A Coming Christ in A Coming Christ in AdventAdvent

The Annunciation to Zechariah and the The Annunciation to Zechariah and the Birth of John the BaptistBirth of John the Baptist

(Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, 80)(Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, 80)

Sunday, December 3, 200610 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor.

Everyone is welcome!

Merciful God, who sent your Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.God, now and for ever.

- Book of Common Prayer, p. 211- Book of Common Prayer, p. 211

A Coming Christ in A Coming Christ in Advent: Essays on the Advent: Essays on the Gospel Narratives Gospel Narratives Preparing for the Birth Preparing for the Birth of Jesus.of Jesus. Raymond E. Raymond E. Brown, The Liturgical Brown, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, Press, Collegeville, MN, 1988. ISBN: 0-8146-1988. ISBN: 0-8146-1587-2. 1587-2.

Raymond E. Brown, Raymond E. Brown, S.S.,S.S., was a world renown was a world renown New Testament biblical New Testament biblical scholar and the Auburn scholar and the Auburn Distinguished Professor Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Union Theological Seminary in New York. Seminary in New York. Dr. Brown died in 1998.Dr. Brown died in 1998.

The Purpose of the The Purpose of the Nativity StoriesNativity Stories

PurposePurposeIntroductionIntroduction

The gospels of Matthew and Luke differ from The gospels of Matthew and Luke differ from the Mark and John by beginning with stories the Mark and John by beginning with stories of Jesus’ conception and birthof Jesus’ conception and birth Mark never mentions JosephMark never mentions Joseph John never gives the name of Jesus’ motherJohn never gives the name of Jesus’ mother

PurposePurposeIntroductionIntroduction

To understand these infancy narratives, we To understand these infancy narratives, we must remember:must remember: The gospels were not intended be historical The gospels were not intended be historical

biographies, but rather proclamations of the good biographies, but rather proclamations of the good news of salvation in the life of Jesusnews of salvation in the life of Jesus

All gospel material was colored by the faith and All gospel material was colored by the faith and experience of the Church of the first centuryexperience of the Church of the first century

PurposePurposeIntroductionIntroduction

The origin and historical accuracy of the birth The origin and historical accuracy of the birth stories are unknownstories are unknown The stories in Matthew and LukeThe stories in Matthew and Luke

Agree in only a few detailsAgree in only a few details Contradict each other in other detailsContradict each other in other details

There is no good historical record of public events There is no good historical record of public events mentioned in the birth stories (such as: a new star, mentioned in the birth stories (such as: a new star, a worldwide census)a worldwide census)

Unlike what Jesus said and did during his ministry, Unlike what Jesus said and did during his ministry, no one claims apostolic witness to the events at no one claims apostolic witness to the events at BethlehemBethlehem

So why did Matthew and Luke So why did Matthew and Luke begin their gospels (the good begin their gospels (the good

news of Jesus) with these news of Jesus) with these birth stories?birth stories?

Purpose Purpose Jesus was God at His BirthJesus was God at His Birth

To make the “Christological” To make the “Christological”

declaration thatdeclaration that

Jesus was God at his birthJesus was God at his birth

Purpose Purpose Early Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus

Church’s understanding of who Jesus was Church’s understanding of who Jesus was grew during the first centurygrew during the first century

Oldest part of the gospel was the Passion Oldest part of the gospel was the Passion narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus. narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some ancient preaching suggested Jesus’ Some ancient preaching suggested Jesus’ exaltation as God occurred at his resurrection:exaltation as God occurred at his resurrection: Acts 2:32; 2:36; 5:31; 13:33Acts 2:32; 2:36; 5:31; 13:33 Romans 1:4 “by his resurrection from the dead, Romans 1:4 “by his resurrection from the dead,

Jesus was designated Son of God in power Jesus was designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness”according to the Spirit of holiness”

Purpose Purpose Early Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus

Mark’sMark’s gospel (the earliest gospel) begins his gospel (the earliest gospel) begins his account of the good news of Jesus Christ account of the good news of Jesus Christ at Jesus’ at Jesus’ baptismbaptism At the moment of his baptism, the Holy Spirit descends At the moment of his baptism, the Holy Spirit descends

upon Jesus who is revealed as God’s Sonupon Jesus who is revealed as God’s Son MatthewMatthew and and LukeLuke (later gospels), through the (later gospels), through the

infancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’s Son infancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’s Son at Jesus’ birthat Jesus’ birth

And And JohnJohn (the last gospel written), makes it clear (the last gospel written), makes it clear Jesus was God’s Son Jesus was God’s Son even before creationeven before creation..

Luke’s versus Luke’s versus Matthew’sMatthew’sChapter 1Chapter 1

Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. MatthewMatthew’s VersionMatthew’s Version

Last session we studies Matthew’s Chapter 1:Last session we studies Matthew’s Chapter 1: begins with a lengthy genealogy of Jesus (Matthew begins with a lengthy genealogy of Jesus (Matthew

1:1-17)1:1-17) Then follows an annunciation by an angel of the Then follows an annunciation by an angel of the

Lord to Joseph, telling him:Lord to Joseph, telling him: Don’t divorce Mary, but take her into your home as Don’t divorce Mary, but take her into your home as

your wifeyour wife Her pregnancy is from the Holy SpiritHer pregnancy is from the Holy Spirit She would have a son who should be named Jesus, for She would have a son who should be named Jesus, for

he would save the people from their sinshe would save the people from their sins

Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. MatthewMatthew’s VersionMatthew’s Version

Mary is a background figure in Matthew’s Mary is a background figure in Matthew’s story:story: there is no angel Gabrielthere is no angel Gabriel No annunciation to MaryNo annunciation to Mary

Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. MatthewLuke’s VersionLuke’s Version

Luke tells a much different story, with a different cast Luke tells a much different story, with a different cast of characters:of characters: Annunciation of the birth of Jesus is to Mary, by the angel Annunciation of the birth of Jesus is to Mary, by the angel

GabrielGabriel Another annunciation, to the priest Zechariah, that his wife Another annunciation, to the priest Zechariah, that his wife

Elizabeth would give birth to John the BaptistElizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, which is the occasion for Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, which is the occasion for

the canticle of the the canticle of the MagnificatMagnificat Birth of John the Baptist, which is the occasion for the Birth of John the Baptist, which is the occasion for the

canticle of the canticle of the BenedictusBenedictus

Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. MatthewIn CommonIn Common

They are alike in only a few (albeit very They are alike in only a few (albeit very important) details. In both:important) details. In both: an angel announces that an angel announces that MaryMary, , who is married to who is married to JosephJoseph in the in the House of DavidHouse of David,, would give birth to a child would give birth to a child conceived through the conceived through the

Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, and, and the child, the the child, the Son of GodSon of God, should be named , should be named JesusJesus

Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. MatthewIn CommonIn Common

Matthew and Luke also both deliberately Matthew and Luke also both deliberately evoke Old Testament narratives in order to evoke Old Testament narratives in order to make it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of make it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises stretching back to Abraham.God’s promises stretching back to Abraham.

ReadingReading

Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, 80Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, 80

Structure of Luke’s Structure of Luke’s Chapter 1Chapter 1

Lucan StructureLucan StructureIntroductionIntroduction

Luke uses narrative structure to artistically Luke uses narrative structure to artistically convey his thoughts.convey his thoughts. Parallelism between John the Baptism and Jesus Parallelism between John the Baptism and Jesus

(John-Jesus “diptych”)(John-Jesus “diptych”) A “triptych” on God’s Plan of salvationA “triptych” on God’s Plan of salvation

Lucan StructureLucan StructureJohn-Jesus DiptychJohn-Jesus Diptych

All the Gospels begin the story of Jesus’ All the Gospels begin the story of Jesus’ public ministry by telling of John the Baptistpublic ministry by telling of John the Baptist

Luke sets up a parallelism between John and Luke sets up a parallelism between John and Jesus often compared to a diptych painting Jesus often compared to a diptych painting with two facing panels:with two facing panels: Annunciation of John’s conception precedes Annunciation of John’s conception precedes

annunciation of Jesus’annunciation of Jesus’ John’s birth (hailed by Zechariah’s canticle the John’s birth (hailed by Zechariah’s canticle the

Benedictus) precedes Jesus’ birth (hailed by Benedictus) precedes Jesus’ birth (hailed by Simeon’s canticle, Nunc Dimittis)Simeon’s canticle, Nunc Dimittis)

Lucan StructureLucan StructureGod’s Plan TriptychGod’s Plan Triptych

In addition, Luke’s gospel and his sequel Acts In addition, Luke’s gospel and his sequel Acts have an architectonic perception of God’s have an architectonic perception of God’s plan, dividing history into three parts:plan, dividing history into three parts: (1.) (1.) time of the Law and the Prophetstime of the Law and the Prophets (Old (Old

Testament; bears witness to Jesus; Acts 13:14)Testament; bears witness to Jesus; Acts 13:14) (2.) (2.) time of Jesustime of Jesus (centerpiece) (centerpiece) (3.) (3.) time of the churchtime of the church (The Spirit and those (The Spirit and those

whom Jesus have chosen bear witness to him; Acts whom Jesus have chosen bear witness to him; Acts 1:9)1:9)

Lucan StructureLucan StructureGod’s Plan TriptychGod’s Plan Triptych

Luke 1-2 bridges (1.) time of the Law and the Luke 1-2 bridges (1.) time of the Law and the Prophets, and (2.) time of JesusProphets, and (2.) time of Jesus Characters and motifs from the time of the Law and the Characters and motifs from the time of the Law and the

Prophets encounter characters and motifs from time of Prophets encounter characters and motifs from time of Jesus (Mary, John the Baptist)Jesus (Mary, John the Baptist)

Acts 1-2 bridges (2.) time of Jesus, and (3.) time of Acts 1-2 bridges (2.) time of Jesus, and (3.) time of the churchthe church Characters and motifs from the time of Jesus encounter Characters and motifs from the time of Jesus encounter

character and motifs from the time of the church (Jesus character and motifs from the time of the church (Jesus encounters the Twelve, including Peter, who will spread encounters the Twelve, including Peter, who will spread the good news throughout the world)the good news throughout the world)

Annunciation to Annunciation to Zechariah and the Zechariah and the Birth of John the Birth of John the

BaptistBaptist

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthZechariah and ElizabethZechariah and Elizabeth

The story of John’s parents Zechariah and The story of John’s parents Zechariah and Elizabeth is found only in Luke.Elizabeth is found only in Luke.

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthParallelism with Abraham-SarahParallelism with Abraham-Sarah

There is only one elderly barren couple in the Old There is only one elderly barren couple in the Old Testament who, like Testament who, like Zechariah and ElizabethZechariah and Elizabeth, have , have a child by the power of God – a child by the power of God – Abraham and Sarah Abraham and Sarah (Luke 1:7; Genesis 18:11)(Luke 1:7; Genesis 18:11)

More aspects of the parallelism between Zechariah-More aspects of the parallelism between Zechariah-Elizabeth and Abraham-Sarah:Elizabeth and Abraham-Sarah: In both, announcement is made to the manIn both, announcement is made to the man Zechariah’s response to angel (Luke 1:18) is a verbatim Zechariah’s response to angel (Luke 1:18) is a verbatim

quote to Abraham’s response to divine revelation (Genesis quote to Abraham’s response to divine revelation (Genesis 15:8)15:8)

Elizabeth rejoices with neighbors over the good news Elizabeth rejoices with neighbors over the good news (Luke 1:58), as does Sarah (Genesis 21:6)(Luke 1:58), as does Sarah (Genesis 21:6)

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthParallelism with Elkanah-HannahParallelism with Elkanah-Hannah

Zechariah and ElizabethZechariah and Elizabeth also evoke another also evoke another Old Testament couple whose yearning for a Old Testament couple whose yearning for a child was answered by God: child was answered by God: Elkanah and Elkanah and HannahHannah, parents of Samuel, parents of Samuel Luke 1:5 “There was a certain priest named Luke 1:5 “There was a certain priest named

Zechariah … he had a wife … and her name was Zechariah … he had a wife … and her name was Elizabeth.”Elizabeth.”

1 Samuel 1:1-2 “There was a certain man … 1 Samuel 1:1-2 “There was a certain man … whose name was Elkanah … and he had two wife; whose name was Elkanah … and he had two wife; the name of one was Hannah.”the name of one was Hannah.”

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthParallelism with Elkanah-HannahParallelism with Elkanah-Hannah

More aspects of the parallelism between More aspects of the parallelism between Zechariah-ElizabethZechariah-Elizabeth and and Elkanah-HannahElkanah-Hannah:: Revelation to Hannah that she would give birth to Revelation to Hannah that she would give birth to

Samuel is at a visit to the temple sanctuary (1 Samuel is at a visit to the temple sanctuary (1 Samuel 3, 17), just as revelation to Zechariah is in Samuel 3, 17), just as revelation to Zechariah is in the Jerusalem temple sanctuarythe Jerusalem temple sanctuary

Child to be born would not drink wine or strong Child to be born would not drink wine or strong drink (Luke 1:15, 1 Samuel 1:9-15)drink (Luke 1:15, 1 Samuel 1:9-15)

Canticle Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) evokes Canticle Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) evokes Hannah’s canticle in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.Hannah’s canticle in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthEchoes of DanielEchoes of Daniel

The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the templeThe angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple The only previous appearance of Gabriel is in the The only previous appearance of Gabriel is in the

book of Daniel. In both:book of Daniel. In both: Appearance called a vision (Luke 1:22, six times in Daniel Appearance called a vision (Luke 1:22, six times in Daniel

9-10)9-10) Appearance comes at a time of liturgical prayer to a figure Appearance comes at a time of liturgical prayer to a figure

praying in distress (Luke 1:13; Daniel 9:20)praying in distress (Luke 1:13; Daniel 9:20) Visionary becomes afraid, told not to fear, is struck mute Visionary becomes afraid, told not to fear, is struck mute

(Luke 1:12-13, 20, 22; Daniel 10:8, 12, 15)(Luke 1:12-13, 20, 22; Daniel 10:8, 12, 15)

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthLuke’s Evocation of the Old TestamentLuke’s Evocation of the Old Testament

Parallelism between Parallelism between Zechariah-ElizabethZechariah-Elizabeth with with Abraham-Abraham-SarahSarah evokes the Books of the Law in the Hebrew Scriptures evokes the Books of the Law in the Hebrew Scriptures (The Torah or Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus…)(The Torah or Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus…)

Parallelism between Parallelism between Zechariah-ElizabethZechariah-Elizabeth with with Elkanah-Elkanah-HannahHannah evokes the Books of the Prophets in the Hebrew evokes the Books of the Prophets in the Hebrew scripturesscriptures

Echoes of Daniel evokes the last section of the Hebrew Echoes of Daniel evokes the last section of the Hebrew Scriptures in Luke’s time: the “Writings”Scriptures in Luke’s time: the “Writings” In Daniel, Gabriel interprets the “seventy weeks of years” of the end In Daniel, Gabriel interprets the “seventy weeks of years” of the end

times, when “everlasting justice will be introduced, vision and times, when “everlasting justice will be introduced, vision and prophecy will be ratified, and a Holy of Holies will be anointed.” prophecy will be ratified, and a Holy of Holies will be anointed.” (Daniel 9:24)(Daniel 9:24)

Gabriel is the final messenger of the Hebrew Scriptures, bringing the Gabriel is the final messenger of the Hebrew Scriptures, bringing the Old Testament to a closeOld Testament to a close

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthLuke’s Evocation of the Old TestamentLuke’s Evocation of the Old Testament

So like Matthew, like Luke, evokesSo like Matthew, like Luke, evokes All of the Hebrew scripturesAll of the Hebrew scriptures

TANAKN: the Jewish holy scriptures, an acronym TANAKN: the Jewish holy scriptures, an acronym based on the initial Hebrews letters of the text’s 3 main based on the initial Hebrews letters of the text’s 3 main parts: Torah, Prophets, and Writingsparts: Torah, Prophets, and Writings

the entire span of salvation history,the entire span of salvation history, of God’s dealings with God’s chosen people Israel,of God’s dealings with God’s chosen people Israel,

from Abraham and Sarah to Daniel and Gabriel (the last from Abraham and Sarah to Daniel and Gabriel (the last messenger of the Hebrew Scriptures), messenger of the Hebrew Scriptures),

as prelude to the beginning of the New as prelude to the beginning of the New Covenant, the birth of the JesusCovenant, the birth of the Jesus

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthJohn the BaptistJohn the Baptist

Luke 1-2 is the interlude, the bridge between Luke 1-2 is the interlude, the bridge between parts (1.) and (2.) of Luke’s architectonic parts (1.) and (2.) of Luke’s architectonic vision of God’ plan of salvation:vision of God’ plan of salvation: (1.) time of the Law and the Prophets (the Old (1.) time of the Law and the Prophets (the Old

Testament, the Old Covenant)Testament, the Old Covenant) (2.) time of Jesus(2.) time of Jesus

In this bridge, we have John the Baptist, a In this bridge, we have John the Baptist, a prominent figure in the time of Jesus, along prominent figure in the time of Jesus, along with characters and motifs evocative of the with characters and motifs evocative of the time of the Law and Prophets.time of the Law and Prophets.

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthJohn the BaptistJohn the Baptist

John’s description in Luke 1 is anticipatory of how he John’s description in Luke 1 is anticipatory of how he will be described later in the gospel:will be described later in the gospel: Luke 1:15a “he will be great”; Luke 1:15a “he will be great”; Luke 7:28: Jesus: Luke 7:28: Jesus:

“Among those born of women, none is greater than John”“Among those born of women, none is greater than John” Luke 1:15b “before the Lord”; Luke 1:15b “before the Lord”; Luke 7:27: “I send my Luke 7:27: “I send my

messenger before your face who will prepare your way messenger before your face who will prepare your way ahead of you.”ahead of you.”

Luke 1:15b “will drink no wine or strong drink”; Luke 1:15b “will drink no wine or strong drink”; Luke Luke 7:33 “John the Baptist has come eating no bread and 7:33 “John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine.”drinking no wine.”

Luke 1:15b “will be filled with the Holy Spirit”; Luke 1:15b “will be filled with the Holy Spirit”; Luke Luke 3:2 “The word of the God came to John…”3:2 “The word of the God came to John…”

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthBirth of John the BaptistBirth of John the Baptist

The actual birth of John the Baptist is The actual birth of John the Baptist is described only briefly, in Luke 1:57-58described only briefly, in Luke 1:57-58 The rejoicing of the neighbors on the birth of John The rejoicing of the neighbors on the birth of John

echoes the rejoicing at Sarah’s giving birth echoes the rejoicing at Sarah’s giving birth (Genesis 21:6)(Genesis 21:6)

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthNaming of John the BaptistNaming of John the Baptist

Zechariah’s insistence that the child be named Zechariah’s insistence that the child be named John, rather than following convention and John, rather than following convention and naming the child after a relative shows his naming the child after a relative shows his belief; his muteness is lifted.belief; his muteness is lifted.

Note the remarkable coincidence (?) that Note the remarkable coincidence (?) that Elizabeth also chooses the name John (Luke Elizabeth also chooses the name John (Luke 1:60), a further sign that God is at work here.1:60), a further sign that God is at work here.

Annunciation and BirthAnnunciation and BirthGrowth of John the BaptistGrowth of John the Baptist

Parallelism with Hebrew Scriptures continues Parallelism with Hebrew Scriptures continues with description of the growth of John:with description of the growth of John: Genesis 21:8 on Isaac: “The child grew up”Genesis 21:8 on Isaac: “The child grew up” 1 Samuel 2:21 on Samuel: “The child grew strong 1 Samuel 2:21 on Samuel: “The child grew strong

before the Lord.”before the Lord.” Luke 1:80 on John: “as the child grew up, he Luke 1:80 on John: “as the child grew up, he

became strong in spirit.”became strong in spirit.”

Next Week:Next Week:The Lucan The Lucan

Canticles; The Canticles; The BenedictusBenedictus