Luke, Chapter 1
Image inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). Dancer, Tessa Priem
Welcome to week one of Luke/Acts 2020. I'm glad you found this study! I'm eager to begin, so let's dig right in. Our structure each week is simple. First, I give an introduction to the Bible reading. Then, there's a recording of the Bible chapter, followed by questions and a brief explanation of what we just read. Finally, I'll post a hymn that you can sing or read, and we'll close with a prayer. Easy-peasy. If you have a Bible, great. Open it to Luke, chapter one. If not, you can find Luke chapter one online by clicking here. May this time of devotion be a blessing to you; may it help you to grow in knowing and loving Jesus. Most of all, Christ loves you. He does! So, let's get started.
1) Introduction: The book of Luke was written long ago by a man named Luke. He was a physician, a doctor who traveled around modern-day Turkey and Greece with the Apostle Paul. You will learn about these exciting travels he took with Paul in the book of Acts. Luke perhaps wrote this Gospel around 55-60 AD, about 20-30 years after Jesus died (Christ died 33 AD). The word Gospel is a Greek word, Euangelion (pronounced: you on gell ee on). It means "a good message," good news, or a good report. Luke was glad to write this Gospel: he felt compelled to share the story of Jesus, the good news of Christ coming to save the world.
2) Recording: Here's a recording of me reading Luke, chapter one. You can listen or read Luke 1 on your own. If you listen, note that midway through the recording, my daughter Heidi came into the room.
| luke_1.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: Was there anything that stood out to you as you read the first chapter of Luke? Did anything bring you comfort or confusion? In verses 1-4, Luke gives a brief explanation of why he's writing this Gospel. He tells us that eyewitnesses after Jesus's resurrection passed down the story of Jesus, and many tried to write a narrative of Christ's life. Luke wanted to write an account, as well, for Theophilus (whose name means "friend of God"). Luke wrote this so that Theophilus could be certain of the things taught to him concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
Beginning in verse 5, Luke tells the story of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was born a few months before Jesus. Luke also tells us that he (i.e., Luke) personally researched all of the events that he recorded in this book. This is impressive; it seems Luke took this writing seriously, laboring to tell Theophilus all the details regarding Jesus' life.
For Digging Deeper into Luke 1, see my Google Doc where I discuss specific verses and terms from this chapter. This document may answer questions or confirm your thoughts. The Digging Deeper section is a favorite for many because it goes thoroughly into the text, offering something to chew on.
Beginning in verse 5, Luke tells the story of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was born a few months before Jesus. Luke also tells us that he (i.e., Luke) personally researched all of the events that he recorded in this book. This is impressive; it seems Luke took this writing seriously, laboring to tell Theophilus all the details regarding Jesus' life.
For Digging Deeper into Luke 1, see my Google Doc where I discuss specific verses and terms from this chapter. This document may answer questions or confirm your thoughts. The Digging Deeper section is a favorite for many because it goes thoroughly into the text, offering something to chew on.
4) Hymn: Here is a recording of me singing the hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read or sing along. Pardon my mistakes in the song!
| of_the_fathers_love_begotten.m4a |
Of the Father's love begotten Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed, When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow'res, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev'ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed, When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow'res, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev'ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the Gospel of Luke. Thank You that it was carefully written, and that it made its way to us all these years later. You did amazing things in Zechariah & Elizabeth's life long ago and also in Mary's. Please be with Your children today, including us. Also, help me to gain insight and a greater appreciation for how You work in Your creation to save it. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I'm reading an ESV edition in this recording. However, most of the hymns I choose are in the public domain.
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
