As we saw earlier in the year in Luke 22-24, Luke begins his gospel by telling us that he wrote “an orderly account” for his friend Theophilus to give him confidence – “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (1:4). 
 
Luke gives a more detailed account of Jesus’ birth and infancy than any other gospel writer.  In this series we will cover Jesus’ birth and infancy narratives (chapters 1 and 2) and his preparation for ministry (3:1-4:15).  Where Matthew relates Jesus’ birth story from Joseph’s perspective and emphasises that Jesus will be king, Luke tells the story as Mary experienced it and focuses on the fact that he will be saviour (eg. 1:69-71, 2:30, 3:6).  Jesus’ identity is at the heart of this section.  Luke cleverly weaves together the accounts of John the Baptist and Jesus, revealing that although John came first, his role was to be the forerunner of the far superior Jesus.  There is great emphasis upon words in these chapters (contrast Zechariah’s response to Gabriel’s announcement of an unexpected son in 1:18-20 with Mary’s in 1:38; note also the shepherds’ response to what they’ve been told in 2:15-20).  God’s promises will and are being fulfilled!  The presence and work of the Spirit is emphasised (eg. 1:15, 1:35, 1:41, 1:67, 3:16, 4:1) and the scene of Jesus’ baptism (3:21-22) in which the Father speaks and the Spirit descends is a key one.