Monthly Archives: December 2025

LUKE’S GOSPEL…THE BABIES – 3

Bible Study, ,

Once again, Luke tells the stories of the birth of the babies, side by side. 

“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.  On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” …Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭57‬-‭60‬, ‭62‬-‭63‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Elizabeth’s baby was born at home, amid the joy and celebration of family and friends. Everyone in the vicinity gathered around to share in the happy event. The  ceremonies surrounding the circumcision and naming of the child were carried out according to the culture of the people, everyone present and participating in this momentous occasion. Even Zechariah’s dumbness was miraculously resolved at the moment when he named the baby “John” as Gabriel had instructed him.  

John went on, through an unrecorded childhood, to become the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, albeit only for six months, and then perished at the instigation of a deranged woman. 

What about Mary’s baby?

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This little baby boy came into the world in very different circumstances. He was born, not at home, not surrounded by rejoicing family and friends, not with the help of a midwife for this fragile, young new mother, but in a strange town, not even in a bedroom but in a downstairs room where the animals were sheltered at night. What an ignominious entry for the King of kings! 

Mary was on her own in this new experience with only the help of Joseph, her husband. What did he know about childbirth! She wasn’t even equipped to receive this baby. She had no layette with her on this journey, only strips of cloth which she probably tore from her own clothes. She had no crib carefully prepared with soft covering…only an animal stone feed trough stuffed with straw.

Joseph and Mary were forced to leave home and travel to Bethlehem, under government orders, during the final days of her pregnancy. So, Jesus came into the world in a strange place with an even stranger audience. 

However, God had arranged a reception to celebrate His Son’s arrival on earth far more spectacular than John’s welcoming party… a whole angelic choir that lit up the night sky and sang their song to the earth and to shepherds outside Bethlehem…not family, not friendly neighbours…just a few men who were low on the pecking order. 

Why did God arrange these circumstances for Jesus’ birth? John the Baptist occupies a few verses in one prophetic book in the Bible. He had a place in history and a ministry that took all of six months before he was executed in a lonely prison cell. He was buried by a few grieving friends and was forgotten by most. His story, important as it was, has a small space in God’s book. 

Jesus, by contrast, is the focus of the whole Bible, starting in Genesis as both Creator,  God’s agent in creation…the Word…and culminating as Lord of the universe reigning over all things from His throne in glory. How did He reach this point as the Son of God and the Son of Man?  

Jesus started small, a nobody, the son of nobodies in the eyes of the world, relegated to the animal shelter because the house was full. Yet, embodied in this newborn child was a calling to embrace the whole world through His coming. Born in the presence of animals, yet welcomed to the whole earth by an angelic choir, the circumstances of His birth begin and embody His story. 

Jesus came, as the Father declared, not for family and friends only, but for all who fit into the category of humans between animals and angels. He was born in humility and died in disgrace, not just to fill a space in history but to rule history. He has never been forgotten! There has been a groundswell of acclaim throughout all generations from the moment He walked out of the tomb. Unlike John, who was buried without his head, and whose bones lie somewhere in a forgotten grave to await the resurrection day, Jesus rose from the grave to take His place as the Head of His body, the church. 

John was born in comfort, surrounded by friends. Jesus was born in a rented shelter surrounded by animals. John died alone in a prison cell. Jesus died on a cross, in public view, accompanied by two criminals and surrounded by taunting enemies. John will one day be in the throng around the throne who worship Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords. His was the voice that announced the King. Jesus is the King who occupies the throne and whose word controls and rules the universe. 

 To be continued…

LUKE’S GOSPEL…SPEECHLESS – 2

Bible Study, ,

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron…But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old…Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John…Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news…And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” …When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son…On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” …Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬, ‭7‬, ‭11‬-‭13‬, ‭18‬-‭20‬, ‭57‬, ‭59‬-‭60‬, ‭62‬-‭64‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Luke wove the birth stories of John and Jesus together in interesting parallels of comparison and contrast. These two babies’ lives were interconnected by both family ties and divine purpose.  

Both parents were childless. Zachariah and Elizabeth had no children because of age and natural infertility although, as often happened when God wanted a child for a special purpose as with, for example, Isaac, Samuel, Samson, and, of course, John the Baptist, He intervened supernaturally. Mary was a teenage girl, betrothed but not yet married. 

The angel Gabriel visited both Zechariah and Mary to announce the supernatural birth of their sons…but their responses were vastly different. Zechariah received the message with skepticism, Mary with faith and submission. 

They both responded to the announcement of the impending pregnancies with similar questions…

“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…but note the subtle difference. 

Zechariah questioned the truthfulness of Gabriel’s words. “How can I be sure of this?” The Greek words seem to imply that Zechariah saw the impossibility of this happening because natural circumstances made it impossible. 

Mary’s question relates to her lack of a husband. This could happen but not without a husband since she was a chaste young woman who was still a virgin. 

The angel brushed aside both unfavourable situations. God could override both old age and virginity. 

However, because Zechariah had verbalised his unbelief, he would be dumb until the child was born, giving him no more opportunity to speak words contradictory to God’s word.

“The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

By contrast, Mary gladly accepted the angel’s prophetic word, submitting to God’s power and God’s will in her situation. 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There are lessons to be learned from the responses of these two people. We can, like Adam or like Zechariah, disqualify ourselves from God’s favour by doubting the truth of God’s word. Adam lost everything. Zechariah lost the power to speak for the nine months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and, with it, he lost the joy of sharing the anticipation of John’s birth with her. 

Mary’s compliance is especially moving since she would be well aware of what the consequences of a pregnancy for a betrothed but not-yet-married woman would be. She could forfeit her betrothal to Joseph. She would carry the stigma of an “illegitimate pregnancy” both for herself and her son…disgrace, ostracism, shame on herself and her family and even worse, the scorn of her neighbours and family for covering her sin by the excuse of a virgin birth or  blasphemy by blaming it on God. 

She brushed aside all these considerations by her expression of confidence in the will of God. 

The angel  reassured  her…

“For no word from God will ever fail.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To be continued…

LUKE’S GOSPEL…A CAREFUL RECORD – 1

Bible Study, ,

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Nothing recorded and preserved in Scripture is there by chance. Let’s take a step back and view Luke’s story of Jesus within God’s purpose and the greater scheme of things. 

Was it by chance or by design that Luke shone the light on the humanity of Jesus? His research and his carefully-crafted report brings to the surface a man, although He was undoubtedly God,  who was an equally a human in every sense of the word. 

Why was it important for Theophililus, his target recipient, to have accurate details about Jesus in whom he had obviously come to believe? If one has put one’s life and destiny into the hands of someone who claims to be both God and man, at last one must be sure of His credentials. 

“Luke was a physician and companion of Paul, while Theophilus was a high-ranking individual (possibly a Roman official or patron) to whom Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts to provide an accurate, faith-building account of Jesus and the early Church. Theophilus’ name means “friend of God,” and Luke’s detailed, eyewitness-style writing aimed to solidify his faith and understanding.” (Source: Google)

How did Luke know Paul? We don’t know. Luke was a Gentile, Paul’s companion on some of his journeys and a loved and trusted fellow-believer.  Paul’s calling to evangelise the Gentiles suggests that this association began through Paul’s preaching to the Gentiles. Then, perhaps, Luke influenced Theophilus and out of these associations, he wrote his record of Jesus and the of the early church to provide the foundation for Theophilus’ faith, culminating with Paul’s eventual destination…Rome!

“Scholars have noted that Luke had an outstanding command of the Greek language. His vocabulary is extensive and rich, and his style at times approaches that of classical Greek, as in the preface of his gospel (Luke 1:1–4), while at other times it seems quite Semitic (Luke 1:5—2:52). He was familiar with sailing and had a special love for recording geographical details. All this would indicate that Luke was a well-educated, observant, and careful writer.” 

(Source: got questions.org – “Who was Luke in the Bible?”)

Luke was neither an eyewitness nor a servant of the word, but one who used these records as part of his “careful investigation” around which he built his narrative. 

Luke had the credentials to be the author of two books included in the canon of Scripture. He was a careful, accurate, and accomplished writer, adding another dimension to the story of Jesus. His background in medicine, in keeping with his times, gave him a special interest in Jesus’ healing ministry. His own history and that of Theophilus as Gentiles was in line with prophecy…that Jesus came for Jew and Gentile. 

So, his “mini-biography” of Jesus begins… not with Jesus Himself but with the birth of John the Baptist, a key figure in prophecy and in the narrative of the God-man. 

Can we trust the authenticity of Luke’s version of Jesus? Does it match up with the Jewish writers who were associates and companions of Jesus or, In the case of Mark, a close associate of a disciple…Peter? The ancient scholars who carefully complied the canon of Scripture, said a resounding “Yes!”  

To be continued…

RUTH…THE STORY OF REDEMPTION – 5

Bible Study, ,

For Boaz to fulfil his duty as kinsman-redeemer, he had one final hurdle to overcome. Elimelek’s land could be redeemed by another kinsman-redeemer closer to Elimelek than Boaz. 

“Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

According to the law, Ruth, the daughter-in-law of the deceased Elimelek, was part of the inheritance that should be redeemed by the closest living relative. When Boaz offered the property to the guardian-redeemer, he refused because of Ruth. 

“Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, Boaz legally claimed the right to redeem the land belonging to Elimelek, and Ruth as his wife. 

This beautiful little interlude in Israel’s history has significant repercussions in the greater story of redemption. Woven into the genealogy of Jesus’ ancestry is the role of Gentile women. Israel’s part was preserved through the bloodline of Abraham and the dynasty of David. However, as God had determined, the gospel of Jesus belongs to Jew and Gentile alike through the Gentile women included in Jesus’ genealogy…

“Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel includes four notable Gentile women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife), highlighting an inclusive message for Gentiles and showing God using imperfect individuals, some with scandalous histories, to fulfill His purposes in the Messianic line, foreshadowing Jesus as the universal Savior.”

(Source: Google AI)

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How marvellous how merciful, how compassionate are God’s ways. Naomi, who chose to encapsulate her pain in the name she gave herself…

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.””

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the end, became the grandmother of Obed, Ruth’s son in the lineage of Jesus. 

Turns out that Naomi’s pain was a seed that produced far more than she ever dreamed possible. Her testimony was the song of the psalmist…

“I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me….You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬, ‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…as she gazed at the miracle baby in her arms. 

RUTH… OF REDEMPTION -4

Bible Study, ,

To get the full picture, we must go back to God’s instruction, written into His covenant with Israel at Sinai. 

“The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you 

may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’ ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭37‬-‭41‬ NIV

Since the early Israelites were a tactile people, understanding life and their world through their senses, God used symbols to remind them of their relationship with Him. Things they could see and touch that spoke to them of the nature of their God were to be held in front of them constantly since their God was unseen. 

The garment to which this law refers was originally the outer garment or cloak, an all-purpose, poncho-like garment that served as an outer covering by day and a blanket at night. The tassels attached to the four corners of the cloak, were to be of blue thread with five knots and four spaces in each tassel. Each detail symbolised some aspect of their God…blue for deity…the knots for the law, the five Books of Moses…and th spaces for God’s name, JHWH. 

The garment with tassels, later on a prayer shawl, was called a “talith”, the corners were the “kanaph” also called “wings”, and the tassels were the “tsitsit”. 

This imagery is used across the Bible to symbolise God’s presence, His Word, and His name. When we learn the significance of this garment with its tassels in Scripture, much of what we as westerners don’t understand becomes clear. Let’s look at a couple of examples. 

The priestly blessing in Numbers…

“Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 

So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭23-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…was designed to put God’s name on His people, symbolised by the tassels on their garment. 

There is a prophecy in Malachi…

““But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The word “kanaph”, translated “wings”, refers to the corners of the talith. As the “kanaph” covers His people, so His presence and His Word constantly protects them. 

Now follow this in Jesus’ ministry…

“A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe (corner) of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Fringe? Border? Tassel!

Would she not have put her faith in the promise of Malachi…the Sun of Righteousness, the Messiah, with healing in His wings, “kanaph”of the “tsitstit”?

Of course, Jewish people would make the immediate connection. 

What of the words of Psalm 91?

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Wings” = “kanaph” = the corners of the garment where the tassels are attached = the “tsitsit” which represent God’s deity, His name, and His word. 

Can you now understand what the custom meant, that is, for Boaz to cover Ruth with the corner of his garment, the symbol of care, protection, provision, and belonging, a wife of covenant, and all to be carried out under the talith, just as God covered His people. 

“The key Bible verse describing Jesus covering believers with His righteousness is Isaiah 61:10, which says, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (NIV). This symbolizes how believers, through faith in Christ, are cleansed from sin and spiritually clothed in His perfect righteousness, becoming beautiful in God’s eyes, like a radiant bride or king.”

The ultimate imagery of God’s presence, His name, and His word is in the garment of righteousness with which Jesus covers His people who believe in Him. 

“and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Once again, even in Ruth’s request of Boaz that he honour his responsibility, as her kinsman-redeemer, to redeem her from widowhood and (understood) to produce a son who would continue the bloodline of her deceased husband, God’s will was put into action. 

To be continued…