Sermon summary 12/10/23: Pastor Dave Hentschel
Luke 1:5-38 (The Infancy Narratives)
Who is Jesus? Sinclair Ferguson said, “Many years ago now, there was a scholarly movement that became known as ‘The Quest for the Historical Jesus.’ Scholars said, ‘Let’s try to get behind the Gospels to find out who Jesus really was, and what he was really like.’ So they took bits and pieces of the Gospel testimony and made a picture of Christ. One of the shrewdest things that was said about this movement was that these scholars were like people looking down a well to find Jesus, but didn’t realize that the ‘Jesus’ they saw was really just a reflection of themselves from the water at the bottom of the well!” (Excerpt from an interview with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, 2008).
In this quest to truly understand Jesus, we turn to Luke 1:5-38. The Gospel of Luke provides a profound glimpse into the nature and character of Jesus. Let’s explore this passage and discover the facets of the Jesus of the Bible.
Part 1: Our God is a Speaking God
The story begins with Zechariah, a priest, being visited by the angel Gabriel. Zechariah doubted the possibility of his elderly wife, Elizabeth, bearing a child. The angel’s response reminds us that our God is a speaking God, and His words carry divine power.
“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)
Zechariah doubted in a way that was not simply seeking more information, it was really cynical unbelief, whereas Mary’s doubt was honest and open to belief.
Tim Keller writes in “Hidden Christmas,”
“The only real possibility is that the inner motivations and dynamics of Zechariah’s and Mary’s doubts were different. There’s a kind of doubt that really is seeking more information—that “wants” to believe if it’s possible. (but) There’s also a kind of doubt that really is looking for a way out, that doesn’t want to believe or submit, that’s looking for a way to keep control of one’s own life … the Bible doesn’t view doubts as always rebellious, nor does it encourage people to live in doubt perpetually.”
Part 2: Our God is a Personal God
The scene shifts to the young virgin Mary, visited by the same angel with the news of her miraculous conception. Mary’s response is a model of submission and trust, showcasing the personal nature of our God.
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Part 3: Our God is a Saving God
The name of the child would be “Jesus,” meaning “The Lord saves.” Our God is just, but our God also delights to show mercy. He has come to seek and save the lost. This reveals the redemptive purpose of God, offering salvation to all who believe.
Part 4: Our God is a Faithful God
The unfolding events in Luke affirm God’s faithfulness. Zechariah and Elizabeth, in their old age, conceived a son, and Mary became the vessel for the Savior. God’s faithfulness transcends human understanding and expectation. So many prophecies of God are fulfilled in this one chapter. How will this be? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
In our attempt to understand Jesus, we often project our own images onto Him. The message of Christmas, however, is that Jesus wants to transform us into His image. As we reflect on the narratives in Luke, we see a God who speaks, a God who is personal, a God who saves, and a God who is faithful. This Christmas, let us embrace the transformative power of the true Jesus of the Bible.
