Thursday, February 2, 2012

Luke 1-2

Luke seems to approach the life of Jesus with a different focus, as an historian who is seeking the truth of the events in order to to remind his reader Theophilus of the truth of Jesus.  The details he provides give us clues to Jesus' identity as well as to give us confidence that what Luke writes is the truth, verifiable by history.

 I have always wondered what happened to all of these people who were aware of the miraculous events of both John and Jesus' births.  Did they follow their growing up years with interest waiting for everything to happen?  They would have to wait for 25-30 years and many of these folks would have died by then.  But for those who were still alive, did they have an expectation that any day things would begin to happen?

I also like the descriptions of the growing years of both John and Jesus.  John was described as growing and becoming strong in spirit, preparing him for his work as the impassioned prophet.  Jesus' growing years are described twice, both times focusing on becoming strong and filled with wisdom, increasing in stature and in favor with God and man.  This prepares us for his role as teacher/rabbi. 

But ultimately the descriptions by Simeon and Anna that Jesus is destined to be a Redeemer and and Savior will be the key to the end of Luke's written history.  And so Jesus ministry begins.  I look forward to reading His story again.

That's what I saw.  What about you?

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