CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO LUKE
AUTHOR
There is little doubt the author's name is LUKE. As to where he came from, there is little certainty.
The beginning of this Gospel is written in classic Greek, imposing the thought that Luke was a Gentile. Perhaps that is so, because in Acts 21:27 it is noted that there was an uprising against Paul because he had brought "Gentiles" (note the plural usage) into the temple. The only one mentioned there is "Trophimus" (See Acts 21:29). Luke was most likely WITH Paul at the time, therefore, he would probably be one of the "Gentiles."

Supposing then, that Luke was indeed a Gentile, he was probably a proselyte to the Jewish religion before meeting Paul. One reason this can be assumed is because the Gospel of Luke (and the book of Acts) are filled with Jewish customs and traditions. The author would have to have been thoroughly familiar with the Jewish religion to have included those. Further, in Colossians 4:9-14, Paul mentions certain Jews "of the circumcision" who saluted the people of the church in Colosse. But he is careful to mention Luke and Demas in a separate statement, causing one to assume they were NOT "of the circumcision."

DATE
Realizing that the book of Acts (also written by Luke) was completed BEFORE the death of Paul, then the book of Luke was even written before that.
However that gives us no actual date. All we can say is that the book was written prior to AD 65.

THEME
The Gospel of Luke (and the book of Acts) was written to "Theophilus". The Greek word Theophilus means "friend of God." This, more than likely, meant that Luke was writing to a specific person. However, the writing can very well be understood as addressing ANYone who loves God.

Historically, the Gospel of Luke is meant for Gentiles. It factually explains the perfect union of Jesus as human and God. Jesus, having lived as a perfect human, willingly died for mankind. Through His death, an acceptable price was paid, from God to God, for the sins of all men. By surrendering to Him as Lord, one can receive acquittal from God on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice.

Matthew, Mark and Luke are synoptic in that they take the same view of Jesus' life. Obviously, they are all taken from the life of Christ, and follow the same pattern.

However, Luke (being a "physician" Jesus born as an act of God (miraculous conception) fulfilling Genesis 3:15, where it is said Messiah would be the "seed" of the woman.
Jesus born ancestorally through the line of David, thus fulfilling Micah 5:2.

Perhaps the key verses in Luke are concerning our salvation through surrender to Jesus as Lord.
He writes:
"23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23-24)

CHAPTER 1

1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

There were many "eyewitnesses" who had given testimony of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Luke has "taken in hand" a project which will "set forth" the compiling of those witness accounts.

He is also a capable witness because he "had perfect understanding of all things from the very first."

Obviously this "most excellent Theophilus" has been "instructed" about faith in Jesus as Lord, God and Savior of mankind. Therefore, Luke is using this project to give Theophilus "certainty" through the compiled witness accounts.

We too, can have "certainty" when we read because these accounts are from "eyewitnesses" of the events, and recorded by Luke, who already had knowledge of the events.

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

The phrase "in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea" refers to the time of Herod the Great's rule in Judaea, 37B.C. to 4A.D.
Herod was an Edomite by birth, but was a Jew by religion.

During Herod's tenure, Zacharias was a priest working in the temple. Zacharias was of the "course of Abia," or Abijah (See 1Chronicles 24:10). David himself had divided the priesthood into 24 courses so that someone would be there at ALL times. Abijah was the eighth grouping.

Luke portrays the importance of knowing that Zacharias and Elisabeth (his wife) were "blameless", having always been "walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord..."
Certainly Luke does not intone they are sinless, but rather that they are blameless. Zacharias faihfully discharged his work as a priest, and no blame could be imposed upon him or his wife due to their lives. This is important due to the fact of what is about to happen to this family.

Elizabeth was "barren" and both Zacharias and she were older, "well stricken in years."
What was about to happen to them was a miracle from God similar to that miracle of Isaac being born to Abraham and Sarah.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

In the course of his duties as a priest, Zacharias was to burn incense before the vail in the temple at the altar of incense. When he went in to do so, an angel named "Gabriel" appeared to him. Gabriel is also mention in the Book of Daniel (See Daniel 8:15-17). This awesome angel caused Zacharias to have "fear". But Gabriel assured Zacharias he need not fear, and that he came to reveal an answer to Zacharias' "prayer". Obviously Zacharias had long been praying for a CHILD!

Gabriel also revealed to Zacharias that the child would be "great in the sight of the Lord."
And, he revealed some characteristics of the child:
He would neither drink grape juice nor wine,
He would be "filled" with the Holy Ghost "from his mother's womb!", He would have the spirit and power of Elijah,
And, he would turn many Israelites back to genuinely trusting in God.

Now, Zacharias no longer has fear, but he is skeptical. He asks the angel, Gabriel, to show some PROOF, because both he and his wife are TOO OLD for this to happen!

The angel immediately defined his own person. He is "Gabriel," who stands "in the presence of God," and was "sent" to give Zacharias this news!

And, because Zacharias didn't TRUST the first statement, he would be stricken "dumb", and be unable to speak. But the NEWS Gabriel brings WILL COME TO PASS "in their season."

OH! What self-imposed troubles we experience, when we don't TRUST what God tells us!

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

Now Zacharias had to go and face the people. But he couldn't SPEAK!

They had been concerned that he was so long in the temple. And then, after talking to him, they believed that he had seen a "vision," even though he was unable to speak to them.

When Zacharias had completed his time of service, he returned home.

24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

After Elisabeth had conceived, she "hid herself five months..." Perhaps her reasoning was to be sure and not defile the promise of the Lord. For He had stated, through Gabriel, that the child would grow and "be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." Thus, the child is presumed to be a Nazarite, or one who is separated from worldliness and given to fulfilling God's purposes.

But perhaps, Elizabeth was keeping herself at home so that she would not fall into the same mistrust as did her husband. Probably, she wanted to be sure and not boast of the glorious way God had given her a child in her old age! In this manner, she was somewhat of a separtist herself; refusing herself the temptation of speaking ill.

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Notice that it was in the "sixth month" of Elisabeth's pregnancy that Gabriel appears to Mary.
This seemingly insignificant fact causes us to realize that John the Baptist was 6 months OLDER than Jesus.

Gabriel was sent to Zacharias, foretelling the birth of John the Baptist, who would, in the spirit of Elijah, fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6.
Gabriel was sent to Mary, foretelling the birth of her son-to-be as MESSIAH!
See (Isaiah 7:14)).

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

The angel Gabriel caused Zacharias to "fear, but Mary was more "troubled" at what Gabriel SAID than she was his presence. Surely, she was fearful at seeing such an awesome being, but, again, what Gabriel SAID caused her great concern. He said, "...thou that art HIGHLY FAVOURED..." In Mary's mind, she was a simple servant to the Lord (see vs 38 below). Though she was a descendent of King David, she did not hold herself in high esteem.

Gabriel had also said, "...thou shalt conceive in thy womb". This was incomprehensible to her, because she had not been with "a man." Mary was a "virgin." Yes, she was "espoused to ... Joseph..." The Greek word is mneusteuo, which means she had received a souvenier from Joseph that made them engaged. They were not married, though in those days, marital laws prevailed even in engagement. Under the law, they were considered given to one another, though the marriage had not yet been completed and consummated.

Gabriel had also said, "...thou shalt...., bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be the Son of the Highest...." The child she would bear would not be an ordinary child. He would be the "Son of God!"

Mary didn't understand how all this could happen!

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary would conceive because of a miracle of God. He would cause her to have "seed" in her womb, though she had never been with a man.

To the ordinary mind, this seems without credence. However, the Old Testament spoke of it OFTEN! This was the fulfillment of the prophecy made first in Genesis 3:15 As it is well known, the woman does not have "seed." She has an egg, which is fertilized by a man's "seed." But God would miraculously cause Mary to have the "seed" that had been prophesied.

Further, in Daniel 2:45, this "seed" would also be a "stone cut out of the mountain without hands." The "mountain," spoken there being humanity, and the "stone" being the Lord JESUS, "cut out" by God Himself!

Further, in Isaiah 7:14)(mentioned before), the Son of the "virgin" would be called "Immanuel," which means "God with us!" He would be, as Colossians 1:15 says, "..the image of the invisible God!"

Further, in Isaiah 9:6) He is to be called, "Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace," all of which JESUS IS!

Further, in Isaiah 43:11, Jehovah God said, "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Savior!"

This Child Mary is to bear, is none other than GOD HIMSELF, born in a man who was formed by a miracle of God to be the visible image of the invisible God!

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Gabriel told Mary of Elisabeth's conception, and that she is already 6 months pregnant. Concerning Elisabeth, who was "barren," Gabriel says, "with God NOTHING shall be impossible."

Mary, totally confused, is convinced of Gabriel's announcement to her because of the incredible truth of Elisabeth's conception.

Now, right here, I must state something more.
THIS is the basis of Luke's Gospel. The incredibility of the statements made thus far shall be proven by presenting evidence which is irrefutable! As we study in Luke's Gospel, we shall see that Jesus is the long-awaited MESSIAH of Whom the Old Testament spoke so often. We shall see, by the evidence presented, that this Child, Jesus, could be no other because of the fulfillment of so many prophecies in and by Him. We shall see that there were a myriad of witnesses to these facts, and that this is no story, but a FACTUAL TRUTH!

Mary believed the angel to be whom he said, Gabriel.
Mary believed the angel had spoken a message from God.
Though she felt insignificant, she accepted her assignment from Almighty God.
She said (paraphrased), "I am the Lord's handmaiden. As you have said, so let it be!"

And, may I be so bold as to state the following. In total submission to God, this young girl accepted her mission and assignment. Whatever the world might say about it, she was going to be faithful!

Christians, should we not accept our mission and assignment from our Lord?
If we are assigned to learn and grow in Christ, let us accept it.
If we are assigned to go and tell others of His marvelous grace and salvation, let us be about our mission.
If we are to be faithful, let us not be concerned with what the world thinks or says.

39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Immediately, upon her acceptance, Mary went to see Zacharias and Elisabeth. Mary did not go in doubt of the angel Gabriel's words, but rather to confirm the truth.

She made no mention of her state to family or friends. But she desired the company of one who could identify with the same joy which she now held.

It would be well, if we as Christians, upon receiving joyful experience with our Lord, would consult with those who have had similar or like experiences. Thus, we come together as "iron" sharpening "iron" (See Proverbs 27:17).

As Mary approached and spoke to her, Elisabeth was "filled with the Holy Ghost.." And, the unborn John the Baptist, yet in her womb, "leaped" with JOY!

Elisabeth could not contain herself, and spoke "with a loud voice." She spoke with a joyful blessing: "BLESSED are thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb!"

Elisabeth knew that her son would be the forerunner of Messiah, and she knew that Mary's son would be the Messiah!

She told Mary of the child leaping in her womb. And she confirmed the TRUTH of Gabriel's announcement to Mary. Elisabeth said that Mary was "blessed" (or blissfully happy and contented) because she had "believed" what Gabriel had told her. Elisabeth also said that what Gabriel had promised would be SO!

Elisabeth was an humble priest's wife.
Mary was an humble believer of the Lord.
BOTH had been exalted by God to high distinction!
God truly chooses the "...weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty..." (1 Cor 1:27)

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Mary's statement, here, shows that this humble servant of the Lord is very familiar with the Word of God.

She does "magnify the Lord." The term magnify means to make great.
Mary certainly does not make God greater than He already is!
But she makes Him greater in HER HEART!
And, she makes Him greater TO OTHERS by praising Him!
(See Psalm 34:3)

Her "spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
Like most of us, Mary may not have completely understood the totality of the situation.
But she DID understand that GOD IS SAVIOR!
Except God HIMSELF came to save us, NO ONE could!
This "Seed" planted in Mary was to be born "Emmanuel," which means God with us! ((See Matthew 1:22-23, and Isaiah 7:14, and Isaiah 43:11)

Mary knew that God had "regarded the low estate of His handmaiden." She was an humble young servant. Though she was a descendent of king David, she had no social prominence in the world.
God respects people on the basis of their HEART CONDITION (See Isaiah 57:15)
God does not "regard," or "respect" persons concerning their social status (See Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, and Romans 10:11-12)
And God DOES elevate the "contrite" ones to position of honor with HIM! (See 1Peter 5:6)

"Call me blessed," or blissfully happy! Indeed, God has made her wonderfully happy because she is to bear the Christ child. And any believer has been "born again" because Christ is born in him/her! And any believer is blissfully happy with the charge to bear the Christ child to OTHERS!

God is "mighty," meaning He has all power. And, when God does something for us it is "great" because to intervene in our sinful lives God has to work miracles. It is a "great" thing that you and I were born and have existence: it is a miracle of God!
It is an even greater thing when we are "born again," and are given eternal life through Christ. God's grace was EXCEEDING "great" to come down and die for our sins, offering us a right relationship with Him through surrender to Jesus!

God's Name is "holy!" It is not to be used "in vain"; either uselessly, or in slang terms!
(See Exodus 20:7) The New Testament also speaks of NOT utilizing the Name of Christ Jesus in truth. (See 1John 4:2-3)

God's "mercy" is toward and upon those who trust Him and "fear, or HONOR Him ALWAYS ("from generation to generation"). Our Bible tells us that God's grace (through His mercy) is toward and upon those who act in a righteous manner toward Him, but His "face" is set against those who act in an UNrighteous manner toward Him (See Psalm 34:15-16).

Indeed God showed His "strength" (vs 51) with David, of whose lineage Mary was born. He "scattered" the proud Philistines, and He "put down" Saul and "exalted" David from the "low degree" of shepherd to King!

He that is "hungry" (vs 53) for God shall find food in God's WORD!
But he that is "rich" and not hungry for God's Word, soon finds himself "empty"!

Later, Jesus would say, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matt. 5:6)

God remembered His covenant with Abraham, and always helped the children of Israel (vss 54-54). (See Genesis 12:1-3, and Genesis 15:1, and Genesis 17:7).
God always remembers His people and is faithful in His promises to them!

56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

At the first reading of verse 56, the question might arise, "WHY did Mary leave Elisabeth when she probably needed her most -- at the birth of the son?"

Luke, along with Mark and John, leaves out the part about Mary being "with child" before being officially married to Joseph. But Matthew includes it (See Matthew 1:18-25). Mary had been with Elisabeth 3 months now, and was probably showing. All Elisabeth's "neighbours and her cousins" were showing up at Elisabeth's house rejoicing with her at the birth of John the Baptist (though he was unnamed as yet). Mary didn't want that exposure.

She returned to take care of some very important business. Her betrothed (engaged) husband, Joseph, had just found out she was pregnant. He, at first, thought he would write her a bill of divorce, and give it to her privately, probably because he was a very kind man. BUT, "the angel of the Lord" appeared to Joseph and told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife. The angel also explained that the baby in her womb was born by "the Holy Ghost", and that the Child would be called "Emmanuel".

So, Joseph did marry Mary, and the next thing we hear about them is that they are bound for Bethlehem to pay taxes, and that Mary was "great with child." (See Luke 2:1-5).

But the rest of the first chapter of Luke deals with Zacharias, Elisabeth and John the Baptist (the newborn son).

59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

According to the law (See Leviticus 12:1-3), the child was to be brought to the synagogue or temple and be circumcised on the eighth day of his life. As stated before (see verse 6 above), John and Elisabeth were "righteous before God." And they came willingly to comply with the law.

At this particular time, it was customary for the husband/father to give a name to the child. However, Zacharias could not yet speak. So, Elisabeth announced the name, "John." Some of the people questioned her about the choice of names because none of her family or Zacharias' family held that name. But the angel's statement to Zacharias in his vision was, "thou shalt call his name JOHN." Elisabeth obviously knew that. But the people didn't want to accept it.

They "made signs" to Zacharias indicating their question. He asked for a tablet, and wrote, "His name is JOHN!" That settled it. They could do nothing but "marvel(ed)", because Zacharias had given the name.

Immediately upon Zacharias writing the name, he was healed from the lack of ability to speak. That lack of ability, remember, was imposed upon him for having UNbelief when the angel told him of Elisabeth having a son.

Luke is careful to mention that the first thing Zacharias did was "PRAISE GOD!"

65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

This "fear" that came upon the people living all around there was a deep and genuine reverence for God. God had performed a miracle in that Zacharias and Elisabeth were BEYOND child-bearing years, but now they had a son. The son had been prophesied by the angel Gabriel. And the prophecy related to that prophecy spoken of in Malachi 4:5-6.

Further, Zacharias had been stricken dumb, and now he was HEALED!

This all brought questions as to how great a man this child would be!!
They KNEW that the "hand of the LORD was with him!"

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Zacharias new the Word of God!
His prophecy was simply restating what God had done for Israel, and stating that God is now doing the same thing on a greater scale.

Verse 68 is perhaps a reference to the two greatest events in Israel's history.
God had SAVED them from slavery when their enemy Egypt had captured them and made them to work as slaves.
God had also SAVED them from annihilation when the Babylonians came and took over their land.

Verse 69 is perhaps a reference to several Scriptures: 2Samuel 22:3, Psalm 89:24, Psalm 132:17, and others. Through these statements in the Old Testament, it is understood that the "horn of salvation" or Messiah, would be born from the lineage of David.

Verses 70-75 are perhaps references to God's covenant made with Abraham (See Genesis 12:1-3, and Genesis 17:1-8).

And, as Zacharias turned to his son and spoke (verse 76), the reference is definitely to Malachi 4:5-6.

Notice that Zecharias states John's prophecy will go before "the face of the LORD!" Zacharias knew that the promised Messiah would be none other than God Himself!
God INCARNATE! God come in flesh to offer HIS OWN BLOOD for the "remission" (verse 77) of man's sins!

It was because of "the tender mercy of our God" (verse 78) that Messiah was coming.
He, Jesus, IS the "dayspring" of God! He is the One Who sheds the LIGHT of God's love and forgiveness!

While mankind sits in the "darkness" (verse 79), and in the very "shadow" of eternal "death", Christ is come to "guide our feet into the way of peace!"

80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Here, Luke in very brief description, gives us the manner in which John the Baptist lived before he began his official ministry of prophecy. Both Matthew (Matthew 3:4) and Mark (Mark 1:6) tell us that John was like a rough mountain man. He wore camel-hide clothing, and "locusts and wild honey" were his diet!

John the Baptist's whole life was focused on preparing "the way of the Lord in the wilderness" (Isaiah 40:3) of man's life of sin.

John was called, sanctified and ordained from the womb of Elisabeth.
He was the only man in the New Testament who was born again before he was born!
He spent his entire life preparing for the time of his ministry when he would "prepare the way of the LORD!"

OH! Christians! HEAR the "Word of the LORD!"
Jesus IS coming AGAIN!

From the time of our born again experience, we are called, sanctified and ordained!
Our ministry is to "prepare the way of the LORD"!

We are to tell others that Jesus HAS come to make "remission" of sin and offer the forgiveness of God, through His "tender mercy."
And we are to tell them that He's coming again to receive all those who surrender to Him, and to condemn all those who don't!

Let us focus our lives upon our mission!

Please continue with us in Bible study.

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