Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, healed a disease, or called a disciple, God was already preparing the way. The opening chapters of Luke (1:1-4:13) reveal a God who works through ordinary people, surprising moments, and sovereign timing to prepare the world for the arrival of His Son. Over the first ten weeks of this series through Luke, we will walk slowly through these foundational scenes so we can see how God still prepares our lives today.
Luke begins with an introduction (1:1-4) that highlights the care he took in researching Jesus’ life so he could provide certainty for a friend named Theophilus. We will explore why knowing the gospel well matters, not just for ourselves, but for how we share it with others.
From there, we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth (1:5-25), a faithful couple living ordinary, quiet lives until God breaks in with an extraordinary assignment. Their story reminds us that God wastes nothing and often works most clearly in the details we overlook.
Then, in one of Scripture’s most sacred moments, Gabriel appears to Mary (1:26-56) to announce Jesus’ coming birth. Her humble surrender teaches us what it looks like to trust God even when His plans disrupt ours.
John the Baptist’s birth follows (1:57-80), and his father Zechariah prophesies that John will clear the way so others can meet Jesus. His calling becomes our calling as well: to remove obstacles that keep people from experiencing Christ up close.
Luke then moves to the incarnation itself (2:1-20). Angels bypass palaces and deliver the announcement of Jesus’ birth to lowly shepherds. This scene reveals that the peace Jesus brings is offered to those who feel unseen and overwhelmed.
Simeon and Anna (2:21-38) model expectant obedience as they encounter the newborn Messiah after years of faithful waiting. Their example encourages us to cultivate rhythms that keep our hearts ready to meet Jesus.
Luke next provides the only biblical scene of Jesus’ childhood (2:39-52), where we see the young Christ growing in wisdom and stature. His steady maturity teaches us that spiritual growth takes time and intentionality.
Finally, we enter the wilderness with John the Baptist and Jesus (3:1-4:13). John calls the crowds to repent without delay (3:1-20), Jesus receives the Father’s public affirmation at His baptism (3:21-38), and then He stands firm against Satan’s temptations (4:1-13). These passages help us understand repentance, identity, and spiritual warfare, all essential preparations for following Christ faithfully.
As we begin this journey through Luke, our hope is simple: that we would prepare our hearts to encounter Jesus just as God prepared the world for His arrival. May this season form habits, renew hope, and strengthen faith as we follow the One who came to seek and to save the lost.
