Search the Scriptures Live

The Nativity stories are completed and Luke reintroduces John, who appears in the desert preaching and baptizing. Why are his presence and ministry so important that even now he occupies such a prominent place, including on the icon screen of every Orthodox church?

Luke's unique contribution continues as he describes the Presentation of the Lord at the Temple where his Messianic identity is recognized. As Mary "ponders" these things, she also receives insight into Jesus' own self-awareness when she loses him the city at age 12.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Luke mentions angels and shepherds prominently at the Birth of Christ. We think of the scene as poetic and pastoral, but Luke's presentation is a compelling statement about the Incarnation. And why does Luke alone note the circumcision and the presentation in the Temple?

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Luke alone relates the announcements of the conceptions of John and Jesus followed by accounts of their births. The remarkable role of the Forerunner is foretold by his farther and the Lord's birth, although familiar to us, is actually striking and unusual as well.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Ancient Faith Ministries will be closed in observance of American Labor Day next Monday, September 7. There will be NO NEW EPISODE of Search the Scriptures Live next week.

Mary visits Elizabeth, who is expecting John the Forerunner, and at this famous encounter both women prophesy. Luke presents one of the most famous prayers of the Bible, the Magnificat. Still widely even today by Christians it is a masterpiece of poetry and theology.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Why was Mary "troubled" or distressed by Archangel Gabriel's announcement? What important fact do we learn about her expectation for her future by her response: "I do not know man." What is the Holy Spirit's role in the Incarnation and why does salvation begin with this?

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Only the Evangelist Luke presents this intimate scene of the Archangel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, informing her that she is to be the mother of the Messiah. Much can be learned from Luke's description of this important event through the insight of the Holy Fathers.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Luke follows the conventions of Greek historical writing by opening his Gospel with a specific style of prologue, unique in the Bible. From it we learn much about Luke himself and his audience. We will continue with Zechariah and the announcement about John the Forerunner.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Father Stephen De Young discusses the first part of Deuteronomy chapter 4.

Luke follows the conventions of Greek historical writing by opening his Gospel with a specific style of prologue, unique in the Bible. From it we learn much about Luke himself and his audience. We will continue with Zechariah and the announcement about John the Forerunner.

Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...