Outline of Luke 1

1. Introduction for Theophilus
2. Zechariah’s Vision
3. Mary’s Vision
4. Mary’s Song
5. Zechariah’s Song
6. John the Baptist’s Birth

#2-5 are a “ring” or chiasm structure.

Baby Time

Both Elizabeth and Mary learn that they will become mothers.

Both receive visits from angels, heavenly messengers.

Mostly Dead

Lazarus, Mary and Martha’s brother, provided Jesus the opportunity to illustrate his power over death in advance of his crucifixion.
In John 11, we read that Jesus wept (v. 35), even though in verses 1-4 Jesus reassures us that Lazarus’ illness will not end in death. In verses 11-14, Jesus has to clear up some misunderstandings and explain that Lazarus is (temporarily) dead.
This reminds me of the following scene from The Princess Bride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GrYNaaYSjs
Because of God’s incredible love, Lazarus is only “mostly dead.”