Introduction, 1.5-4.13’

An “Introduction” is defined as information provided to the reader to prepare them for the main body of the work (ibid.). It may include background information (though not preliminary information) that helps readers understand what led up to the beginning of the first chapter of the main work. This may include references to previous works by the same author that is relevant to the main body. There can be no denial that the bulk of the Gospel of Luke describes the three-year ministry of Jesus. With this being the focus, it makes sense that all material proceeding the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is introductory in nature. For this reason, chapter one verse five through chapter four verse 14 represents the books introduction. Though introductory, it still upholds the Big Idea that Jesus is the savior and rightful king of all peoples everywhere.

It is also in this introduction that Luke provides the richest cast of characters we are likely to meet. Below is an analysis of the key players in the introduction.

The Angels

400 years have passed since God has used the greatest messenger service in history and suddenly, in the smallest town in Israel, angels are popping up everywhere. They speak to a priest and his wife, a young virgin girl and her betrothed carpenter. What’s more, their message astounds their hearers. I imagine their stories were received like modern day accounts of UFO abductions; the rational mind not wanting to accept what is clearly present. Their appearance is startling and their visage must appear other-worldly indeed, for the first words an Angel speaks is almost always, “Do not be afraid.” At night they can light up the environment, but in daylight they rarely use theatrics. One thing is certain, they enjoyed their mission on this occasion.

The lead Angel on this occasion is Gabriel. He appears in both the book of Daniel (8.15-27 and 9.20-27) and in the Introduction of the Gospel of Luke (1.5-38). Gabriel is called an arch-angel in one of the Jewish extra-biblical resources, but nowhere in Scripture does he hold this title. Even so, he is of some significant rank given the importance of these missions, first to deliver messages to Daniel, then in announcing John and Jesus’ births.

Zechariah

A priest in the order of Aaron, belonging to the division of Abijah, and a very practical man. He was responsible and reasonable, but obviously not well versed with the life of father Abraham. If he had been, he would have known that when God delivers a message about your aging and barren wife becoming pregnant you better believe him. This shortcoming resulting in the Gabriel to place a judgment of silence upon him until the day of the child’s birth. From this account we know that Zechariah was literate, for on the day of John’s birth he wrote “His name is John” so that everyone could see and accept the naming of the child. We can imagine how entertaining his nine-month long game of charades must have been. He may have been the world’s first mime (joke). While God shut Zechariah’s mouth during the pregnancy, he opened it at the birth of Jesus to prophecy about the Savior. Truly the lord gives words and takes them away.

Tomorrow we’ll continue examining the cast of characters.