The season of Lent is essential in Christmas tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Adam Hamilton.
As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, we may see right away that the author brings a particular focus. Reading his introduction and the initial retelling of Jesus’ life, we see how he highlights those who are humble, those who are among the lower status in the culture. In the first readings of this Gospel, God chooses an old couple who have been infertile and then chooses a very young woman. Both will bring children into the world—and those children will change the world.
Luke 1:39-55 (CEB)
39 Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. 43 Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”
46 Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49 because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
50 He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
51 He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
52 He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
55 just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
Lenten Resources:
Usually in this section of the Sermon Note each week we list some thought-provoking questions to consider before the upcoming Sunday Worship service. This will return in the coming weeks, but this week we offer the link below to help participants prepare for this first Sunday in Lent. On that page, you will find information on our Worship series, several Lenten studies, and a couple of ways to engage with the Gospel of Luke during this season. We hope you will join in one or more of these!