As we read in the last BLOG, Mary and Elizabeth, and their husbands, Joseph and Zechariah, were chosen as SPECIAL PARENTS and they were given a promise from God, through the angel Gabriel, that their sons would be a "joy and delight" to them, and many people would rejoice because of their births. We too can take hold of these promises, and accept the wonderful joy and peace that comes from knowing our Saviour and Friend.
"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation, to all who fear Him." Luke 1:46-50 (NLT)
"Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people. He has sent us a Mighty Saviour from the royal line of his servant David......And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins." Luke 1:65-69, 76&77 (NLT)
1. MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary and Elizabeth were both "highly favoured by God". Both were faithful Jewish women, both filled with the Holy Spirit.
When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, baby John, "inside her womb, leapt for joy".
"Blessed are you among women, blessed is the child you will bear. I am favoured that the mother of the Lord should come to me." Luke 1:42-43 (MSG)
Mary and Elizabeth were both blessed, for they believed that JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD, and indeed their SAVIOUR and MESSIAH. This is what the angel had given them as God's promises.
"Lord, how my soul praises You. How my Spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour....for the Mighty One is holy and He has done great things for me." Luke 1:46&48 (NLT)
These faithful, beautiful women were trusting in their Father God. They both "treasured God'spromises" in their hearts.
"Thank you Lord for MARY and ELIZABETH, and their extraordinary faith. They believed everything was possible. Lord, we too want to trust in our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST. We want to have FAVOUR with you, and YOUR SPIRIT in us " Nicky Gumbel.
"For with God, nothing will be impossible" Luke 1:37 (NKJV)
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months, probably till John's birth, then she returned home to Joseph, to prepare for the birth of her own son, JESUS.
2 . THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
The birth of Elizabeth's and Zechariah's baby John was a great "celebration". The community shared their "expectation and joy". Their baby boy was a great blessing to the elderly couple. The name John meant: "The Lord is a GRACIOUS GIVER". But many people - their friends and family - still, wondered by they chose the name John.
"When the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to her son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown them great MERCY and they shared her JOY." Luke 1:57-58 (NIV)
On the 8th day, when the baby boy was to be circumcised, they thought they would name him after his father Zechariah, but Mary spoke up: "No, he will be called John." Zechariah's mouth was then opened, and he started speaking, confirming what Elizabeth had said.
"His Father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them.....And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, and you will go on and prepare the way for Him, to give the people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins". Luke 1:67&68, 76&77 (NIV)
"And the child grew and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel." Luke 1:80 (NIV)
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"The Message - The Bible in Contemporary Language", 2018, Eugene H Peterson, Tyndale House Publishers
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson
Gumbel, Nicky, "The Bible - Classic Version - Luke 1", 2025, Alpha/New Version
This is a question for MOTHERS, but FATHERS, you may have thoughts on this too. Do you remember the promise God gave you when you gave birth to your first child?
I think I have told this story many a time. After losing my third child, there was a time I thought of giving up. But it was while in hospital, still grieving and unable to sleep, I had a visit from my Mother and Jesus - from Heaven. They held in their arms my babies: Jonathon and Emma. I had always blamed my Mum for leaving me when she died, and now I was asking Jesus - Why did you let me lose my babies? His answer: "You just need you to WAIT. Your mother and I will care for Jonathon and Emily, but in time, you will have another son to care for."
It took time, yes, but Jesus' promise came true. Some of you may know my son, Aaron Joel. I was probably never the best parent, but Jesus answered my question: "In time, you will have your son to hold in your arms, to care for."
Both Matthew and Luke tell us of Jesus conception and birth. I have enjoyed reading both these Gospels, but when it comes to the Christmas Story, I have to say Luke's Gospel is my favourite. Both Luke and Matthew shared a great love for the JESUS and they wanted to tell the truth of His conception and birth.
"The virgin will be pregnant. She will give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which means "God with us". " Matthew 1:23 (NCV)
"Do not be afraid Mary; God has shown you grace. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son; and you shall name Him Jesus." Luke 1:30 & 31 (NCV)
1. A PROMISE TO ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH (Luke 1:5-24)
"Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly." Luke 1:6 (NIV)
Both Elizabeth and Zechariah were both inspired others as they "walked blamelessly" and lived their lives serving and following God.
One day Zechariah was serving as priest in the Temple when an angel of the Lord came to him. Gabriel, the angel, told him that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son, John. Zechariah and Elizabeth were very old, and although he trusted God, his faith was "put to the test". John was to fulfil God's plan - like the great prophet Elijah. John was to be "great in the sight of the Lord," and would have the Holy Spirit, bringing back the people of Israel to repentance, preparing then for the coming of their Messiah.
"Zechariah asked the angel: "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
"Then the angel said to him: "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you this GOOD NEWS. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not BELIEVE MY WORDS, which will come TRUE at their appointed time." Luke 1:19&20 (NIV)
After his service in the Temple, Zechariah went out to the people who were waiting outside for him, but was unable to speak. He returned to his wife Elizabeth.
What a great promise this would have been for Elizabeth and Zechariah. Something, they had been seeking and waiting for - a baby boy. He would indeed be a blessing to them. WHAT A PROMISE!
My son Aaron was indeed a blessing to my husband and I and now a father himself, and with his wife, and serving the Lord.
1. A PROMISE TO MARY and JOSEPH. (Luke 1:26-38); (Matthew 1:18-25)
"In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin, pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendent of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said: "Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you!" Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)
Like her cousin Elizabeth, Mary had found favour with God. Like Zechariah, she was a little troubled and afraid. She had a few questions when the angel told her of Jesus's conception: "How will this be, since I am a virgin."
"The angel answered: "Mary, the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35
The angel reminded Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant, and had been promised a son, even though she was old. But unlike Zechariah, Mary accepted her PROMISE from the angel.
"I am the Lord's servant", Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38 (NIV)
Imagine how Joseph would have felt when Mary gave him the news. He would have wanted to be faithful to his future wife, but he also wanted to obey God and the Ten Commandments. The angel visited him in a dream, and it was here he received his promise, that he could do both.
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the Name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:20&21 (NIV)
When Joseph woke up from his dream, he did as the angel told him. He went and told Mary they would still be married, and he knew they were following God's will.
"The Holy Bible - New Century Version", 2008, Thomas Nelson
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
Well, today is the day I get to start BLOGGING again! I love sharing GOD'S WORD - encouraging others with the LOVE and JOY He has given me. I finished my Psalm study last year, and I have been doing a lot of studying and writing, on my JOURNEY through the GOSPELS. I wanted to GROW in my relationship with JESUS - MY SAVIOUR AND MY FRIEND.
It has been 12 months since I had my last stroke. As it affected my BRAIN this time, and my SPEECH; I have found it difficult to READ AND WRITE as I used to - but I am glad you have been patient with me. I had lots of help from my friends - Max Lucado and Charles Swindoll; and my new encouragers: Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (Alpha: You Version), Chip Judd, (Messenger X) and a number of others who have kept my from "giving up". Of course, it wouldn't be without Jesus, his Father and the Holy Spirit who with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John I have grown in my FAITH and SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
So, let's get started! The NEW TESTAMENT - the Gospels - focus on Jesus' birth, teachings, miracle healings and of course Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus was a Jew and as he travelled around with the His disciples, the Temple was his place of WORSHIP, and although He was not always popular with the Pharisees and Saducees - the "elders" and the "civil authorities", and He knew that one day this would lead to his death, Jesus knew that he had a mission not only to the Jews, but the Gentiles, and later he would send His disciples out to other parts of the world.
"The Gospels tell the story of Jesus, not to just to give us interesting facts about an historical person, but so that we could discover the GOOD NEWS about how Jesus and His Father God could make a life changing impact on US." Stephen Travis
The earthly life of Jesus is found in 4 Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
1. We've got to wonder what Jesus saw in Matthew - the Tax Collector. But Matthew followed Jesus' call and he never left his side. He started "journalling", wanting everyone else to experience the joy of knowing JESUS - THE MESSIAH. Matthew concentrates on the Jewish faith and how Jesus' life was fulfilled in prophecies in the Old Testament.
"Then Jesus said to them, "Have you never read the Scriptures: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the CORNERSTONE, the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in His eyes." Matthew 21:42 (NIV)
2. Mark's Gospel was a little shorter, yet he still trusted in Jesus as his Saviour and Friend. As His disciple, Mark wanted to learn how Jesus taught and acted. Then Jews expected the Messiah - a political leader - but Mark saw Jesus as a humble servant, the Son of Man and the suffering King of Kings.
"But the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to SERVE, and to GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY." Mark 10:41 (NIV)
3. Luke was an educated man, a doctor and historian. Luke addressed his history to the "most excellent Theopolis", most likely a Roman official. He wasn't one of Jesus' followers in His early ministry, but Luke knew that Jesus was GOD'S SON, THE MESSIAH, and his SAVIOUR. Luke knew that Jesus HEALED THE SICK, PREACHED THE GOSPEL and cared for the POOR AND NEEDY. He knew that this was all about fulfilling God's plan to LOVE OTHERS, and to have VICTORY over sin and death.
"For the Son of Man came to SEEK and SAVE the lost." Luke 19:10 (NIV)
John, the disciple Jesus loved, knew that He was the SON OF GOD, sent by HIS FATHER to be the SAVIOUR of the world. John talks about who Jesus truly was - The WORD, the LAMB OF GOD, the GOOD SHEPHERD, the BREAD OF LIFE, the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, the TRUE VINE , HIS FATHER and the WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE.
"For GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, He gave His ONLY SON that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM will not perish, but will have ETERNAL LIFE. For God did not send His Son into the world, to condemn the world, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD through HIM." John 3:16&17 (NIV)
"GOD LOVES ME AND I LOVE HIM. HE IS LOVE. GO TO GOD, AND RECEIVE HIS LOVE AND REST IN HIS PRESENCE. " Chip Judd
"Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
Travis, Dr David (Principal and Director of Research, St Johns College, Nottingham); Elliot, Mark (Lecturer in Church History, University of St Andrews), "Reading the Bible - An Approval List, the Canon of Scripture - Deuteronical books." , The LION Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition, 2009
JUDD, Chip, (Pastor, Marriage and Family Counselor, Coach and Consultant: Seacrest Church , "Healthy Relationships Course," 2025, Messenger X
