The Italian Memorandum

A Presence for This Moment in Time

(Luke 1)

Introduction: The Dedication to Theophilus (1:1-4) opened the book and contextualized it. Now, the remaining portion of chapter 1 will announce and describe the coming lives of “John the Baptist” (the Harbinger) and “Jesus of Nazareth” (the Christ). [Somewhere in Time (Jane Seymour/Chris Reeves); Back to the Future (Michael J. Fox)]

Objectives:
1. We will orient ourselves to the biblical text of Luke 1

2. We will be emphasizing salvation-history (heilsgeschicte) in Luke 1.

3. We will make some applications about the Lord working in history today.

Prayer: Father, make us aware of your presence in history. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I. Textual Observations –

A. vv. 5-25 Gabriel speaks to Zechariah announcing that he will have a son.

B. vv. 26-38 Gabriel speaks to Joseph and Mary announcing that they will have a son.

C. vv. 39-45 Mary visits Elizabeth; staying about three months (v. 56).

D. vv. 46-55 The Magnificat.

E. vv. 57-66 The birth of John.

F. vv. 67-79 Zechariah’s prophecy about the Lord’s fulfillment of history.

G. v. 80 A synopsis of John’s life until his public appearance (cf. 2:52).

II. What is Meant by Salvation-History?

A. v. 16-17 – ______________________________

B. v. 19 – ______________________________

C. v. 30-33 – ______________________________

D. v. 45 – ______________________________

E. vv. 46-47 – ______________________________

F. v. 77 – ______________________________

III. Contemporary Applications –

A. History is still happening.

B. Salvation is still being offered (3:6; 19:10; 24:47)

C. We have the benefit of “after-the-fact” perspective about “the hand of the Lord” (v. 66).

D. Kingdom of God (1:33) will go on even in the face of the worst of the worst.

Conclusion: An appreciation of Salvation-History acknowledges the presence of the Lord in history. We honor the Lord’s presence today through our lives: by what we believe and how we live.

“Is nothing absolutely true?/All things equally true?”

(Luke 1:1-4)

Introduction: Luke’s Dedication to Theolphilus comprises a primary framework for interpreting the Gospel According to Luke (compare  Acts 1:1).  The Dedication also  prepares the reader for what is to come.

Prayer:    Our prayer is that we too would become Theophilus; and, thereby assess this gospel.  May this Gospel According to Luke become accessible to us.

Textual Outline:

1:1    Something has transpired Accomplished

1:2    Something worthy of transmission Advocates

1:3    Something for Theophilus Account

1:4    Something true and teachable Accuracy

Conclusion: In a world such as ours’, where relativism means that nothing is absolutely  true (!), and that, pluralistically speaking, all things are equally true (?), this Dedication to Theophilus could not be more timely.  May it serve to open up the rest of the book for you.

“Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed”

(Luke 2:34-35)

Introduction: The Gospel of Luke may be dated about 63 A.D. What was it like to be with Jesus? This was the very question people were asking about 35 years after his life. Many have since then raised this same question; but relatively few have actually chosen to sit at his feet. (See Lk. 1:1-4)

Prayer – Father, our prayer today is that we would ask, “What was it like to sit at his feet?”

Outline: Our message will observe 5 instances of people at Jesus’ feet [taken from the Gospel of Luke]. In each instance, we will ask, What does it mean and why does it matter?

Text Meaning
1. Luke 7:36-50_______________________________________

2. Luke 8:34-39 _______________________________________

3. Luke 8:40-42 _______________________________________

4. Luke 10:38-42 ______________________________________

5. Luke 17:11-19 ______________________________________

Conclusion: Perhaps this lesson has brought us a little closer to understanding what it was like to be in the presence of Jesus. If Jesus were to look down, today, would he find you there? At His Feet