The Divine purpose in the Gospel by Luke is to present the Lord Jesus Christ as the servant of YHVH. In the book of Matthew Jesus was presented as the Messiah, the King of Israel; while in the Gospel of Mark Jesus was seen as the ideal Man, the Son of Man. In the book of John, our studies will allow us to see Jesus as God. 

In Luke Jesus will be presented as "the Friend of publicans and sinners", the outcastS of the society of the day. We will see Jesus showing His tenderness, compassion, and sympathy, that went far beyond what was acceptable for National prejudice of the day. It is from only the book of Luke that we see the Parable of "the good Samaritan" [10:30 - 37], and also notes that the one leper who gave thanks to God was a Samaritan [17:16 - 18].

Luke, the author of this Gospel and a physician, also authored the book of "Acts of the Apostles"; yet his name is only mentioned three times outside this book of Luke: That being Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, and Philemon 24. In that Luke was a physician, he was better educated than the other Disciples of the Gospels, and he traveled with Paul and worked as Paul's scribe. You can tell when Luke is putting it in his own words, for he uses Greek medical terms, and many of those words are made common even today in our language. He names the types of bone breaks, but when that break is a clean break with no jagged edges, he calls it a "laceration".

The word "Luke" means "light giver". Luke wrote with much simplicity giving forth much light to help the reader understand the Word of God. Luke made more reference to women than any of the other Gospels, and by his use of Words showed that he had a gift in explaining himself, and because of this he was referred to as the humanitarian; he understood people and their problems. This book of Luke was probably written in the 70's A.D.

Luke 1:1 "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,"

"Those things" spoken of here are the things of Christianity. Many writers at the time when our Lord lived here on earth tell of the things they witnessed. The point that Luke is going to bring out, "he was a man led of God in all that he wrote." When it became accepted that writings were led of God, they would be canonized, and then could be trusted. Sure there are many other writings that are accurate, but it is important for Christians to be able to trust the material they should be able to think and believe. From the beginning of the church, these writings were laid out and selected as to which were accepted from those that were not.

Luke 1:2 "Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;"

So Luke is declaring here that "I walked with those eyewitnesses and ministers of the word". I was one of those disciples that Jesus spoke to when He explained his thoughts to us. I saw those things happening with my own eyes, and am reporting them to you.

Luke 1:3 "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,"

"Theophilius" is a Roman word that means "follower or beloved of God". Luke is writing to those who are beloved followers of God, of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. Luke is writing of those things that he eye witnessed, heard, and perfectly understood what was going on, while these events took place. Luke was a believer and a personal friend of Jesus, and he is giving his own personal message just for your understanding also as a believer.

Luke 1:4 "That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

Luke is saying that he wants to write this letter of good news in such a manner that there can be no misunderstanding of the events of those days. The Gospel of Luke is precise and in a simple way tells us exactly how those events took place; as well as the Words spoken by our Lord, and the way that Christ lived His life among people.

Luke 1:5 "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth."

"Zacharias" means "remembered of Yah". God did remember us and He sent us the Savior, Jesus the Christ. God picked this priest named Zacharias to announce the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into this world age. Elisabeth was the daughter of a Levitical priest of the lineage of Aaron, and married this priest Zacharias. So we see that the message of the coming of the Messiah did come through the priesthood of Aaron. Aaron was the brother of Moses, and God established His priesthood through Aaron and his lineage. Within the name of "Elisabeth" would be most accurately translated, "God's covenant". So both Zacharias and Elizabeth would have to be full blood Levites in order to fulfill the order of priesthood, or lineage of the priest line. Remember that Aaron himself was married to "Elisheba" [Exodus 6:23], today spelt "Elisabeth" from the Septuagint Version of the Greek.

 Editor's Note: This fact that both Zacharias and Elizabeth were both full blooded descendants of Aaron is very important because it is the one piece of information given to us in the Bible to help us establish, in our minds. the birth date of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And it wasn't December 25th! 

Merry Conception Day!
December 25th, 5 B.C.
See pamphlet Live Link to- #1072 Johns note:  I have no problem with celebrating the  Birth of Christ on December 25; just keep in mind it probably occurred on September 29, 4 B.C. which incidentally was the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. In plain words the "Word became flesh", i.e. was conceived (see John 1:14) on December 25, 5 B.C. and tabernacled with us starting September 29, 4 B.C.

God is about to make an announcement and give a message that the Prophecy of a coming Messiah is about to be fulfilled. So within this first chapter it is possible to fix the time of year that our Lord would be born. It is not up for argument as to that date, for it will be a set time that can be clearly traced, and this chapter will declare it exactly. This is why it is important to note "Of the course of Abia" [the eighth feast order], for this feast takes place during our June 13 through June 19 annually. This course was assigned to a Levitical priest, and that priest was Zacharias. Fix this date in your mind for we will find out that Zacharias was not at home but in the Temple far from home offering sacrifices during this time. So the angel came to Zacharias near the end of his time on duty at the Temple.

Remember that Zacharias was struck dumb and could no longer speak until after his son John the Baptist would be born. The reason that he was struck dumb was because he doubted that he and his wife could bear any child because of their age.

Luke 1:6 "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the command-ments of ordinances of the Lord blameless."

Both Elizabeth and Zacharias were righteous before God. Each of them walked with God and kept all the commandments and ordinances that God gave His people under the Levitical laws. God saw their righteousness and chose them to make the announcement of His Son's coming birth. If you try to do right in all your words, thoughts and deeds, then you will be blameless before God also. Sure we all fall short from time to time, but that is why we come to the Father in repentance, confessing our sins to Him in Jesus name, and setting ourselves blameless again before Him. That is the victory that we have in Christ.

However remember that the price for our sins had not been paid at the time of Zacharias visitation by the angel, so repentance came through these many sacrifices that were required by Levitical law. None of us are perfect, but what is important is that we try to follow God's commandments and seek his way as laid out through His laws to the best of our ability, for Jesus will sum up all the law later, and His message is to put God first in our life, and to treat our brothers, those neighbors and people we come in contact with as we would like to be treated. It's called "brotherly love".

So it is important to note in this verse that both Zacharias and Elizabeth met all the legal requirement of the priesthood, for the priest and his wife, every day of their life. This proves that Elizabeth was a full blood Levite, or she could not or would not have met all the legal requirements under the law to be the wife of a Levitical priest. This is important for us, for it will give us the true genealogy of Jesus the Christ [the Messiah].

Luke is about to give us a precise record of the lineage of our Lord, and it will be given in a simple manner.

Luke 1:7 "And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years."

Both Zacharias and Elisabeth were well along in years, far beyond the age of child bearing. This birth of a child to Elisabeth would be a divine birth for John the Baptist.

Luke 1:8 "And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,"

In other words, this identifies where and when this vision took place, for Zacharias was on duty in the temple, serving the course in the order or course of Abia.

Luke 1:9 "According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord."

Notice "his lot" or "his time" was to burn incense at the precise time as directed by the priest's office, to follow the course and custom within the Temple of the Lord. There was an order to offering these sacrifices and burning this incense, and it was assigned to a Levitical priest. Zacharias was the priest given that duty. As Zacharias was burning this incense, the smoke would rise out of that holy place, and the people would stand by out in the courtyard watching for the incense smoke that was offered for their sins. This was symbolic for the time that all prayers were heard by our Heavenly Father. This was a very sacred time, compared to a time of repentance for our sins today, and prayer for those things that are most dear to each of us. So as the thousands of people are waiting outside, Zacharias is inside burning the incense.

Luke 1:10 "And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense."

This time of the incense is the time the smoke went up. The people wanted a sign that their prayers were heard, and this is the way that made them feel good. They relied on the smoke for reassurance that their prayers were heard. It is no different today than it was in Luke's day, people simply can't take God at His Word, but require a sign from the Lord.

Luke 1:11 "And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense."

So here in Luke, we see the appearance of angels, and it is not something that goes on all the time. We know that angels do exist, and in Matthew 18:10 we are reminded that, "...these angels do always behold the face My Father Which is in heaven." No we don't worship angels but God has assigned them for our protection when we need help.

We know that this was rare for an angel to present himself even to this priest standing before this altar. The angel that stood on the right of the altar was Gabriel.

Luke 1:12 "And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him."

This was a normal reaction for Zacharias.

Luke 1:13 "But the angel said unto him, "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

"John" in the Hebrew means "Yah's gift". Because of Zacharias and Elisabeth's age, this child would be a gift from God. So the last prophet, John the Baptist, was named by God, and given through His messenger, Gabriel. God did not leave it to family members to name the child.

  John's thought at this time for whatever its worth: You talk about the patience of Job. How about the patience of Zacharias and Elisabeth!

Luke 1:14 "And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth."

Luke 1:15 "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."

The word "Ghost" is added by man, for the manuscripts text reads, "Holy Spirit". So now pay attention to the fact that the Holy Spirit of God will enter into John the Baptist before his birth, even while in his mother's womb. God is identifying John as a human being, a person even while in his mother's womb.

Luke 1:16 "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God."

John the Baptist will not be the savior of the world, but by and through his preaching he will turn many people to our Heavenly Father. John is the forerunner of Jesus.

Luke 1:17 "And he shall go before Him in the spirit and the power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Many even today wonder if John the Baptist was Elijah [Greek-Elias]. This answers it directly. John the Baptist will go before Jesus, in the spirit and power that Elias had. This verse should draw our attention to the book of Malachi. The Old Testament closes with these verses.

Malachi 4:5, 6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:" [6] "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."  

God promised that just before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, Elijah would return to earth and be seen by the people. So this verse in Luke did not say that John was Elijah, but that "he [John the Baptist] would go before Him [Jesus] in the spirit and the power of Elias".

Luke 1:18 "And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years."

Pay attention here to what Zacharias said, for we should NEVER say this to an angel of God. "Whereby shall I know this?" "How am I going to know this is true?" Zacharias knew he was old and what his common sense told him went against what God was telling him. Zacharias doubted what God told him, and he did not have the faith to believe God. Gabriel was the personal messenger from God, and Gabriel would be the last one that you should doubt. Gabriel gave God's message and Zacharias threw those wonderful promises right back into his face with doubt. God's speaking to Zacharias, and he just didn't believe it.

There will be two Divine pregnancies in this chapter; of Elisabeth and of Mary. In John the Baptist's case it seems that his birth came way beyond that possible by human means, in the latter stage in Elisabeth's life. Where as in Mary's case it was way too early, for she wasn't married, and it would not be by human means that she concieved. God made both to happen, and fortold those births before they came about.

Luke 1:19 "And the angel answering said unto him, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings."

To Gabriel it was very good tidings from God, but when the news was received by Zacharias he scorned at the news. Zacharias was still in shock and disbelief. Gabriel is not pleased with the way Zacharias received "these glad tidings". Gabriel was proud to say, "I am the man of God that stands in the very presence of God;" and this is met by Zacharias "so what?" Gabriel was not happy with Zacharias.

Luke 1:20 "And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."

Zacharias wanted a sign that the news was of God, and Gabriel gave him his sign. He struck him so that he would not speak a word until the birth came to pass. One of the worse torments that you could give a preacher or priest is to shut him up to where he can't speak. Talking is what they do for a profession, and Gabriel has just taken away Zacharias' tools of his profession for the next nine months, "until these things shall be preformed." Why did this happen? "Because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." The season of course is nine months following this feast time of Abia which ended June 19th, when Zacharias duties would be over in the Temple.

If God speaks to you and you are a discerner of Spirit, you had better listen and have the faith to accept what is being told to you. This is not referring to those that are on a drug high, and reading the demonics that are flashing before his eyes. That is not God talking to them, but demonics and the devil. God's servants are quite able to listen and believe when God tells them to do something and gives them a path to follow. If God has selected you out to do a task for Him, He expects you to listen and do what He wants you to do. He gives us gifts to do a task, and when He then tells you what that task is, do it.

Luke 1:21 "And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the Temple."

This now takes us back to what was happening while Zacharias was in offering up the burnt incense for the prayers of the people. The whole community was outside in the courtyard, and the smoke was going up, but Zacharias did not come out to speak to the people. The people marveled because it usually did not take long for the burning of incense and the appearance of the high priest for giving his words. They thought he was not coming out of the temple.

Luke 1:22 "And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the Temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless."

When Zacharias finally came out of the Temple he could not speak. He kept waving his hands and making motions in excitement, and the people perceived that he had gone to sleep and had seen a vision.

Luke 1:23 "And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house."

So it is important that we pay attention to times and dates that are given in this verse. Zacharias' ministration is the days that he was required to burn the incense, and speak to the public. This time is called the course of Abia, the eight of the feast days. This time of his ministration was over the evening of June 20th. Zachrias was in Jerusalem for the duty to serve the feast of Abia, but he lives thirty miles away in Nazareth of Galilee. Remember that he was an old man, and he would not walk that in one day. If he leaves the following day, he would arrive home on the 23rd of June. 

This is important to fix the time when he comes in contact with Elisabeth. John the Baptist would be in the womb six months to the day, that Christ was conceived. So we can fix the exact time of both the conception and the birth of Christ, by Luke's Report to the believers.

Luke 1:24 "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,"

When God said that she would conceive, Elisabeth conceived that first day after Zacharias was home. Don't play with dates, for this Divine event took place on time. Yet, Elisabeth was so unsure that it happened, that she did not say anything to anyone. She was an old lady by now, and childbirth was not even considered for women of her age. So Elisabeth's silence would take us up to November 24th, five months later.

Luke 1:25 "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."

Many many times during their life they had prayed for children, yet this couple were in their old age and did not have any children. It was a reproach amongst the community when a woman could not have children. They prayed for a child that would enter the priesthood and carry on just as Zacharias did from his fathers before him.

Luke 1:26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,"

"Sixth month", now this marks another 30 days, and puts us at December 24th. Remember that the Jewish days starts at sundown the day prior, and runs to sundown the next day. So on the night of our 23rd, Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth, of Galilee to the house of Mary. This visit was to inform Mary that she had been selected, special, a virgin to conceive and bear the coming Messiah. So it would be on December 25th [sundown of the 24th] that the Spirit would come and dwell with mankind. Our Lord Jesus Christ would be conceived.

The problem today is that mankind has become so twisted in thinking that many can't perceive the idea that the unborn is a human being, with soul and spirit, and thus by tradition that have tried to make the Scriptures fit to their traditions. However their traditions will make things happen that are completely out of season. So it was on this same day, December 25th that Mary conceives and runs to her cousin Elisabeth's home to tell her of what has just taken place. This is important to understand, and does not take away from the importance of Christmas, for this is the true time that God came to dwell with man, for the time of conception is the time the soul and spirit enters into the embryo within the womb.

By changing Christ's birth through man's tradition, he thinks that it makes abortion right, for he can then say, the soul and spirit enters the womb at birth. German law did all sorts of things with this tradition before the war, and in the end they eased their minds even to the killing of those born with physical problems, the mentally ill, the aged, and even to the point of genocide for the sake of a better life style. They were willing to give up the "sanctity of life" for the sake of their "quality of life" style. King Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the sun, that which has happened will happen again." And we see it coming true today in some of the laws in our land.

The birth of Christ was a perfect birth and would be nine month's to the day later, which would fall in September on the feast of Tabernacles.

Luke 1:27 "To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary."

Keep in mind that John the Baptist was six month already in the womb, and a well formed unborn child. So the angel Gabriel came to Mary a virgin, who was espoused to marry Joseph. We know from the lineage of Elisabeth that Mary is from the Levitical tribe, but Joseph is of the tribe of Judah.

John's question? What about Mary's dad? Wasn't he of the tribe of Judah?

Luke 1:28 "And the angel came in unto her, and said, "Hail, thou that art highly favored, The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."

This is prophecy being fulfilled; "Behold" calls attention to the prophecy given in the Old Testament.

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Luke 1:29 "And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be."

When Mary heard Gabriel talk, she didn't doubt what he was saying, but she was trying to reason how this could be in that she didn't even know a man. She was very young, and she could not understand why God would select her to have His child. Mary always wanted to do that which was right, and she could not see herself as having such an honor.

Luke 1:30 "And the angel said unto her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."

Luke 1:31 "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name JESUS."

We know that the actual birth of Christ, the time that God started dwelling with man, was at the time of conception, that is the time that Jesus was named. 

His name will be called "Immanuel", which means "God with us". "Jesus" in the translation means "YHVH's Salvation", or "the Savior for YHVH". But to each of us personally, He shall be our Savior. YHVH in the Hebrew comes from "Ehyeh `asher `ehyeh", meaning "I AM THAT I AM".

Luke 1:32 "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:"

Wow, this is quite a bit to tell this young teenage girl. Gabriel is telling Mary that she is about to bear the Savior of the world, that she will be the mother of the very person that all mankind will look to for their salvation.

Her Child will be the eternal king of all Israel. Here she is told that she is going to conceive while she is not even married. When Gabriel told the same thing to Zacharias, the old priest sat there questioning this very messenger from God. The only thing that he could beleive is what he could see and reason for himself. Mary didn't question that it could and would be done, only how it was possible when she was so young and did not have a man to do it.

If you want your prayers answered, it is alright to ask for guidance and instruction, but don't doubt that it is possible for God to do. God can do anything He pleases, for He created all things and controls all things.

Luke 1:33 "And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end."

Editor's note: I believe we should take a short side trip from our study to clarify one thing that may not be clear in your mind as we continue our study. When talking about the house of Jacob, or the house of Israel we are really talking about, in this 2st century, the Christian nations of Western Europe, the Isles of Britain and the Americas because that is where their descendants are today.
See Live Links to->> "Israel's Lost Tribes" And "Do you know who you really are?" Are you a Israelite?

Now back to our Luke study.

By what is said in verse 33, there could be no confusion to Mary, for Gabriel's message is identifying the promised Messiah to be this child that she would bear.

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

Mary knows that she has never been with a man, not alone had sex with one. She is not doubting that God would do this, but confused how she could have this child of God under her present conditions. We know that this conception took place by Divine Intervention by the Holy Spirit of God; by God's presence, but Mary does not yet know that. If God can take a hunk of clay and form a man [Adam] and from that man form his wife Eve, He will have no problem causing this human form of Himself, i.e. His Divine Son, to be conceived in the womb of Mary. There is no problem for our Father to be able to cause this Divine conception. Remember that God, YHVH spoke and nothing became everything. This is no problem for the creator of heaven and earth. "I AM THAT I AM" 

 Editor's Note: God is what ever He wants to be and He can and will do what ever He wants to do!

If someone doubts that, it doesn't change one thing, but it does establish the path that this person chooses to walk in for himself. But, what is important is that you don't doubt this, for your doubt will be a sign of your lack of faith.

Your salvation is based on the Divine Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, His perfect life, and the sacrifice of His shed blood on the Cross. Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the basis of our Salvation, and when you pray in Jesus Name, you are telling the Heavenly Father that you believe it to be true.

As written in Hebrews 10:7; (Jesus came in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do Thy will O God."

Hebrews 10:9, 10 "Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second." [9] "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." [10]

The purpose of Jesus coming from the beginning was to fulfill all the prophecies that were written in the Word of God as revealed by God and written down by the prophets. Zacharias was following the order for the first, that of sacrifice, and Jesus Christ, Mary's unborn was coming to be the offering for sin once for all people and time. Mary believed everything Gabriel told her, and she had no doubt that it would happen.

Luke 1:35 "And the angel answered and said unto her. "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy Thing Which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

This is the fulfillment of a promise that goes all the way back to the time of Adam, in Genesis 3:15; that of a coming Messiah that shall be born of woman, suffer and die at the hands of the Kenites. All through the Scriptures the prophets had received the promise by God of a coming Messiah, and detailed the life of the coming Savior. The Prophets pinpointed the names that he would be called; the Branch, Wonderful, Immanuel, etc. Even the day, location being Bethlehem-Judah, and many other details of Jesus life. Now Gabriel is telling Mary how she will be the blessed woman that will fulfill the duty of giving birth to our Lord and Savior.

What an honor to tell this teenage woman; I can see why she was so excited to run to Elisabeth's home with the message. As we read earlier in Isaiah 7:14; "...Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Mary now knows that she will be the one to give birth to this Divine Child. This Divine Child will be the greatest gift that God has given to mankind, the Redeemer of our soul from the bonds of sin that would destroy us. As we read above from Hebrews 10:7; Jesus came for one purpose, and that was to do the will of the Father that sent Him. Father's will was to have the perfect sacrifice, and in Christ's shed blood, there would be no more sacrifice of the blood of rams and goats.

Now for every sin that has been committed, when repented in Jesus name is simply not there any longer, but has been erased from the heavenly record. It doesn't exist, and God tells us that He doesn't want to hear about it any more. It becomes an insult to our Lord to bring up a repented sin, and hold it up in front of Him again. So this Child to be born to Mary will be the greatest gift from God to man that will ever be. As we study the rest of the book of Luke, you will find, there was no doubt in Luke's mind of these things that are written in his Gospel message.

Luke 1:36 "And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren."

Gabriel is still speaking to Mary, and notice that Elisabeth is the cousin of Mary. This is important to note, that Mary's blood line is also of the Levites, as Zacharias and Elisabeth were both of the lineage of Aaron, and Mary is Elisabeth's cousin through her mother. Mary blood line also runs through Judah, through her father. So, the human blood line of Jesus Christ is 1/2 of Levi (the priest line) and 1/2 of Judah (the king line).

Mary had asked Gabriel how it would be possible for her to bear this child, and he is reminding her that Elisabeth is in the sixth months of pregnancy with her child. Elisabeth was well known to be very old and far beyond child bearing years. 

This time of Mary's conception was six months after Elisabeth's conception with John, so this pinpoints the date of Christ's conception to be December 25th.

This then would pinpoint Jesus actual birth to be in September on the day of the feast of tabernacles, as it was prophesied, and should be. This is pointed out in the Companion Bible in appendix 179.

So the other thing to think on, is how could Mary be a cousin to Elizabeth, a full blood Levite, and have her own parentage of the blood of Judah? We know that Mary's father was of the tribe of Judah, from the lineage given in Luke 3:23-38. However Mary's mother and Elizabeth's parent were both full blood Levites. So we see that Jesus lineage will be both of the lineage of Judah and David, as well as of Levi and Aaron. Paul even called our attention to Christ's lineage to the tribe of Aaron in Hebrews 5:6 when he said; "As He saith also in another place, "Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec." Those with spiritual eyes can see how Jesus could be of both Levi and Judah; the priest line and the king line: Or the Aaron line and of the king line of David. "Melcha" means "king, and "sedec" [Zadok] the "Just"; even in the name brings the two tribes or lineages together.

So by the fact that these two were cousins tells us so much more than what appears on the surface.

Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

Gabriel is still talking to Mary, and reminding her that with God nothing shall be impossible. Not the birth of a child in old age, or the birth of a child to a young virgin girl as young as Mary was.

If you have a problem, this verse is good to claim for it is a promise to you also, just as it was to Mary. There is nothing that shall be impossible for our Lord, but you have to ask Him for that help, and it must be in His will, to do, now or later, that is His choice. God will not interfere in your life with out you asking for His help. Get right with the Father through repentance, and turn those problems over to Him, for He can change men's minds and see through your hard times.

Luke 1:38 "And Mary said, "Behold the hand maid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And the angel departed from her."

Mary is now answering Gabriel, and telling him that she is willing to be used according to thy word. Zacharias doubted when he was told of the coming birth of his son, while Mary was faithful to the task that she would fulfill in her duty to God. There was no doubt in her mind, for she accepted her role that the Lord would use her. Sure she asked God how and why, but when she was told,  she was willing to serve.

Luke 1:39 "And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda;"

Mary went the same day that the angel Gabriel approached her, for this would be the day of conception. She went to her cousin Elisabeth's house.

Luke 1:40 "And entered in the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth."

Upon arrival she greeted her cousin.

Luke 1:41 "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:"

The moment that Mary greeted Elisabeth, Elisabeth knew instantly that Mary had conceived the holy Child. The Holy Spirit entered into Elisabeth, and into the babe John the Baptist that was six months along in Elisabeth's womb. So when does the Spirit of God enter the babe? The soul and spirit of a child enters the embryo at conception; of course. This is our documentation that the soul of a child enters at conception, as Mary has just conceived, while John the Baptist is six months along, yet unborn in the womb and can sense the Holy Spirit's presence in the Christ Child just conceived.

Editor's Note: Please be mindful, we did not say the child's existence came in to being at conception! Their existence here on earth, in this earth age, started at conception. Their actual existence started when God created their soul way back in the beginning, before the earth was created.   Live Link to-We Were First Angelic Beings

Luke 1:42 "And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."

Elisabeth is speaking in excitement to Mary here and telling her; "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." The "fruit of Mary's womb" is the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.

Luke 1:43 "And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me"

Elisabeth is telling Mary, "Who am I that the virgin written of by the prophets should come to me. Elisabeth and Mary both knew of all the prophecies that had been given dealing with the coming Christ child, and then to have these prophecies fulfilled right before their eyes, in and by, they themselves.

Luke 1:44 "For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy."

So ask yourself, When does intelligence come into a child's mind? When can an unborn sense feelings, good or bad, love and joy. This verse documents that even an unborn child can sense the joy of the filling of the Holy Spirit. The Christ child was within Mary, and the Holy Spirit also filled both Elisabeth and John the Baptist, six months mature within Elisabeth's womb.

  John's comment: This reminded me of a very interesting story I once heard. I don't claim or even pretend that this is a true story. But I can see the reason for it's having been told. I believe you will also enjoy it. Live Link to-"Does Life End at Birth?"

Luke 1:45 "And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." 

Elisabeth is talking to Mary and telling her that she is truly blessed for believing the words of Gabriel, and because of Mary's belief there will be a fulfillment [performance] of all the things that are prophesied in the Word, and told her by the angel of God. We will see that everything that was told to Mary, and those things written by the prophets will come to pass. The Holy Spirit has revealed this to Elisabeth while Mary is standing before her.

This is why we become familiar with God's Word, for it reveals to us the many mysteries of our time, revelations that are stripped away by man's traditions. If you know what the future brings, than as it comes to pass it won't be a surprise, but a blessed performance bt God. God does keep His Word.

Luke 1:46 "And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord,"

Mary's soul did love the Lord. Our Heavenly Father chose Mary out of all the souls born in this earth age of flesh man, to bear the Savior of the World. Mary was truly the blessed of all woman.

Luke 1:47 "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior."

Luke 1:48 "For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed."

This is exactly as it would be, and Mary knew this, why? Because she knew that that soul within her was the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. Mary was well versed in the writings of the Prophets, and she knew that she was the one that was written about for the past thousands of years. From mother Eve, all the way down to Mary, God protected that purebred blood lineage through all the generation, and the proof of God's protection is what the Old Testament is all about.

The individual man [Adam 'eth-ha adham"] who God formed as described in Genesis chapter two, and his family that the coming Messiah would be born through. God protected that blood line, from umbilical cord to umbilical cord, from Eve to Mary. The protection was to keep Satan and his falen angels from interfering with God's plan, for the salvation of the souls of his children.

Live Link to Genisis chapter 2, a new individual " 'eth-ha adham" man formed, a new blood line to be kept pure for the savior of the world, i.e. God Himself, as His only begotten Son, to be born into.

Special note: All of mankind in general “adam”, which encludes the races, male and female were created as described in Genesis chapter 1. In the manuscripts it is not preceded by the definite article 'eth and so it does not refer to a specific person, i.e. the word adam means human being or mankind, and no specific gender is implied.
Then later (I call it the eighth day, only because in the Bible it is described in Genesis chapter 2, after God's day of rest) the individual man we know as Adam " 'eth-ha adham"   was formed. Along with his help meet Eve who was formed from one of his ribs.

Luke 1:49 "For He That is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name."

Mary knows and is stating that this holy child within her was placed there by the Spirit of Almighty God Himself. There is no doubt in her mind that her Child is the promised Immanuel of Isaiah.

Luke 1:50 "And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation."

This is exactly as it is. God's mercy is on all them that revere Him, no matter what time or generation you are born into. This even applies to those born prior to Christ death on the Cross, and even before Noah. Those that revere God will have the mercies of God shown to them. In
1 Peter 3:18, 19: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit;" [18] "By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison," [19]

Upon Jesus death while in the tomb, He went all the way back to those souls that lived and died prior to his death, giving them the same opportunity to receive salvation that you and I have.

1 Peter 3:20 "Which sometimes were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."

All generations have had the opportunity to accept or reject Christ for themselves.

Luke 1:51 "He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,"

This is saying that God will give you free will to do what ever you want to do in your heart or mind. If you want to let your mind run wild, and follow the vain imaginations of your mind, God will not stop you. You can follow God's path of truth and righteous-ness, and be obedient to His commandments, in which God will show you His mercy and blessings. It is up to you whether you will be blessed or cursed by God, for you have the free will to follow Satan's ways or God's ways. God will not stand in your way. To follow God's way, requires you to get into God's Word and know His ways.

Luke 1:52 "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree."

This is talking of God's election. To those not of the election, as recorded in Romans 11, God sent a stupor of slumber on the mighty, and they are not aware of what is going on around them. Today with the events of the end times, those considered wise by the ways of the world are wide awake, yet they are blind to the prophecies of these end times. They simply have no unction spiritually of the times we are living in.

Luke 1:53 "He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away."

Those hungry for the truth of God's Word the Spirit of God will fill their hearts and minds with understanding. But those that are rich with ill-gotten gains, God will send them away. If you have become rich by running your business God's way, those gains are the blessings from God, and He expects you to enjoy them.

Luke 1:54 "He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;"

This comes from Psalms 98:3, and Jeremiah 31:3 and we see that Luke is quoting from the Old Testament here.

Psalms 93:3 "He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."

Jeremiah 31:3 "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

God made promises through His covenants, and He doesn't forget those promises. Why? Because He has mercy on those that love Him. If God's Word says something will come to pass in the future, it will.

Luke 1:55 "As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever."

Genesis 17:1 - 8 tells us when God spake to Abraham, and the promises He made to Abraham's seed that are for ever. God promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations, that he would be mighty and be given a land for everlasting possession. It was a covenant, a one sided promise that God made with Abraham.

Covenants - Some information on covenants:

Three Live Links Below about cuvenants

Dake's commentary concerning covenants

Scofield's commentary concerning covenants

85 old and new covenant contrasts

Luke 1:56 "And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house."

If Mary continued there with Elisabeth for three month, she took care of Elisabeth until her son, John the Baptist was born.

Luke 1:57 "Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son."

Naturally, this son was John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus.

Luke 1:58 "And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her."

Elisabeth was old and had been barren all her life, so when the child came, the whole community rejoiced with her.

Luke 1:59 "And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father."

This circumcision was the custom for all the offspring of Abraham's family, that on the eighth day the circumcision of the child would take place.

Genesis 17:10 "This is My covenant, which ye shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised."

Genesis 17:11 "And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you."

Genesis 17:12 "And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed."

This is done even to this day. The family was going to call this child Zacharias after his father, which is the normal thing to do.

Luke 1:60 "And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John."

Remember that poor old Zacharias was still without speech because of his unbelief, but mother spoke up and made the record straight. "Not so; but he shall be called John." Elisabeth remember what the angel Gabriel said from verse thirteen. "Thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

Luke 1:61 "And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name."

The people reminded Elisabeth that there was no person of her kindred that had the name of John, they just did not understand.

Luke 1:62 "And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called."

They had to make the signs because old Zacharias couldn't say a word.

Luke 1:63 "And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, "His name is John."

Zacharias asked for a tablet to write on, and he wrote exactly what Elisabeth said.

Luke 1:64 "And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God."

Once John the Baptist was born, and named the prophecy was fulfilled, and the sign from the angel Gabriel was completed. John was the forerunner of Jesus Christ, a voice crying from the wilderness; repent. Zacharias could now go back to work in the temple and now he would have much to say about obedience and faith in what God tells you. He would never doubt God again. When God speaks, listen.

Luke 1:65 "And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these saying were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea."

Once Zacharias got his speech back, he told all the people what had happened during the time of his sacrifice of incense at Abia. When people heard of Gabriel, the angel of God coming to Zacharias there was reverence of God. His report was that wonderful things are going to happen, the Lord is coming. Think of the excitement that went on in all Judea.

Luke 1:66 "And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What manner of child shall this be!" And the hand of the Lord was with him."

The people let the news settle in their minds as they wondered what manner this child would be. The Lord was with John the Baptist, and there were very few that were blessed like John the Baptist. John knew the Word of God, and he told it like it was.

Luke 1:67 "And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,"

Luke 1:68 " "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people,"

Zacharias knew the dispensation that he lived in, and praised God for the redeeming son that would come to save their people. He knew the Prophecies, the promises and covenants, and he preached them to Israel.

Luke 1:69 "And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David;"

Luke 1:70 "As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began:"

The first promise of a coming Messiah, and the sacrifice that He would make was way back in Genesis 3:15. "And I [God] will put enmity between thee [Satan] and the woman [Eve], and between thy [Satan's] seed [the Kenites] and her Seed [Jesus Christ]; It [Jesus] shall bruise thy [Satan's] head, and thou [Satan] shalt bruise His [Jesus Christ's] heel."

Don't spiritualize this verse away, for it is a promise from God to all generations of mankind. It is the first promise of a coming Messiah, and the method of how God would bruise the head of Satan. Notice that the enmity is carried out by Satan's children [seed] the Kenites, the sons of Satan that would run the spikes through the heel of Jesus while hanging on the cross. By shedding the blood of Christ, they have sealed the death of their father Satan, which will come after the great white throne Judgment. God made a promise to man and 4000 years later, that Messiah was born.

Over and over there are many prophets and prophecies that have repeated this prophecy, and given every detail of the life of Christ, and the time of His death and resurrection.

Luke 1:71 "That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;"

This is true, and we can claim that promise that we are saved from all our enemies. When you claim the name of Christ, and those that go against you are your enemies; God protects each of us from them. God has given us power over all of our enemies, and when you have done all that you can do, turn it over to God to do the rest.

Luke 1:72 "To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;"

God keeps His Word.

Luke 1:73 "The oath which He sware to our father Abraham,"

This oath is found in Genesis 12:3; "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." How will they be blessed? Through the Messiah that would be born through the lineage of Abraham bringing unmerited favor through repentance, that John would preach.

Luke 1:74 "That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear,"

Did you catch that, "that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear," Why does God give you deliverance? To serve Him without fear. Are you serving Him? If you are still under the hand of your enemies, have you wondered why God hasn't kept this promise for you?

Luke 1:75 "In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life."

He will free you every day if you will love Him every day. Did you get that. It is up to you to have this promise fulfilled in your life. Have you told Him lately that you love Him, God is waiting to hear that from you.

Luke 1:76 "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;"

John the Baptist is this voice crying from the wilderness, prophesied long ago. "for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways." John knew the Savior was coming, and he cried loud, Repent. John knew His mission and he knew that of his cousin, Jesus. He was filled with the Holy Spirit three months before his birth, as Mary entered the room with the Christ child in her womb. John had the unction, and he knew how to prepare the way for the coming Christ with the Holy Spirit working through him.

Luke 1:77 "To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins,"

No remission, no forgiveness of sin. John told the people how the salvation comes; for it comes only through repentance. If you are too proud to repent of your sins, even the little known sins, then there can be no salvation. Is it for the self-righteous? No! If you are too proud to acknowledge that you are a sinner, that salvation is not for you. See the requirement, "by the remission [confession]  of your sins."

Luke 1:78 "Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,"

This is how that salvation comes: It comes through the tender mercy of our God. It is through the Morning Star, or Branch, as it is translated, and Christ is that Morning Star, or Branch. Christ is the Branch from which your vine grows or you do not have eternal life. It was by God's tender mercy that He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to be our sacrifice once and for all times for our sins. When Jesus died on the cross, He became our Passover, and the use of lambs and goats blood was no longer needed. Yes, it is up to you to ask for the remission for your sins in the name of Jesus Christ, or there is no salvation for you.

Luke 1:79 "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

There is only one way that your feet can carry you into the light where you can have peace of mind, and that is when you walk out of darkness and into the light of His Word, and ask for the remission of your sins in Jesus' name. If you see the light, it is only because the Holy Spirit has allowed that light to shine on you, and allow you to see the light that only God can give. This is where true peace of mind comes from. It is only by faith through the Spirit of the Living God that the truths of God's Word will be understood in your mind, and that only comes after you have asked for the remission of your sins. It is called confession; your repentance in Jesus name. Then you will grow in the blessing of our Heavenly Father, but first you have to meet these conditions.

Luke 1:80 "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel."

Why did John the Baptist waxed strong in the Spirit? He was in the same Spirit of Elijah. We were told that back in the seventeenth verse. John stayed in the wilderness until the day that his ministry would begin. John grew up in the wilderness and this fulfilled the prophecy, a voice crying from the the wilderness, as he announced the approaching time of the coming ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

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