Monday – Luke 1:57-80 The Birth of John the Baptist / Zechariah’s Prophecy: The Benedictus
1. The focus of John’s birth narrative is on the neighbors and Zechariah. Three times, Luke describes people’s spontaneous reactions to John’s birth. What might Luke’s purpose be, in repeating this fact?
2. Zechariah’s nine months of silence (cf. Luk 1:18-20) reflects what is going on in Israel in his day. Many believed prophecy had been silent for four hundred years but now it was bursting out again. From his prophecy, summarize his praise  of God for Jesus (vv. 68-75, 78b-79) and John (vv. 76-77).
3. After a series of dramatic events surrounding John’s birth, Luke ends the episode by encapsulating John’s life in v. 80. What potential promises does this summary statement hold for Israel’s story?

Tuesday – Luke 2:1-7 The Birth of Jesus Christ
1. Luke sets his narrative in the context of history (cf. Luk 1:5; 2:1-2; 3:1-2). How does God use Caesar’s census for His purposes (cf. Mat 2:1-6)? Many considered Augustus the Roman Empire’s Lord and Savior. What contrast, if any, do you think Luke is making between Augustus and Jesus? (cf. Luk 2:11)
2. Why do you think God allows His son to be born in the circumstances described in v. 7, rather than in a royal or at least a comfortable household? (consider: 2 Cor 8:9; Php 2:3-11)
3. Using the following verses, write the reasons why Jesus was born into the world: 1 Jhn 3:8 (cf. Gen 3:15); 1 Tim 1:15-17; Heb 10:1-10. Record any other passages you can think of.

Wednesday – Luke 2:8-21 The Shepherds and the Angels
1. Reflect on what God is saying by having His Son’s birth announced to such people as lowly shepherds in the field, rather than to the nation’s officials or at least to people considered respectable?
2. In his message to the shepherds, the angel ascribes to Jesus three titles: Savior, Christ, and Lord. Separately, what does each title emphasize? Together, how do they form a paradox with a babe in a manger?
3. All who hear about the shepherds' experience “wondered” about the child, while Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (v. 19; cf. v. 51b). Does this suggest any ways you might respond to Jesus? Prayerfully consider how you need to capture the wonder and marvel of Jesus.

Thursday – Luke 2:22-40 Jesus Presented at the Temple / Return to Nazareth
1. While in the temple fulfilling the Law, Mary and Joseph are met by man named Simeon. What impresses you about the old man? Summarize the details of his prophecy concerning Jesus’ mission to the Gentiles and to Israel, along with his word to Mary.
2. Imagine seeing the prophetess Anna’s reaction to the infant Jesus; describe what you see and hear. 
3. Luke’s epilogue of Jesus’ birth narrative is a brief statement about the family returning to Nazareth. Contrast Luke’s account with Matthew's (Mat 2:16-23). Why do you think Luke skips over the drama of these details?

Friday – Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus in the Temple
1. Put yourself in the place of Mary and Joseph looking for Jesus, how would you feel for those three days?
2. This is the only scene from Jesus' childhood in the scriptures. Do you sense He is being a mischievous twelve-year-old or something else altogether? Explain.
3. As with John’s narrative, Luke ends with a summary statement of Jesus’ intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. In which of these areas do you need to grow? What steps will you take to achieve this?

Monday – Luke 1:1-4 Dedication to Theophilus
1. From the dedication to Theophilus, what does Luke identify as his purpose and methods for writing his gospel account?
2. Luke is writing well after the events of Jesus’ life and decades after the church began. Why do you think Theophilus needs assurance of the “certainty concerning the things [he had] been taught”?
3. As you start this reading plan of Luke/Acts, what is your purpose for studying Luke’s twin works? To what degree, if any, are you hoping to have what you’ve been taught confirmed? Identify any aspects of your faith you think will be challenged by reading Luke/Acts? Why?

Tuesday – Luke 1:5-25 Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
1. The circumstances of the birth of John are very unusual. Why do you think God wants this birth to be unusual? Yet, how does the announcement and conception of John follow an established Old Testament pattern (Gen 18:1-15; 21:1-7; Jug 13:1-25; 1 Sam 1:1-20)?
2. Gabriel’s description of John’s calling echoes Mal 3:1; 4:5-6. In your own words, summarize John’s four-fold mission.
3. How does Zechariah show a mixture of half-faith and devotion in his encounter with Gabriel? Do you find yourself sympathetic or critical of his response of unbelief? Explain your view.

Wednesday – Luke 1:26-38 Birth of Jesus Foretold
1. Gabriel’s second announcement is even more extraordinary than his first. How does Mary’s experience contrast to other miraculous conception accounts in scripture? In addition to prophetic fulfillment (cf. Mat 1:18-25; Isa 7:10-14), why do you think it was necessary for the Christ to be born of a virgin?
2. The description of Mary’s son in vv. 31-33 is grand in its scope. Consider how the angel’s description draws upon passages such as 2 Sam 7:1-17; Isa 9:1-7; Jer 23:5-6.
3. Reflecting on Mary’s response to the angel’s message, how does her courageous “yes” to God’s plan inspire and challenge you in your own journey of faith? In what ways can you cultivate a faith like hers?

Thursday – Luke 1:39-45 Mary Visits Elizabeth
1. Two relatives, an old woman, and an unmarried virgin, meet for the first time after each becomes miraculously pregnant. As you imagine this scene, what do you see, hear, feel, and experience?
2. In what ways do you think Elizabeth’s pregnancy and her praise strengthen Mary’s faith in what God is doing through her (cf. Luk 1:34-38)?
3. Note that at the sound of Mary’s voice, John, while in utero, “leaped for joy.” Coupled with Psalm 139:13-16, what does this glimpse into the womb tell you about the life of the unborn?

Friday – Luke 1:46-56 Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
1. What causes Mary to launch into a song of praise? Elaborate on her description of God as the blesser of the humble and savior of the weak. How does your concept of God compare to hers?
2. Compare Mary’s song with Hannah’s prayer in 1 Sam 2:1-10. In what ways, do you think praising God helps these two women as they serve the Lord? How does praising God aid you in serving Him?
3. Select two or three phrases from Mary’s song that resonate with your own heart and life right now.
Write them out and magnify the Lord for His great blessings.