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Luke 1-2 – The Two Stories Told in Two’s
The births and childhoods of the cousins John and Jesus are told in remarkably similar fashion by Luke, and ultimately by the Holy Spirit. The question as it often is, is why?
A1 – Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth (1.5-24); A2 – Gabriel Predicts Jesus’ Birth (1.26-38)
B1 – Zechariah’s Response (1.18-24); B2 – Mary’s Response (1.34-38)
C1 – Mary’s Praise (1.46-55); C2 – Zechariah’s Prophecy (1.67-79)
D1 – Circumcision and naming of John (1.57-66); D2 – Circumcision and naming of Jesus (2.21-24)
E1 – Mary visits Elizabeth (1.39-45); E2 – Shepherds and Angels visit (2.8-20)
F1 – Simeon’s Prophetic Praise (2.25-35); F2 – Anna’s Testimony (2.36-38)
G1 – John’s Growth (1.80); G2 – Jesus’ Growth (2.39-40)
Within these stories there are far more similarities such as miraculous births, and the language used by Gabriel in addressing both Zechariah and Mary. Both are first born sons that are prophesied to serve God. So why would Luke tell this story in dichotomy form? I surmise it is to emphasize the humanity of Jesus, which is a theme of his throughout his biography. No doubt that John is a human, and telling the story with so many connections reemphasizes that Jesus is human too…and yet divine.
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