forever.
• Mary's Question: She questions how this is possible as a virgin.
• Explanation: Holy Spirit will generate life inside her womb.
• Significance: God binds Himself to humanity through the Messiah's birth.

Mary's Song

• Theme: Reversal of social status.
• Prophecy: Son will bring down rulers and exalt the humble.

Birth of Jesus

• Location: Bethlehem, due to Roman tax registration.
• Conditions: No guest rooms available; Jesus born where animals sleep.

Announcement to Shepherds

• Event: Angels appear to shepherds, announcing Savior's birth.
• Significance: Found in a feeding trough, unexpected place for a Messiah.
• Shepherds' Reaction: Astonished and ponder the implications.

Themes

• Unexpected Arrival: Messiah's birth in humble conditions.
• Reversal of Order: God's Kingdom revealed among the poor and humble.
• Salvation Message: Jesus will save by turning the world order upside down.

Conclusion

• Luke's Narrative: Emphasizes how God's action defies human expectations.
• Overall Message: The introduction sets a tone for Jesus's revolutionary role in history.