The Light of Salvation: Jesus' Mission to Deliver from Darkness and Death in the Synoptic Gospels (06/10/'24) -Passage

The Light of Salvation: Jesus' Mission to Deliver from Darkness and Death in the Synoptic Gospels Explanation of Luke 1:77 The verse Luke 1:77, when considering its context, actually reads: "To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins," (Luke 1:77, NIV). This verse is part of Zechariah's prophecy, also known as the Benedictus, which is found in Luke 1:68-79. The prophecy is uttered by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, upon the birth of his son. Zechariah speaks about the role of his son in preparing the way for the Lord (Jesus Christ) and highlights the coming of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. The phrase you referred to, "those living in darkness and in the shadow of death," is found in Luke 1:79: "To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Here, the verse emphasizes the mission of Jesus Christ: to bring light to those who are in spiritual darkness and under the threat of spiritual death. The "darkness" symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God, while the "shadow of death" refers to the danger and fear of eternal separation from God. Closely Related Passages in the Synoptic Gospels Matthew 4:16: "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." This verse directly parallels Luke 1:79 and is a fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2. It highlights Jesus' role as the light to those in darkness, emphasizing His mission to bring salvation and enlightenment to those who are spiritually lost. Matthew 1:21: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." This verse, part of the angel's message to Joseph, directly ties to the concept of salvation through Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, which is the core of Zechariah's prophecy in Luke 1:77. Mark 2:17: "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" Jesus explains His mission to bring healing and salvation to those who recognize their need for Him, those "sick" with sin, which aligns with the idea of bringing light to those in darkness. Luke 5:31-32: "Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'" This passage reinforces the message in Mark and highlights Jesus' mission to bring sinners (those in darkness) to repentance and salvation. Summary Luke 1:77, within its context, speaks to the mission of Jesus Christ to bring salvation and the forgiveness of sins to His people. This is further elaborated in Luke 1:79, emphasizing Jesus as the light to those in spiritual darkness and under the shadow of death. Related passages in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly Matthew 4:16, Matthew 1:21, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31-32, reinforce this message by highlighting Jesus' role in bringing salvation, light, and healing to those in spiritual darkness and need. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 10, 2024)