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The Holy Spirit & Joy in Luke’s Gospel. Strength for God’s People. The Holy Spirit. Luke refers to the Spirit 18 times in his gospel; 58 references in Acts. Mark has 6 references; Matthew has 12. The Holy Spirit initiates each section of his gospel:
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The Holy Spirit & Joy in Luke’s Gospel Strength for God’s People
The Holy Spirit • Luke refers to the Spirit 18 times in his gospel; 58 references in Acts. • Mark has 6 references; Matthew has 12. • The Holy Spirit initiates each section of his gospel: • 1. At the beginning: The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary (1:34), Elizabeth (1:41); Zechariah (1:67), John (1:15, 80), and Simeon (2:25, 26, 27).
The Holy Spirit • 2. At the start of Jesus’ ministry: He descends on Jesus at this baptism (3:22), leads Jesus in and out of the desert (4:1, 14). Jesus says that the “Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (4:18). • 3. As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem: A series of references (10:21; 11:13; 12:10, 12). • Jesus baptizes with the holy Spirit (3:16). • Matthew mentions God gives “good gifts” to those who pray (Matt. 7:11), but Luke says God gives the Holy Spirit (11:13).
The Holy Spirit • The risen Christ promises the Holy Spirit (24:49) and fulfilled throughout the book of Acts. • The Holy Spirit is the source of the power of Jesus to work miracles. • The Holy Spirit’s presence in the life and ministry of Jesus is intended to show the same for the benefit of Christians to carry heavy loads.
Joy in Luke’s Gospel • Luke stresses the great joy around the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. • The angel promises Zechariah joy. Gladness, and rejoicing at the birth of his son (1:14, 58). • The baby John “leaps for joy” in Elizabeth’s womb (1:41-44). • Mary’s song of praise begins with “my spirit rejoices…”
Joy in Luke’s Gospel • Joy issues into praise for Zechariah (1:64, 68), Simeon (2:28), and Anna (2:38). • Jesus’ birth is “good news of great joy” (2:10). • The angels and the shepherds both respond by “praising God” (2:13, 20). • Joy is the characteristic that is to fill the believer’s life because of the work God is doing in the world. It too, is a source of strength for disciples.