Luke now moves on to report on the birth of Jesus. As we have already noted earlier this account bears many similarities and parallels with the account of the annunciation of John's birth. At the same time, and reflecting Luke's own view of Jesus as greater than John, this account is also very different from the previous one. These differences include:1
1. The first (John's conception) is in response to prayer; the second (Jesus's) is entirely by the initiative of God,
2. Conception of the barren and aged is a wonder of God, but has OT precedents; conception by a virgin is an unheard-of wonder,
3. Zechariah is greeted by name; but Mary is greeted with the awesome "Rejoice, favored one, the Lord is with you",
4. John will be great before the Lord; but Jesus' greatness knows no qualification,
5. John is consecrated to Nazirite abstinence; Jesus' holiness extends to the very basis of his existence,
6. John will be preparer; but Jesus will be Son and King forever,
7. John will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb; but Jesus's human existence is due entirely to the activity of the Spirit,
8. Zechariah could not believe the angelic pronouncement; Mary declared herself ready for God's declared purpose.
Low Chai Hok
©Alberith, 2017