Sermon Notes - Luke 1:1-25 - Littleby Baptist Church - January 11, 2026

1.        Our next adventure through the Bible takes us to the Gospel of Luke.

2.        Who is Luke?

a.        He was a companion of Paul’s.

b.       Paul calls him a physician in his letter to the Colossians.

c.        Luke claimed to be a historian.

d.       From what we can tell, he studied events.

e.        He interviewed eyewitnesses.

f.          Pulled together everything he learned.

g.        And under the guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote Luke and Acts.

3.        It is expected that Luke wrote this Gospel around 58-60 AD.

a.        Possibly when he was with Paul, maybe even while Paul was in Rome.

4.        Based on how Paul talks about Luke in his letter to the Colossians, it is believed that Luke is a Gentile.

a.        Tradition tells us that he is from Antioch.

5.        Let’s see what God through Luke has for us this morning.

6.        Luke 1:1-2

a.        Many agree that Luke had Mark as reference material.

b.       There are also similarities between Luke and Matthew.

c.        But I do wonder how many is “many”?

d.       From what we can gather, Luke had other letters.

e.        He interviewed the original eyewitnesses.

f.          To pull together what is the longest of the Gospels.

7.        We see part of the reason Luke wrote this letter in these first two verses, to show what has been “fulfilled among us.”

a.        To document how God fulfilled His plan.

8.        Luke 1:3-4

a.        Since others had documented the truth.

b.       Since he had talked to so many people about it.

c.        It felt right… might be better thought of as, He felt led by God…

d.       To write what he learned.

e.        To share how God was at work in Jesus.

f.          To share how God worked in those who were part of what Jesus did.

9.        The why.

a.        So that the most honorable Theophilus could truly believe all that he has learned.

b.       There is some debate on who Theophilus is.

c.        Theophilus is a very common name.

d.       One theory is he used this common name to address people as a whole.

e.        The title of most honorable… tends to point to someone who has an elevated status.

f.          Maybe even a Roman political official.

g.        Or he is calling his audience in general honorable.

h.        We don’t know for sure.

10.   What we do know is that Luke wanted to write this letter to strengthen Theophilus’ faith.

a.        Whether it is a specific individual or a place holder for people in general.

b.       Luke wrote with a purpose.

c.        As we digest the material.

d.       May these words strengthen our faith.

11.   Luke 1:5

a.        Luke is setting the stage.

b.       These events took place when Herod was king of Judea.

c.        He reigned from 37 to 4 BC.

d.       Zechariah a priest.

e.        And his wife Elezabeth, who came from the line of Aaron.

f.          Both of priestly heritage.

12.   Luke 1:6

a.        Imagine Scripture saying you were righteous in God’s sight.

b.       They were human, but blameless before God.

c.        They faithfully followed God.

d.       Did what they could to be obedient.

e.        They were faithful but not blessed as they had hoped.

f.          Following God doesn’t magically give us our hearts desires.

g.        But we are to be faithful.

13.   Luke 1:7

a.        Even in the pain of not having a family.

b.       They were faithful.

14.   Luke 1:8-9

a.        Zechariah was one of 18,000 priests at that time.

b.       The odds of the lot being cast for him on that day… is extremely low.

c.        This was a once in a lifetime thing.

d.       He had waited his entire life to be selected to burn incense.

e.        Might have wondered if it was ever going to happen.

f.          Yet, he had faith in God.

15.   We may wonder if something is ever going to happen.

a.        Are we going to see God answer a prayer.

b.       Will He open a door.

c.        Will a loved one respond to the Gospel.

d.       A wayward children return to the way they were raised.

e.        We should be encouraged by Zechariah and Elizabeth.

f.          Their faith in God was not based on the blessing.

g.        They trusted in God regardless of the outcome.

h.        Kind of like Daniel’s friends when they were cast into the fiery furnace.

16.   Trust in God through the great times and the worst of times.

a.        Not easy, but that is what we need to do.

b.       Trusting in the Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.

17.   Luke 1:10

a.        I love this verse.

b.       Zechariah was serving God and those around him were praying.

c.        We need to be praying for those in our lives.

d.       Praying as they step out in faith.

e.        Praying as God works in them.

f.          Praying together as Christ followers for His will to be done in all things.

18.   Luke 1:11-12

a.        Gabriel had what I believe to be a completely normal reaction.

b.       If an angel appeared to one of us.

c.        It would hit us just how amazing an angel is.

d.       An angel like Gabriel is God’s messenger.

e.        He has stood in the presence of God.

f.          Fear in this situation is perfectly normal.

19.   Luke 1:13

a.        Do not be afraid.

b.       I have good news for you.

c.        Your prayers will be answered.

d.       Your hearts desire is going to come true.

e.        God is going to grant you a son.

f.          Going from fear to his mouth hanging open in shock.

g.        Again, a normal reaction.

20.   You are to name him John.

a.        Meaning Yahweh is Gracious.

b.       God is gracious in answering his prayers.

c.        He is gracious in providing a path to salvation for all.

21.   Luke 1:14

a.        People will be filled with Joy for the couple who did not think they would have children.

b.       Joy would also come at the birth of Christ and all that  He does.

22.   This specific gift from God will bring joy to many.

a.        Joy to his parents.

b.       Joy to those who will hear his message and repent of their sins.

c.        Joy to those who will see Jesus due to John’s ministry.

d.       Joy to those who read about him and grow in their faith.

e.        Joy for many.

23.   Luke 1:15

a.        John is going to be great before the Lord.

b.       Meaning he will be used by God.

c.        To do the things we have already touched on.

d.       But there is a cost.

e.        He must never touch alcohol.

f.          A small price to pay to point people to Jesus.

g.        To be the one who introduces Israel to the Messiah.

24.   When we choose to serve our God, there is a cost.

a.        The cost is small in comparison to what we receive.

b.       We spend time doing God’s will instead of doing what others might do.

c.        Sometimes God calls us to give up things.

d.       Missionaries are called to Go and have no control over were.

e.        Then there are those who have given all to God.

f.          Our Job is to be faithful and follow His lead, no matter the cost.

g.        What we receive is forever with Jesus.

h.        Well worth the cost.

25.   Luke 1:16-17

a.        John is going to point people to Jesus.

b.       As Elijah did.

c.        Bringing restoration.

d.       That is what verse 17 is telling us.

e.        Those who are lost will be restored.

f.          They will go from chasing their own selfish desires.

g.        And in turn pursue what is right.

h.        To pursue righteousness.

i.          Instead of embracing the world, they will embrace what is good.

26.   Malachi 3:1

a.        John is going to be that messenger.

b.       Who prepares the way for Jesus.

27.   Luke 1:18-19

a.        Earlier I said we should be encouraged by the faith of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

b.       I still mean what I said.

c.        Even when we see him doubting.

d.       Something I suspect we all would do.

e.        We read something in Scripture, and we question if it applies to our situation.

f.          Or maybe we wonder if all these miracles could really be true.

g.        Did someone misunderstand something.

h.        Can they be explained by science.

28.   We need to trust in the Word of God.

a.        Believe what it tells us.

b.       Trust when the Holy Spirit is leading us.

29.   Luke 1:20

a.        Doubt led to being mute for a time.

b.       I suspect this help move God's plan forward.

c.        If Zechariah exited the temple telling the tale of an angel.

d.       Some would think he is crazy.

e.        Coming out being unable to speak.

f.          Obviously moved by what he saw.

g.        Likely had a big impact on those who witnessed it.

30.   We may not always understand, but God uses all things to reveal His plan to us.

31.   Luke 1:21-22

a.        The people do not fully understand.

b.       But they know something happened.

32.   When God works in our lives.

a.        When we accept Jesus for the first time.

b.       Or take a significant step of faith.

c.        People do not understand.

d.       But it gets their attention.

e.        Our job is to not make them understand.

f.          But to faithfully do what God has called us to do.

g.        To tell people about Jesus.

33.   Luke 1:23-25

a.        Zechariah and Elizabeth head home.

b.       God fulfilled what the angel told Zechariah.

c.        Elizabeth is with child.

d.       She praises God for the gift.

e.        For removing the disgrace, she felt.

34.   When we seek God, His hand is upon us.

a.        He answers prayers.

b.       Please understand, I am not saying we get exactly what we pray for.

c.        This is not a name it and claim it message.

d.       Our God answers prayers according to His will.

e.        That is evident by Zechariah and Elizabeth believing they will never have children.

f.          Their prayer would have been for them to have kids years before this.

35.   But God had other plans.

a.        We need to learn to trust in God, regardless of the outcome.

b.       Having faith that He is in control.

c.        That He has a plan.

d.       As His followers our part is to follow His lead.

e.        Sometimes it is exciting.

f.          Other times it can feel like nothing is happening or it can be scary.

36.   Yet, we are to have faith.

a.        Trusting in Jesus.

37.   If you know Jesus.

a.        Trust in His Plan and His timing.

38.   If you don’t know Jesus.

a.        We are just getting started on His story.

b.       But I want you to know that He loves you.

c.        He came to earth for you.

d.       He died for you.

e.        If you are ready to trust in Him.

f.          I would love to pray with you.