In each year of our ABIDE reading plan, we prepare our hearts for Easter by turning to one of the gospels. Year 3 takes us to the Gospel of Luke. From the start, Luke states the purpose of this book. His goal is that anyone who wants to know Jesus might have “certainty” concerning who He is and what He did for them. Writing as a medical doctor (Col 4:14), Luke will use a systematic approach, drawing upon careful research and eyewitness evidence in the belief that the facts will speak for themselves as we look to Christ (v 1-4). Since this is the gospel of knowing for sure, written to strengthen our faith, it’s instructive that its first episode concerns a man who needs to stop raising questions and start believing God’s promise. Zechariah was as an older priest, serving at the temple, when an angel appeared to him. “Your prayers have been answered,” Gabriel said, “Your wife Elizabeth is going to have a son, and you shall call his name John.” What wonderful news! Redemption is at hand in the coming of Jesus Christ, and God is making preparations by using the barrenness of this godly couple to display His power and grace (v 5-17). Unfortunately, after years of trials, disappointment, and unanswered prayer, Zechariah can only see the obstacles of his age and his wife’s closed womb. The result is a gracious but real discipline from the Lord. God does not condemn Zechariah, though he does experience a new trial of muteness (v 18-25). Yet even in this, God is perfecting a greater and more robust faith in Zechariah, who will soon be not just a priest, but also a prophet (v 57-80).  Gabriel’s next stop is Nazareth, where he visits an engaged virgin to deliver a message that’s even more shocking than what he said to Zechariah! Mary is told that God has set His favor upon her in a totally unique way: the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will miraculously conceive and give birth to the Son of God, who will reign forever over an eternal kingdom (v 26-33). Unlike Zechariah, Mary exhibits the childlike faith that pleases God. While Zechariah requested confirmation, unsure whether to believe the angel’s word, Mary simply wanted to know how it would happen. It was a sincere question from a trusting heart. And despite some lingering confusion and probably no small amount of fear, she responds to God’s gracious promise with humble faith: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word” (v 34-38). Surrendered to His will, Mary receives encouragement through Elizabeth, then breaks into a beautiful song of praise to the faithful God who keeps every one of His promises… with certainty! (v 39-56). For further mediation: