The Holy Spirit & Joy in Luke’s Gospel

1. The Holy Spirit & Joy in Luke’s Gospel

The Holy Spirit & Joy
in Luke’s Gospel
Strength for God’s People

2. 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).

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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…”

6. 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.