Luke 1 presents the purpose of Luke’s gospel, Gabriel’s visits,
the song of Mary (the Magnificat), and the birth of John the
Baptist.
With 80 verses, Luke 1 is the longest chapter in this gospel. In
this chapter, Luke presents his reason for writing.
The angel Gabriel visited Zacharias and Mary to herald the
coming of John the Baptist and of Christ. Both Mary and
Elizabeth figure prominently in this chapter, offering songs of
praise for the blessings bestowed upon them. Zacharias
prophesied about the coming of Jesus and the role of John the
Baptist. Luke 1 ends with the birth of John the Baptist.
Luke 1 Outline
1:1-4
Purpose of Luke’s gospel
1:5-25
Gabriel delivers the promise of a son to Zacharias
1:5-7
Background of Zacharias and Elizabeth
1:8-10
Zacharias is selected to burn incense
1:11-20
Gabriel speaks to Zacharias in the temple
1:21-23
Zacharias appears to Jews outside the temple
1:24-25
Elizabeth conceives as Gabriel promised
1:26-38
Gabriel delivers the promise of a son to Mary
1:39-56
Mary visits her relative Elizabeth
1:39-45
Elizabeth’s song of love
1:46-55
Mary’s song of faith
1:56
Mary stays with Elizabeth for 3 months
1:57-79
Birth of John the Baptist
1:57-66
Zacharias and Elizabeth name him “John.”
1:67-79
Zacharias’ prophecy of hope
1:67-75
Prophecy concerning Jesus
1:76-79
Prophecy about John the Baptist
1:80
John the Baptist grows up in the wilderness
Mary’s Song of Faith
God chose Mary to bear his only son. Mary’s faith can be seen in
her response to Gabriel, and in her song of faith.
Mary believed Gabriel, responding to his revelation with the
words, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me
according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Also called The Magnificat, Mary’s song of faith praised God’s
greatness, mercy, and regard for the humble.
Zacharias’ Prophecy of Hope
Also called The Benedictus, Zacharias’ prophecy of hope
proclaims thanksgiving for God’s mercy and for his plan of
redemption.
When John was born, Zacharias delivered a two-part prophecy of
hope. As Mary upheld God as her savior (Luke 1:47), Zacharias
first proclaimed the hope of Israel’s salvation through Christ.
Hope in his son was declared in the second part of Zacharias’
prophecy. John the Baptist was part of God’s redemptive plan.
Fast Facts
-
Jesus and John the Baptist were related through their mothers.
John was about six months older than Jesus (Luke 1:26, 36).
-
The primary mission of John the Baptist was to prepare the
hearts of the Jews for the coming of the messiah (Luke
1:76-77).
-
The Holy Spirit indwelt John from the womb (Luke 1:15). John
leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary greeted her (Luke
1:44). According to this passage, the unborn have a spirit and
feel emotions.