one step: Luke 1.8

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!
Luke 1:26-28

I’m constantly amazed at how much Jesus lowered Himself to come to us (Philippians 2:1-11), and how hard He worked to communicate His desire to connect with the most common of us of humanity.

While the angel Gabriel brought the amazing news of the miraculous birth of John to a holy man in a holy place during a holy time (Zechariah in the context of the holy Temple of God during the sacrifice of incence - see One Step: Luke 1.3), the news of the supernatural coming of Jesus came to a much more ordinary place.*

Nazareth was unremarkable. Though flourishing as a producer of wheat, wine, oil, fruit, honey, and millet, only around 500 people called Nazareth home.* Scholars believe that Luke’s use of the qualifier a city of Galilee when mentioning Nazareth indicates that even the regional readers of Luke’s Gospel would not know the location of Nazareth.* Jesus, the coming King, came to a town that no one had heard about! Jesus, one who came for “the least of these,” like you and me, chose a family from a “least of these” towns. Why not send Jesus into this world to a town of renown where the news would spread quickly of His coming? God had another plan.

Furthermore, Galilee (where Nazareth was located) was known for their aggressive behavior.* Think about that: God chose a family from an aggressive, combative area to bring the Prince of Peace into the world! How unlikely! Jerusalem means city of peace. It would make sense to me if God chose this city, but an unknown town in a violent area? It’s unpredictable! In the words of the disciple Nathaniel in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Mary’s story is also one more common than we realize. At the time of Gabriel’s visit to Mary, she was engaged. Though somewhat strange to us, in Israel during the time of Mary, it was customary for marriages to be a two-step process.* The first step was a legally-binding engagement that included a contract and a bridal price.* The completion of step one made the young woman involved the official wife of the groom.* Usually a year later, the bride would then participate in the bridal feast and move into the home of her husband.* The angel came to Mary in the “waiting” phase between step one and step two.* Because of the legalities of their union in step one, only divorce or death could end their agreement.* Since Mary is officially considered Joseph’s wife, any child born to her would be considered his, if he accepted the child.*

While Gabriel refers to Mary as favored, the intent is to highlight God’s great, undeserved grace toward her rather than her individual merit.* Luke’s desire was to help us to relate to Mary as a fellow recipient of grace rather than a super-human to be worshiped.*

Are you feeling like a common person from a common place in a common circumstance? Jesus came for you.

Today, take a step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to allow yourself to be okay with common. Perhaps today God wants you to remember that He works miracles through common people. Maybe today God wants you to remember that Jesus came for you.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!

*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:26–38). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (pp. 78–79). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 41–44). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, p. 59). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (pp. 56–58). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, pp. 106–108). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, pp. 48–49). Word, Incorporated.

one step: Luke 1.7

And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news…”
Luke 1:19

Have you ever felt nervous when thinking about sharing with others about your faith? Anxieties of, “what if I don’t have all of the answers?”, or “what if they don’t believe?” can paralyze. Zechariah was given very good news, yet he, a righteous man, had trouble believing.* The angel Gabriel gives us a great example of how to respond to those who do not receive the Good News that we share. His words show us two things: our authority and our boundaries.

The authority of Gabriel gives credibility to his message.* Meaning, the power and truth of his message depends upon who he is close to and who sent him; the truth and power of his message of good news does not depend upon how the listener responds. You and I, as believers and followers of Jesus, daily stand in the presence of God. Furthermore, He has sent us. This gives our message credibility, and we need not shrink back from who we are.

Notice that Gabriel first responds to Zechariah’s doubts by responding with a statement of identity.* It’s almost as if Gabriel is responding with, “Do you know who I am? Do you know who I know? Do you know who sent me?” We can stand in confidence as well when we know who we are, who we know, and who sent us.

As far as boundaries, we must recognize where the boundaries of our influence lie. Like Gabriel, we cannot make someone believe. We cannot choose for them. We are not responsible for the way they respond to the message of Good News. What is our part?

Know who we are.

Know who He is.

Know the message.

Know the mission: to bring the Good News.

Today, take a step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to remember who you are in Him. Perhaps today God wants you to walk in the confidence that He gives. Maybe today God wants you to stop trying to pressure others into belief. Perhaps today God wants you to bring the Good News to someone around you.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!

*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:8–23). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (pp. 68–69). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 38–39). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, p. 56). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (p. 50). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, p. 92). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, p. 32). Word, Incorporated.

one step: Luke 1.6

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
Luke 1:18

Zechariah’s request for a sign of the truth spoken to him was not unprecedented.* Abraham (Genesis 15:3–8; 18:11–12), Gideon (Judges 6:37), Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8), and Ahaz (Isaiah 7:11) all asked God for a sign to confirm God’s words.* King Saul didn’t even have to ask, but he was told of signs to look for to guarantee what was said (1 Samuel 10:2–7).* Being a priest, Zechariah would be very familiar with these stories, especially the story of Israel’s patriarch Abraham, who also questioned God’s promise of an heir due to his age.*

Zechariah responds to the messenger of God with a recognition of his present, undeniable reality, and he wants to know, translated literally, “according to what?”* Ironically, Zechariah’s name means God remembers, but he himself does not seem to remember the miracles of God in the history of God’s people.*

Contrast, Mary questioned, “how,” which presupposes that what the angel said would come to pass (Luke 1:34).* Zechariah won’t believe the word of the angel until it happens. The words are not enough.

We come to see that the price that Zechariah pays for not believing the good news from the angel is the missed opportunity to share it (the angel silences Zechariah until the day that John is born).*

Sometimes we can pressure ourselves to have 100% belief 100% of the time. Surely, it makes more sense than even our present circumstances to trust God. Surely, if we were to allow the history of God’s ability, faithfulness, and power to speak louder than our current perceived reality, we would trust Him immediately. The reality, however, is that we are quite human, and God knows this. There are things that God wants to accomplish in and through our lives. God is big enough that He can work with us and our humanity, but how much better could it go for us if we would just believe His words?

Imagine the testimony that Zechariah could have immediately shared when he came out from the presence of God in the Temple? Imagine the people whose lives could have been impacted by the story he could have told over the nine months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

There are things that God wants to do in and through us to impact this generation and beyond into eternity. He does not require perfect humans to do it, but our belief sure does make a difference.

Today, take a step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to believe His words. Perhaps today God would have you share about what He’s told to you. Maybe today God wants you to be honest about your reality while not denying His ability. Perhaps today God wants you to let go of the pressure to be perfect.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!

*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:8–23). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (p. 68). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 38). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, p. 56). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (p. 50). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, p. 91). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, p. 32). Word, Incorporated.

one step: Luke 1.5

for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
Luke 1:15-17

Few things make me more uncomfortable than an angry person with a sign yelling with a red face, “repent!!!” I don’t know if it’s because I don’t like being yelled at or what, but I shrink away from it. Despite my discomfort, this was the message of both John and Jesus: repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17).

Might we be missing something if we allow this invitation to repentance to repel us?

Perhaps due to a history of passionate people, the call the repentance has been one of anger and has felt like a challenge to, “change or else.” While love for others and the desire to see change for the better should understandably come with some passion, God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit-empowered John might have had something else in mind.

From the passage above, we see that John was destined to be different. Not unlike Old Testament prophets, God called John to be consecrated before Him.* It was not uncommon for people in the day of Jesus to drink wine, including the religiously devout.* John’s consecration to not drink wine would have set him apart quite obviously, as would his refusal to drink “strong drinks” (such as barley beer and other intoxicating drinks).*

Unlike prophets of old, however, John was “filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (or even in the womb!).* While the Spirit worked in and through the lives of the prophets, this was a new act of God to usher in the new era of the Messiah.* Similar to the strange acts of many of the Old Testament prophets, John separated himself from the norms of society by looking…well… like a mess! Matthew 3:4 describes him in this way:

Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Despite the unusual ways and looks of John (that may repel some people), God had something very loving and generous in mind. In Scripture, when God goes to the trouble to name a child Himself, that child proves to be significant in God’s plan (see e.g., Genesis 16:8, 11; 17:19; 1 Kings 13:2; Isaiah 7:14; 49:1; Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31).*

God named the one who would prepare the way of the Lord, invite others to do the same, and call all to repentance “John.” Amazingly, the name “John” in Hebrew doesn’t mean, “crazy angry guy,” nor does it mean, “turn you sinners.” The name “John” means, “God is Gracious (or merciful).”* God’s heart for His people is to prepare the way of Jesus with grace and mercy!

In fact, God intends the work of John to heal family! God wants people reconciled to Himself, and in the process, people will be reconciled to one another!* Repentance is necessary as the road to reconciliation, but the heart of God is gracious and merciful: giving us what we need via the Holy Spirit, and not giving us what we deserve through the work of Jesus. J. R. Edwards says this about what Zechariah and Elizabeth were told about their coming miracle boy:

The work ascribed to John will exceed that of a religious and moral reformer. The latter may change behaviors, but John’s mission will be animated by “spirit and power” (v. 17) and result in conversion. Where divisions reach their deepest and most destructive levels, John’s mission will turn the hearts of parents to children, reconcile families, and transform strong-willed rebellion to righteousness. John’s mission will not stop with individual change but will effect the formation of a new society, turning Israel back to God.

Repentance is a sweet invitation to welcome the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for the purpose of bringing us closer to God and one another. That sounds like something I need and want in my life.

Today, take a step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to repent. Perhaps today God wants you to receive His great love for you that permeates everything that He says and does. Maybe today God wants you to live set apart to do a good work.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!

*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:8–23). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (pp. 66–68). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 37–38). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, pp. 55–56). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (pp. 49–50). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, pp. 84–91). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, pp. 30–32). Word, Incorporated.

one step: Luke 1.4

And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth…
Luke 1:11-14

Leadership is difficult. Each decision made must consider the ramifications and consequences for a diverse population of stakeholders. Often times, decisions help the majority while neglecting the minority. In this, the group benefits are considered and weighed as more important than the needs of the individual. The options that stand before a leader feel as though they can help the individual or the group but not both. As a leader, each decision can feel like a win-lose game.

The goal of a good leader is to consider all and benefit all, but in our finite ability to see, know, and respond fully to any situation, someone, invariably, will be disappointed.

Not unfamiliar with disappointment, Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless.* Now old and beyond the age of childbearing, they lost hope that they would be parents.* Then God moves.

In one single move, God addresses the desires and needs of two parents as well as the desires and needs of a nation.* In the miraculous birth of John, joy was given to Zechariah and Elizabeth. This is plain to be seen.* God also brought joy to the nation of Israel, however. In John, God sent the precursor to the long-awaited Messiah.*

Think about all of the prayers that you have prayed that felt selfish. I have prayed a lot of “me”-centered prayers. To be fair to you and I, we’ve also prayed prayers that were less selfish like, “Lord, please save our nation.” Could it be that God hears and cares about all of the prayers that we pray? Could it be that God cares about the group as well as the individual? Could it be that God can take care of both?

It would have been understandable if God appeared to Zechariah, who was representing his people in the Temple that day, and told Zechariah about the coming Savior. This would bring joy to the nation (which included Zechariah and Elizabeth). On the other hand, God could have appeared to Zechariah and told him that he would have a son who would just make them happen and continue their legacy. This would bring joy to Zechariah and his entire family, but it would hardly draw the attention of an entire nation. No, God decided to do both.

Today, take a step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to remember that God sees and cares about the big things and the little things in your life (even if you have lost hope of them ever happening). Perhaps today God wants you to trust Him even when you can’t see how what He is doing impacts you or your nation. Maybe today God wants you to know that He is the greatest of leaders, and He has you in mind. Perhaps today God wants you to remember that the little things in your life can, in His hands, impact a nation. Maybe today God wants you to know that His attention to the nation hasn’t stolen His attention from you.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!

*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:8–23). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (p. 66). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 35–37). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, pp. 55–56). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (pp. 49–50). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, pp. 80–84). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, pp. 28–30). Word, Incorporated.