Inspire Bible for Kids Luke Sampler - Book - Page 16
LUKE
The Gospel of Luke is
the longest book in the
New Testament.
Luke was the only nonJewish person to write
a New Testament book.
This Gospel gives more
details about Jesus’
birth and early years
than any other Bible
book.
Luke never met Jesus
personally, but he was
one of Paul’s traveling
companions. Luke
probably became a
Christian because of
Paul’s ministry.
Luke was a doctor
(Colossians 4:14), and
medical terms appear
throughout his Gospel.
The Gospel of Luke is
the first part of a twovolume work. Its sequel
is the book of Acts.
Introduction
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have
been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating
among us from the early disciples.* 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account
for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of
everything you were taught.
1
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah.
He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth,
was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were
righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments
and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to
conceive, and they were both very old.
8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on
duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to
enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was
being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken
and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t
be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will
give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and
gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes
of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be
filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.* 16 And he will turn many
Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power
of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn
the hearts of the fathers to their children,* and he will cause those who are
rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m
an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God.
It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you
didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the
child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the
sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. 22 When he finally did
come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures
and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.
23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned
home. 24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went
into seclusion for five months. 25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed.
“He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
1:2 Greek from those who from the beginning were servants of the word. 1:15 Or even from birth.
1:17 See Mal 4:5‑6.
1270
|
