THE MIRACULOUS BIRTH

Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. But more than 20 centuries ago, there was a truly miraculous birth; the Son of God was born a man. With divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history - God in the flesh! Luke affirms Christ's divinity, but the real emphasis of his book is to show His humanity - Jesus the Son of God, is also the Son of Man. As a doctor, Luke was a man of science, and as a Greek, he was a man of detail. It is not surprising, then, that he begins by outlining his extensive research and explaining that he is reporting the facts (Luke 1:1-4). In addition, Luke was a close friend and travelling companion of Paul, so he could interview the other disciples, had access to other historical accounts, and was an eyewitness to the birth and growth of the early Church. His Gospel and book of Acts are reliable, historical documents. Luke's story begins with angels appearing to Zacharias and then Mary, telling them of the birth of their sons. From Zacharias and Elizabeth would come John the Baptist who would prepare the way for Christ. And Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God. Soon after John's birth, Caesar Augustus declared a census, and so Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, the city of David, their ancient ancestor. There the Child was born. Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds who rushed to the manger. When they left, they were praising God and spreading the news. Eight days later, Jesus was circumcised and then dedi-cated to God in the Temple where Simeon and Anna confirmed his identity as the Saviour, their Messiah. Luke gives us a glimpse of Jesus at age 12 - discussing theology with the teachers of the Law at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). The next event occurs 18 years later, when we read of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. Jesus came to John to be baptized before beginning His public ministry (Luke 3:1-38). At this point, Luke traces Jesus' genealogy on his stepfather Joseph's side, through David and Abraham back to Adam, under-scoring His identity as the Son of Man. After the temptation in the Judaean wastelands (Luke 4:1-13), Jesus returned to Galilee and began to preach, teach, and heal (Luke 4:14-21:38). During this time, he solidified his group of 12 disciples, calling Peter, James, John (Luke 5:1-10), and Matthew (Luke 5:27-29). Later Jesus com-missioned the disciples and sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. When they returned, He revealed to them His mission, His true identity, and what it means to be His disciples (Luke 9:18-62). His mission - to be the Saviour of the world - would take Him to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-53), where He would be rejected, tried, and crucified. While carrying His cross to Gol-gotha, some women in Jerusalem wept for Him; but Jesus told them to weep for themselves and their children (Luke 23:28). But Luke's Gospel does not end in sadness. It concludes with the thrilling account of Jesus' resur-rection from the dead, His appearances to the disciples, and His promise to send the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:1-53). Read Luke's beautifully written and accurate account of the life of Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God. Then praise God for sending the Saviour for all men - our risen and triumphant Lord! [Life Application Bible].