Faith of Our Fathers – Donald Grey Barnhouse: A Study from Luke 1:39

Original Air Date: October 3, 2025
Featured Speaker: Donald Grey Barnhouse
Podcast Host: WDAC Radio Company

Episode Overview

This episode of Faith of Our Fathers features a classic expository message by 20th-century preacher Donald Grey Barnhouse. Centered on Luke chapter 1, verse 39, Barnhouse leads listeners through the Nativity narratives in Luke, expounding on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the doctrine of the virgin birth, the Magnificat, the birth of John the Baptist, and the historical reliability of the Gospel narratives. The powerful sermon weaves together theological insight, biblical context, and rich historical commentary to deepen the hearer's understanding of Christ’s birth and the events leading up to it.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth and Scriptural Context

• Reading: Luke 1:39–45 (00:58)

• Insight: Barnhouse emphasizes the phrase "blessed art thou among women," noting its use elsewhere in scripture, showing Mary’s special, but not unique, status.

• Quote:

  “It doesn't say, blessed art thou above women, among women. There are two other women in the Bible of whom the same thing was said…”
  — Barnhouse (01:44)

• Reflection: Mary’s psychology and natural human concerns are highlighted—particularly her fears about social dishonor. Barnhouse suggests Mary’s desire to talk to another woman is one of the "proofs that the Bible is true" because it reflects natural human behavior.
  (02:45)

2. The Magnificat and Mary’s Humanity

• Reading: Luke 1:46–56 (03:20)
• Doctrine: Barnhouse distinguishes between the doctrine of the virgin birth (which Protestants affirm) and the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (which Protestants repudiate).
• Quote:

  “Mary was a human being, a sinner who lived and who died and whose body disintegrated and went into the grave… waiting for the resurrection.”
  — Barnhouse (04:07)

• He highlights Mary’s own need for a Savior, shown in “my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior,” thereby reinforcing her humanity and need for grace.

3. Birth and Naming of John the Baptist

• Reading: Luke 1:57–80 (05:20)
• Narrative: The miraculous events surrounding John’s birth, Zechariah’s prophecy, and the reactions of the community are discussed.
• Quote:

  “And his Mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed. And he spake and praised God.”
  — Barnhouse (07:10)

• Insight: Barnhouse points out the fulfillment of promises, the joy of neighbors, and the prophetic blessing spoken by Zechariah.

4. Nativity of Jesus and Message to Shepherds

• Reading: Luke 2:1–21 (08:50)
• Historical Detail: Barnhouse explains the census under Caesar Augustus, relating the denarius to a day's wages in modern terms, making the historical context vivid for listeners.
• Quote:

  “Whatever your day's wage is, that's what it is. I suppose with today's wages for plumbers and electricians and carpenters… at least $20.”
  — Barnhouse (09:37)

• The appearance and message of the angels to the shepherds is covered, particularly the difficult translation of “peace on earth, good will toward men,” and its multiple plausible meanings in the Greek.
  (11:55)
• Faith Emphasis: The shepherds' faith is emphasized—their response was not skeptical but believing:

  “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”
  — Barnhouse (12:40)

5. Historical Credibility of Luke’s Gospel

• Transition: Luke 3:1–6 (14:00)
• Historical Verification: Barnhouse details Luke’s multiple time markers—naming rulers and key officials—to demonstrate historical accuracy.
• Illustration: He likens Luke's method to citing prominent public officials of one’s time, narrowing down the time frame precisely.
  (14:55)
• Quote:

  “So that historians can come right to this and say, we know that this happened in such a year. Exactly. And this is the way that Luke is saying…”
  — Barnhouse (15:49)

6. John’s Ministry and the Nature of Repentance

• Distinction: He clarifies that John’s baptism was not Christian baptism but a preparatory act of repentance for Jews.
• Definition of Repentance:

  “Repented, which is a Greek word for about face, the same as the military command, about face. And they turned. They had been going in one direction and they went in another.”
  — Barnhouse (17:09)

• John’s Preaching: John warns of coming judgment and calls for authentic repentance evidenced by ethical action—generosity, honesty in tax collection, and contentedness among soldiers.
  (18:00–21:00)

7. Societal and Historical Color

• Tax Collection: Barnhouse explains Roman tax farming and compares it to contemporary and historical examples, helping the listener grasp the social tension and corruption in the context of the Gospels.
  (19:55)
• Military Wages: The Latin origin of “salary” comes from “salt money”, relating to soldier’s pay.
  (21:40)

8. The Messianic Role and Unique Lineage of Jesus

• John as Forerunner: John the Baptist’s ministry as a precursor, more directly connected with the Second Coming than the First.
• Threshing Illustration: Vivid ancient imagery is used to explain the coming judgment—Jesus will "thoroughly purge his floor."
  (23:17)
• Genealogies Clarified:
  • Matthew gives Joseph’s genealogy (legal/royal line), Luke gives Mary’s (biological line).
  • Addresses the genealogical concerns regarding Messianic requirements and royal succession, showing how only Jesus could fulfill the prophecies.
  • Quote:

    “Therefore, nobody can ever be the Messiah other than Jesus.”
    — Barnhouse (26:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the humanity of Mary:

  “Mary was a human being, a sinner who lived and who died and whose body disintegrated and went into the grave.” — Barnhouse (04:09)

• Faith of the shepherds:

  “They weren't saying, we won’t believe till we see. They said, let's go and see what we believe.” — Barnhouse (12:45)

• Contextualizing the Gospel’s historicity:

  “From the historian's point of view, this is another proof of the exact veracity of the word of God.” — Barnhouse (15:54)

• On repentance:

  “Repented, which is a Greek word for about face, the same as the military command, about face. And they turned.” — Barnhouse (17:09)

• On the uniqueness of Christ:

  “Therefore, nobody can ever be the Messiah other than Jesus.” — Barnhouse (26:29)

Segment Timestamps

• Intro and Barnhouse’s Biography – 00:07
• Luke 1:39–45: Mary & Elizabeth – 00:58 to 03:19
• The Magnificat & Mary’s Confession – 03:20 to 05:19
• Birth and Naming of John the Baptist – 05:20 to 08:50
• Nativity of Jesus & Shepherds – 08:50 to 14:00
• Historical Credibility & Time Markers – 14:00 to 15:59
• John’s Ministry & Repentance Explained – 16:00 to 21:00
• Societal Context: Taxation & Soldier’s Pay – 19:55 to 21:40
• John Foretelling the Messiah’s Work – 23:00 to 24:45
• Genealogy of Jesus Clarified – 25:00 to 27:15

Tone and Language

Barnhouse’s tone is earnest, thoughtful, and pastoral with occasional wry humor and story-driven exposition. He engages listeners directly, explains theological distinctions, and uses vivid analogies to bring biblical times to life.

Summary

Donald Grey Barnhouse’s message from Luke 1 guides listeners through the interwoven themes of prophecy, divine intervention, the authenticity of Scripture, and the unique person of Christ. Scriptural readings are interspersed with contextual explanations and doctrinal clarifications, making this an edifying exploration of the Christmas narrative, the lives of Mary and John the Baptist, and Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy. Listeners are left with a deeper sense of the historical, spiritual, and personal dimensions of the Incarnation as rooted in carefully verified Gospel testimony.