A Prescription for Life: Studying Luke's Gospel: A Prescription for Life: Studying the Writings of Luke, #1

By Whit Longcore

In determining to enter a deeper study of the book of Acts, my study was drawn to an overall look at the foundation of the church, and "all that Jesus began both to do and teach" (Acts 1:1 MEV) as seen through the eyes of Luke.  This endeavor lasted nearly a year, between the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles.  Through it all, we discover that Paul's "beloved physician, wrote for us, a prescription for life: Jesus Christ.  

Grab your Bibles and join me in this first volume, for 159 days in the Gospel of Luke.  We'll examine scriptural, historical, geographic, and cultural context, as we enter into this orderly account from a God-inspired investigator, who has been said to be counted among the greatest historians of all time.  Join me and see Jesus through the eyes of one who interviewed his Apostles, disciples, family, and sometimes even his doubters.  Through it all may we declare, "Look at what God has done!"

See Volume 2 for Luke's second treatise, the Acts of the Apostles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whit Longcore
• Release date: Apr 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988132820

Whit Longcore

Whit Longcore is a Christ loving power lineman. For several years he has served the Kingdom of Christ in men's ministry leadership, playing bass guitar and keyboard in worship, teaching in adult Sunday school, and previously as a deacon. Hobbies include exploring God's creation with loved ones in his Jeeps, camping, writing, and playing music. Together with his wife Jenn, and son Weylin (True) he has settled into the rural, great lakes community, and committed to serve our loving Savior. Recently titled Kingdom Stone Devotions, he has authored online devotionals since 2016, as well as a previous book of exclusive content.

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The Gospel of

Jesus Christ

Through

Luke

Day 1: The Authoritative Word

So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed. - Luke 1:3‭-‬4 CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

As I said yesterday , I sense I'm overdue for a thorough study of the book of Acts, and yet that begins with the leading here, to Luke's first treatise.  To be completely transparent, it is a bit terrifying to me.  Through these years of scribbling out my personal study of the scriptures, I've occasionally passed through a few verses, here and there, in the Gospels, but have never undertaken to fully document a study of the Lord's life.  Shall I continue to avoid this work on the fear of misrepresenting my Lord?

I can't help but wonder if Dr. Luke experienced similar hesitation.  Though the Holy Spirit indeed guided his hand, he was but a man.  Though he was chosen to be one of four men to accurately record the Gospel accounts, did he struggle to count himself worthy of writing the life and testimony of the Lord?  Maybe if he did, that would have driven his intellectual, scientific persona even deeper in his careful investigation.  What I'm getting at is, maybe the Spirit of God used Luke's human nature for the glory and plan of God.

Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. - Luke 1:1‭-‬2 CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There were, at this time, many scrolls heralding the life of Christ.  Some may have begun as personal notes, taken by believers, as they sat in awe of the stories from the apostles.  Others, including some we still have today, were antithetical to the gospel; false gospels, such as many gnostic writings like the gospel of Thomas. 

It can be noted that there were on record many gospels and accounts linked to names of the apostles.  It stands to reason.  Those names carried weight, but the gospel of Thomas, for example, is a solid evidence that merely claiming apostolic authorship did not canon make.  There was more than one gospel tied to his name.  Surely Thomas, if he had taken to write an account, wouldn't have written in contradiction to himself.  No, there were four Gospel accounts which have been almost unanimously agreed upon as authentic throughout the ages of the Church. 

The words beginning Luke's account bring to the forefront a truth which every Christian would do well to always remember:  The words between these tattered covers alone hold the authority of God. 

Many of these others Luke describes, who sought to compile the narrative, likely did so with good and honorable intent.  Most certainly, there were men among this age who honestly sought to supplement, or expound upon the scriptural testimonies.  I don't doubt that many which we don't have today, the Holy Spirit inspired in men, to edify their brethren.  Yet for whatever reason the Lord knew, He did not choose to retain them for our viewership. 

Over the centuries the Church has had many a man, whom the Holy Spirit gifted to teach, and evangelize by the quill.  Many a man has been used to the full by our Lord, to edify His Bride.  You'll notice many of their names pop up in my writings, and maybe in your pastor's sermons.  Even so, nothing written by Tertullian, Henry, Bengel, Guzik, Spurgeon, Calvin, or Poole (to name but a few) can ever be taken as authoritative truth.

I pray I labor in vain to remind my brethren that we may never allow the words of men to be our primary link to God's truths.  There are many writings which provide insight, clarify misunderstandings, and give context to the Word of God, but we must never let the words of men influence our relationship with Christ, above His own canonical records in the Holy Bible. 

so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed. - Luke 1:4 CSB

Indeed, whether you read the greatest theological minds, or my feeble musings, I pray that you spend far more time in the scriptures for yourself.  Whether your pastor preaches solely to evangelize the lost, or he expounds the scriptures with all grace and knowledge, Sunday sermons cannot be your link to Christ.  Brothers and sisters, the Word of God was given so that we may know the certainties of that which we are told.  We must personally know the Word of God, or we will be far too easily led astray, by wolves, or even the blind themselves.  Get into the word for yourself.

Day 2: What’s in a Name

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. - Luke 1:5‭-‬6 CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Have you ever taken a closer look at the names used in scripture?  There are names from Aaron (high mountain) and Ahab (uncle), to Zilpah (frailty) and Zuriel (my rock is God), but throughout scripture we see a myriad of God-centric names playing vital roles in His story. 

God, whose omniscience has seen all that we will ever think or do, and whose sovereignty has never failed to work His plan through it all, managed to tell his Good News, even through the names involved.  Take a look. 

After 400 years of silence, God sent an angel named God is my strong man (Gabriel), to a priest named Jehovah remembers (Zechariah).  Gabriel foretold what would come through the womb of Zechariah's barren and elderly wife, named oath of God (Elizabeth).  There were 24 divisions of priests, but this Zechariah, chosen to begin the ensuing chain of events, served under the division of my father is Jehovah (Abijah). 

Zechariah was told his wife would bear a son named Yahweh is gracious (John).  This son would work in the spirit and power of Jehovah is my God (Elijah), to make ready the way for Yahweh is Salvation (Jesus), who would be called God with us (Immanuel).

So, what's the story?

The sovereign, powerful God remembered his oath to His people, and chose, in His graciousness, to send His Son - both man and God - as our Salvation.

That is good news indeed, my friends. 

Nothing we could do could earn that. 

It is all a work of God, by His merciful grace.

This is your opportunity to be saved.

Day 3: A Baby That Changed Everything

'Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.' Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I do not know a man?' The angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.' - Luke 1:31‭-‬35 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

My wife, Jenn, and I recently took a small child into our home.  Until about 6 months ago, the idea of having a toddler running down our halls was rather absurd, though not as absurd as all of this must have sounded to Mary.  In a humorous diaper incident post which Jenn recently put on Facebook, someone very near and dear to me responded with a very simple, and yet profound sentence:  We change babies, but babies change everything.

'A virgin shall be with child, and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is interpreted, 'God with us.' - Matthew 1:23 MEV

To continue with the naming convention theme of yesterday, maybe today we look at the names given to a very specific baby. Jesus (Greek: iēsous, Hebrew: yehôšûaʿ, meaning: Jehovah/Yahweh/God is Salvation) was to be the given name of this child, but the angel said far more.  Gabriel spoke a few very telling sentences that could hardly be misunderstood.  The boy was the long-awaited Messiah!  This baby would change everything. 

But Jesus was far from the only name, or rather title, this Messiah was credited with over the years. 

The days are coming, says the Lord, that I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the earth. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. And this is the name by which he will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS - Jeremiah 23:5‭-‬6 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The word used for The LORD, in this messianic promise is Jehovah (Yᵊhōvâ).  It wasn't Lord, as in a master, or person of eminence.  It was the proper name of God. 

That's not to say that the people in the days of king Herod viewed this passage as indicating messianic deity.  Remember that lots of Hebrew names were God centric.  Even Isaiah's Immanuel prophecy in 7:14 was understood far differently than it turned out to be.  But after the resurrection, Matthew was shown the correct interpretation of this prophecy.  Luke later records of the resurrected Christ:

Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. - Luke 24:45 MEV

Thereby, at the beginning of Matthew, when we see the Apostle quote that this promised Messiah, birthed by a virgin, would be called, God with us, we see it was more than just a name.  They didn't actually name Him Immanuel.  But we do know Him as the manifestation in which the Word of God, who was with God and who was God, walked with us. 

As I continue my studies, now in Luke, I consistently find myself in scriptures that lead to this exhortation, but here it is again:  There is no reasonable argument that the Apostles didn't know Jesus as God Himself.  The Triune nature of God was not manufactured by the minds of men, much less men hundreds of years after the resurrection. 

The Apostles, when men tried to worship them, were very quick to correct the error of worshipping mere men.  But we never see them rebuke the worship of Jesus Christ.  On the contrary, Luke tells us the Apostles themselves, worshipped Him. (Luke 24:52)

Jesus, our righteousness, God with us, sits on the throne forever.

Day 4: A Baby That Changed Everything Continued

Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end. - Luke 1:31‭-‬33 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Gabriel told Mary, here at the beginning of Luke's treatise, that Jesus would take the throne of His father David.  Do you know what Jesus had to say about this? 

'What do you think of the Christ? Whose Son is He?' They said to Him, 'The Son of David.' He said to them, 'How then does David in the Spirit call Him Lord, saying: The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool' ? ‘ - Matthew 22:42‭-‬44 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Both Matthew and Luke (20:41-44) record this bombshell.  Jesus quoted a Messianic Psalm, written by David in which David Himself claimed the Messiah (his offspring) would exceed him in honor and greatness.  That, my friends, changed everything.  There was no precedent for a son (of any generation, grandson, great... etc.) to be honored above the father.  But it was far more than this.  Jesus quoted a verse that read, "the Lord (Yahweh - God) said to my Lord ('āḏôn - Messiah). 

This verse has long borne a disagreement between the Jewish unbelieving, and the followers of Christ.  The nonbeliever can point to the Masoretic texts, which for over a millennia were the oldest Hebrew texts we had.  The Masoretes added vowel points to the Hebrew word ADNY (adoni).  In these texts, the claim is that Adonai was the title of God, while Adoni was only ever used of men or angels, and not applicable to God.

This Masoretic alteration didn't occur until somewhere around the eighth century AD.  But over the last 75 years, the Dead Sea Scroll discoveries have revealed authentic Hebraic copies, much older, which may have a solid argument against this stance.  Isaiah 21:16, for example, is undisputed to be the Lord (God) told me...  In the Masoretic we see, as expected, Adonai.  But in a Dead Sea Scroll we know as the Great Isaiah Scroll, there is nothing but, ADNY; the same word we see of the Messiah in Psalm 110:1.  This scroll has been dated to somewhere in the second century BC; roughly a thousand years older than the Masoretic texts.

But how about we discount the Dead Sea Scrolls and stick with only the Masoretic texts for a minute?  Let's examine the claim that Adoni was never used of God, but only men and angels. 

Therefore the Lord [Adoni], the Lord [Jehovah] of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, says: Ah, I will get relief from My adversaries, and avenge Myself on My enemies. - Isaiah 1:24 MEV

And again, only a few Psalms away from the verse in question:

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord [Adoni], at the presence of the God of Jacob, - Psalms 114:7 MEV

The argument that the word Adoni in Psalm 110 denies the deity of the Messiah falls flat.  But even if we were to disregard these evidences, there's an argument even to be found within the Masoretic version of Psalm 110 alone. 

The Lord [YHWH] said to my Lord [Adoni] sit at my right hand (Verse 1).  The second Lord (Adoni) is by all accounts, referring to the Messiah.  But then we look at verse 5: The Lord [Adonai] is at your right hand.  Remember who was invited to sit at the right hand?

There was a younger me whose eyes were blinded by my hardened heart.  That younger me made ridiculous claims; claims that Jesus never asserted Himself as God.  But when the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the scriptures, the truth came into focus. 

There are still many, with vast knowledge of scriptures, whose eyes are blinded to truth.  They'll try to convince you to abandon the faith, but I encourage you; Stand firm.  Contrary to popular, worldly beliefs, Our Lord did indeed declare His own place in the Trinity.  He is God. 

'If David then calls Him Lord, how is He his Son?' No one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare to ask Him any more questions. - Matthew 22:45‭-‬46 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The Pharisees had enough sense to know this specific question was a stumbling block they could not conquer.

Day 5: Nothing of Which He Spoke

Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren. For with God nothing will be impossible. - Luke 1:36‭-‬37 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

As absurd as the idea of conceiving without intercourse may have sounded to Mary, she is told of another pregnancy just as absurd; her relative, far too old to conceive, is six months pregnant!  Gabriel then says something probably every ear in these United States has heard.  With God, nothing is impossible.  But how often do we hear this quote outside of the context of scripture? 

No, you're not going to win a decathlon you've never trained for, just because, with God all things are possible.  No, when your business venture falls through, you don't have reason to blame God because you trusted He would make all things possible.

These words of Gabriel's came up, in various forms, a few other times in scripture.  Surely many of us know our Lord would speak them some thirty odd years later: But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' - Matthew 19:26 MEV

But there's an even closer reference which Gabriel here makes.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, Shall I surely bear a child when I am old? Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’ - Genesis 18:13‭-‬14 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Forgive me if I miss a few parallel references, but similar verses I know of include Job 42:2, Jeremiah 32:17, and possibly even Zechariah 8:6.  Do you know what all of these verses have in common contextually?  Every single one of them speaks in reference to a promise of God, not something random the listener desired or sought to do. 

It could even be argued that the promise in every single one of them, in one way or another, is restoration.  Job's restoration, the restoration of Sarah's womb, the restoration of Israel, and... The restoration of our fellowship with God; our entry pass to heaven, as it were. 

Luke 1:37 has an odd quirk that may give a bit of insight to this repetitive assurance.  In the original Greek - of which Luke was the most precise and skilled writer of our Holy Bible - the English word nothing is taken from a combination of three words.  οὐκ πᾶν ῥῆμα - ou pas rhēma.  Essentially it becomes nothing from negative every thing. 

But whether the word rhēma should be rendered as thing or word has caused some debate over the years. 

Thayer's Greek Lexicon defines it primarily as word:

rhēma - that which has been spoken by the living voice. 

But it also includes thing as a potential translation:

rhēma - the subject matter of speech, thing spoken of.

What we see is that even if translated as no thing, it becomes no thing of which was spoken.  So when we read with God nothing will be impossible, and especially when considered in the context of every time it shows up, we see with God no thing of which He has spoken will be impossible.  No promise of God is impossible for Him to fulfill as He will. 

Remember how I mentioned that every time this passage comes up it's related to a promise of restoration?  No matter how dark your heart has become, God can create in you a new heart.  There is no such thing as, I've gone too far for the grace of God.  No such thing as God can't fix me, I'm too much of a mess.  No such thing as the church would burn down if I walked in.  Absolutely no such thing as God doesn't want me.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 MEV

No promise of God is impossible for His sovereign will.  That includes the promise to renew your heart, and restore your fellowship with Him.  Reconciliation is not impossible for any who earnestly seeks Christ.  Believe in Him, and God will work the rest. 

When His disciples heard this, they were greatly amazed, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' - Matthew 19:25‭-‬26 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Day 6: A Humble Spirit

When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. - Luke 1:41 MEV

This was no ordinary kick, my friends.  Elizabeth was six months pregnant.  At this point, the child should have been moving for over a month.  No, this movement, was extraordinary; it was notable.  This movement, from an unborn child yet in the womb, was John's first testimony by the Holy Spirit.  Remember what the angel Gabriel told Zechariah about John?

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. - Luke 1:15 MEV

Filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.  After John's first act of praise, we're told his mother Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit as well.

She spoke out with a loud voice, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion to those things which were told her by the Lord.'  - Luke 1:42‭-‬45 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Why is this granted to me, she inquires.  Matthew Henry, in his commentaries makes note of this: Note, those that are filled with the Holy Ghost have low thoughts of their own merits, and high thoughts of God's favours.

The Spirit of God will never lead you to pride.  Elizabeth was chosen to bear the prophet of whom was prophesied, and to be visited by the mother of the long-awaited Messiah, and yet, why me was her response.  If our thoughts bring about a high estimation of ourselves, we require not careful estimation of what spirit spurs them.  That, my brothers and sisters, is the spirit of the enemy, not of our Lord.

Mary's Psalm, shows the same Spirit of God overshadowing her.  We see in her words, He has regarded the low estate of his servant.  Though she didn't deny the prophecy, blessed are you among women, the virgin servant of God acknowledged it was not something she deserved.  She continues:

He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. - Luke 1:51‭-‬52 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Brothers and sisters, not a single one of us has ever earned an ounce of His grace.  The very fact we need His mercy is, one and the same, the evidence that we don't deserve it.  Even John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb, and praising the Lord before his own birth, knew the depravity of his own condition. 

As John was fulfilling his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ Acts 13:25 MEV

The Lord's mercy is so extensive that our mere human minds cannot even fathom its depth.  Yet, may we ever more seek to search out those depths.  Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Day 7: Praise Spills Out

They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And they all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke and praised God. - Luke 1:62‭-‬64 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Matthew Henry once wrote, better be without speech, than not use it praising God.

Zechariah may have been a faithful and blameless priest, but a single act of disbelief silenced him for 9 months.  As we saw earlier in the chapter, to the angel's prophecy he responded, how can I know this (vs 18).  Essentially, he inquired, that's ridiculous, prove it. 

So, for 9 months he remained silenced.  Abstinence from speech gives a man an awful lot of time to pray, to listen, and to think.  It gives a man a lot of opportunity to hear from the Lord in His many whispers; a lot of opportunity to be humbled, instructed, and purged of the dross.  For 9 months he remained silent, with much to say, and we're told what it is that finally came out.  He spoke and praised God!  Better to be without speech, than able to speak and not use it praising God.

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, - Luke 1:67 MEV

Next, we see the Holy Spirit of prophecy come upon this elderly, new father.  This man had faithfully prayed over the children of Israel for decades, no doubt longing through the years to pray a blessing over an offspring of his own, and here we see even the Spirit of God take up this prayer for him. 

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, - Luke 1:76‭-‬77 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

But even in this prophetic prayer over his newborn son, the newly loosed tongue of Zechariah praised God.  Even as Zechariah prophesied and you, child, over the infant John, it was blessed is the Lord, God of Israel.  Even in this, the greatest earthly joy of his life, it was all about what God promised, and what God delivered; all about God's mercy, and God's grace. 

Better to be without speech, than able to speak and not use it praising God.

My tongue has uttered much useless drivel through the years.  But I pray it no longer be so, for me, or for any of us in Christ.  The same Spirit of God which resided in Zechariah, and John, indwells you, believer, and inhabits me as well.  Today my prayer is this: When our mouths are opened and our tongues loosed, may the sounds that come out evermore praise Him.  May our words - whether about scripture, possibly the paperwork we just signed, or even the bolt we just put wrench to - may our words testify of His glory, His mercy, and his renewing work in us.

Day 8: News of Great Joy

But the angel said to them, 'Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.' - Luke 2:10 MEV

Aha, finally, our Messiah has come.  He will break the heavy yoke about our necks, laid on by these Roman oppressors... Wait, did that angel just say joy to all people?  Maybe we heard him wrong.  Surely not our enemies.  Ahh yes, peace on Earth to the people He favors.  That's us.  Let's go see.

Remember back to the end of chapter 1, when Zechariah prophesied about his son, John the Baptist?  The Bible tells us this was prophecy by the Holy Spirit.  These were the words of God, not man.  Indeed, if they were of man, they would have looked far different. 

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. - Luke 1:76‭-‬79 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

It is quite possible Zechariah himself didn't properly understand the words he uttered.  We can be almost certain that some of the prophets of old never did understand the depth of that which they were created to speak.  It may be that this priest focused on the, salvation from our enemies, parts of his prophecy.  Everyone else awaiting the Messiah focused on that part too. 

But that was not the message John would preach.  That was not the way John would prepare.  This prophet did not train up armies, and he didn't call down fire on battalions of soldiers.  He offered baptism and he taught repentance.  His ministry changed our focus on the entire prophecy.  Knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord does not count iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. - Psalms 32:1‭-‬2 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The way, which John prepared, was to change our focus from temporal enemies - who indeed still confront us - to the spiritual; the accuser, and his fallen angels, and more importantly, our own sin within us. 

Once we have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we can know that even a human enemy, clapping irons around our ankles, will work the plan of God for our eternal good; even a Roman soldier skillfully passing a blade through our necks will not be able to remove this great joy and peace from our souls!

The way is shut no longer.  In Christ, we have great joy and peace with God.  In Christ, we have Salvation, forgiveness of sins.  The shadow of death means little when the Light shines in your heart.  What news of great joy this truly is!

He has given us the privilege, since we have been rescued from the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days - Luke 1:73b-75

Day 9: Helpless, Awkward, Curious

When they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him. - Luke 2:39‭-‬40 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

One might consider that Luke and Matthew have conflicting accounts.  Matthew records the flight into Egypt, whereas here we see a return to Galilee.  But Luke's omission of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt, does not by any means contradict Matthew's account.  We must remember John's words which closed out the gospel accounts:

There are also many other things which Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written. Amen. - John 21:25 MEV

Think ahead to the Apostle Paul's conversion.  In Acts 9, it might seem no time passed at all before his return to Jerusalem, but in Galatians 1:17 Paul records that he'd spent 3 years in Arabia.  If this wasn't the case, it would have been pretty easy to disprove.  He would have been called out publicly as a false witness, and lost his authority in the Church. 

In like manner, they returned does not mean the account tells us they walked straight there.  But what is really catching my eye this morning is the boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on Him. (vs 40 CSB)

Jesus grew up, he became strong and filled with wisdom.  Though fully God, our Lord humbled Himself to become fully man, like us, yet without sin.  But to truly become fully man, he must first, as any of us, survive the helplessness of infancy, stumble through the awkward days of the toddler, and traverse the curious steps of the young boy.  Though fully God, Jesus began his earthly years needing to grow like us, to learn like us, and to hurt like us.  And yet, without sin, His growth was unlike any other.  With the grace of God his understanding surpassed any other, leaving everyone in the temple astounded (vs 47)

Matthew Henry, says of his own growth in the wisdom of God, every man that studies hath some beloved study, which is his delight above any other; and this is mine.  It is that learning which it was my happiness from a child to be trained up in by my ever honored father. 

By the grace of God, that growth spawned one of the best all-around biblical commentaries our world has seen.  Of the growth in spirit and wisdom which our Lord Jesus Christ navigated so expertly, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary paints a glorious picture of our developing Savior.  I'll leave you to dwell on that today. 

In all things it became Christ to be made like unto his brethren, therefore He passed through infancy and childhood as other children, yet without sin, and with manifest proofs of the Divine nature in him. By the Spirit of God all His faculties performed their offices in a manner not seen in any one else. Other children have foolishness bound in their hearts, which appears in what they say or do, but he was filled with wisdom, by the influence of the Holy Ghost; everything He said and did, was wisely said and wisely done, above his years. Other children show the corruption of their nature; nothing but the grace of God was upon Him.

Day 10: A Lamb for the Household

When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned, the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know of it. But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day’s journey. Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. - Luke 2:43‭-‬44 MEV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke introduces the story of my Father's house with an acknowledgement of the upbringing Mary and Joseph gave Jesus.  He was raised up in a pious and faithful family.  Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 MEV)

It was commanded for all Jewish men to make the pilgrimage to the temple for Passover, as well as Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16).  But it was not a requirement for entire families, nor was it required to remain for the full 8 days; many left after the first two.  Yet we're told Jesus' family all went and stayed until the completion of the days of the feast.  Well, Jesus stayed a bit longer...

I don't remember my exact age at the time of the incident, but when I was somewhere around this same age, my entire extended, maternal family gathered; not for a festival, but rather to take a full family photo, as a gift to my grandparents.  A cousin and I quietly became so engrossed in playing with Legos in my bedroom that when the dozens of family members packed up cars and rolled out, nobody realized we weren't among them.  To the best of my memory, neither did we realize they had left. 

When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, 'Son, why have You dealt with us like this? Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You.' - Luke 2:48 MEV

On the surface, a person could erroneously doubt Christ's sinlessness here, saying he disobeyed his parents.  It seems Mary, in her parental anxiety, had a similar thought.  But then we see something He said corrected her perspective...

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart. - Luke 2:51 MEV

We're not told the specifics of how Jesus was left behind.  All we know is that it was the irresistible plan of God that it should be so.  As I ponder the words, assuming he was in the traveling party, (vs 44 CSB) I suspect His story is similar to mine.  Quite possibly, young Jesus was so engrossed in what was pleasing to Him (learning in the temple), and the family had grown so accustomed to His quiet absence, that nobody realized He wasn't among the large traveling party of extended family and neighbors. 

'Why were you searching for me?' he asked them. 'Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?' But they did not understand what he said to them. - Luke 2:49‭-‬50 CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Indeed, the young Messiah found it necessary (much like Matthew Henry's testimony I quoted yesterday) to remain and learn in His Father's house - The Temple of Jerusalem.  But I find it