Jordan - Luke 1

Thanks for breaking the ice, Kelly!

I'm reading from the Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV) and the introduction to Luke tells me that the account was written after the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed (66-70 C.E.) which "adds tension to the story."  I imagine the author starting his story in the temple with Zechariah as a testimony to the historical significance of the now ruined place by the hands of the Roman empire.  Later, after John is born, Zechariah's prophecy relates to the author's time as if to remind everyone "that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear" (1:73).

I never knew the historical context of this writing and it makes me appreciate it that much more.  The Magnificat (1:46-55) takes on a new meaning when you imagine the hardship and persecution of the times.  Its not just Mary's song, its everyone's song of praise!

Another verse that jumped out at me was a phrase that I have heard a million times (and I've probably read it here a million times) but never would have been able to tell you context.  Its the angle Gabriel reminding us all that "nothing will be impossible with God" (1:37).