Session 1: Luke Chapters 1-2 The Light Has Come (Part 2)

Old Testament Links

Luke uses language and style to convey the sense of the Old Testament. His references to the scriptures are rarely direct quotes, but rather are reminders of the past.

Luke 1:17 mirrors Malachi 4:5-6. Malachi was written approximately 400 years before John or Jesus were born. How does this reminder of God’s word reflect His desires?

Is 9:1-7 echoes through the last verses of Zechariah’s song and prophesy (1:78-79). What do these passages tell of Jesus’ identity?

Elizabeth’s and Mary’s miraculous pregnancies remind us of the miraculous births in the Old Testament, although Mary’s is particularly special. Hannah is one of those women we may remember from 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10. Though several similarities exist in their motherhood, several differences cannot be ignored. Read Hannah’s story and note in the chart below the similarities and differences of the circumstances and songs of Mary and Hannah as women of faith.

                                                                                                   Mary                                                Hannah

Describe the woman (age, family, etc.)

Who was God’s messenger?

How did she respond? (Luke 1:11, 1 Sam 1:38)

What was notable about the conception?

What was her husband’s response?

Who did/does her son benefit?

What elements of her song is similar? Different?

Summarize the character of the woman.

What do the passages about Mary and Hannah show about the heart of God? Consider the following characteristics and add others. Do some traits apply only to one passage or not at all?

compassionate, wrathful, loving, sovereign, wise, faithful, jealous, powerful, holy, just, patient, compromising, forgiving, peaceful, eternal, negligent, infinite

Consider the four laws that were fulfilled by Jesus’ family (2:21-24): circumcision (Lev. 12:3), purification (Lev. 12:4), presentation (Ex. 13:2), and sacrifice (Lev. 12:8). Why would these be important for Luke to note for his readers?

Application

The birth of Jesus is announced by angels: the Light has come into the world. Yet those who made note of his arrival are shepherds and two elderly prophets in the temple; no kings or rulers or princes nor leaders took note. How might this encourage you?

Luke 2 ends with Jesus found in the temple, his Father’s house. Is it necessary to go to church or temple to find God? Where do you find you are closest to God, be it a physical place, mental, or other? Where do you find it easiest or most common that you talk to God?

The word ‘joy’ appears four times in these two chapters. Have you experienced the ‘good news of great joy’ recently? Share recent experiences or consider how you might again experience deep joy.