Luke Chapter 1: Advent

You can read today’s chapter by clicking here.

Luke 1 is full of introductions. We get a brief introduction by Luke himself, who wrote this book. You will also be introduced to some of the people who helped prepare the way for Jesus; individuals like John the Baptist and John’s parents, the angel Gabriel, and Jesus’ mother, Mary. Each of these people play an important role in God’s unfolding drama of redemption.

As you read, pay special attention to the dialogue, prayers, and soliloquies in the chapter. They speak to the balance of faith over fear, the expectation of God’s miracle-working power, and a call of complete surrender to God. Let’s read and then reflect upon the questions together.

Reflection Questions:
1) How does what happened to Zechariah strike you? He was devoted to God but received surprising news. How would you have reacted?

2) What do you think of Mary’s exchange with Gabriel? How does this parallel with what happened to Zechariah?

3) Do you pick up on any major themes that Luke is weaving in this first chapter? Hint, they carry over into the second chapter, but we find a clue in Gabriel’s exchange with Mary.

4) Refer to verses 44-45. What is Elizabeth’s conviction here? How do you approach your knowledge of God’s promises before you are able to see them fully revealed?

5) Verses 46-55 are known as the Magnificat, or Mary’s Song. Read through this and draw out what strikes you the most. Bear in mind what she is experiencing as she is lifting this prayer and praise. What would you be feeling, or how would you be acting, if you were in her place?

6) Zechariah’s prayer and prophecy over his son, John, is beautiful, don’t you think? How has God unfolded His plan of salvation in your life? What light has been shined, or is still shining, that guides you through troubled times?

7) What is your primary take-away from reading Luke chapter 1?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for how you have been intimately weaving the details of my salvation, even long before I was even aware of it. Forgive me for the times I responded first with doubt or fear. Help me strengthen my faith so that I might see your work in my life and throughout the world, and help you shine the light of salvation everywhere I go and in all that I do. Like John, I want to grow strong in spirit, so I ask for your blessing. I pray this in Jesus’ holy
name. Amen.