John the Baptist is Born
Subtitle
Birth of John the Baptizer
Luke 1:57–66
57Now the time for Elizabeth to give birth was completed, and she bore a son. 58Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced† with her.
59When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zachariah, after his father. 60But his mother responded, “No! He will be called John.”
61Then they said to her, “None of your relatives has that name.” 62So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. 63aHe asked for a writing tablet, and wrote: “His name is John.”
63bAnd they were all amazed. 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65Fear came upon all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 66All who heard took them to heart, saying, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.[1]
[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 11). Holman Bible Publishers.
Zechariah Prophesies
Zachariah’s Song at John’s Birth
Luke 1:67–80
67Then his father Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68“Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and provided redemption for His people, 69and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of old: 71salvation from our enemies and from the clutches of those who hate us. 72He has dealt mercifully with our fathers and remembered His holy covenant—73the oath that He swore to our father Abraham. He has granted us that, 74having been rescued from our enemies’ clutches, we might serve Him without fear 75in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days. 76And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, 77to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of our God’s merciful compassion by which the Dawn from on high will visit us, 79to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80The child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of His public appearance to Israel.[1]
Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
#People =
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
#Themes =
#Topics =
PICTURE
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
VIDEO
This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources.
- Harmony of the Gospels on Founder's Passion
- Parallel Gospels = Luke's Explanation of His Own Research
- Harmony of the Four Gospels on Step Bible (After going to the site, click on resources on the top menu. Then click on Harmony of the Gospels to locate the section you want.
- Harmony of the Gospels on BlueLetterBible.org
Logos AI Sermon Summary
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Consider the harmonies of the gospel and its parallels. This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources.
Biblegateway (NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB, LEB) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
ThomasTheologyHub.org (My friend Rhys N. Thomas's Site) has lessons that focus on the character of Jesus.
Listeners Commentary (Audio Commentary)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
By now Elizabeth's waiting was over, for the time had come for the baby to be born—and it was a boy. The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives of how kind the Lord had been to her, and everyone rejoiced.
When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They all assumed the baby's name would be Zacharias, after his father.
But Elizabeth said, "No! He must be named John!"
"What?" they exclaimed. "There is no one in all your family by that name." So they asked the baby's father, talking to him by gestures.
He motioned for a piece of paper and to everyone's surprise wrote, "His name is John!" Instantly Zacharias could speak again, and he began praising God.
Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread through the Judean hills. And everyone who heard about it thought long thoughts and asked, "I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in some special way."
Questions: How did you (or would you) celebrate the birth of your first child?
Then his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
"Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to visit his people and has redeemed them. He is sending us a Mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago—someone to save us from our enemies, from all who hate us.
"He has been merciful to our ancestors, yes, to Abraham himself, by remembering his sacred promise to him, and by granting us the privilege of serving God fearlessly, freed from our enemies, and by making us holy and acceptable, ready to stand in his presence forever.
"And you, my little son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. All this will be because the mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven's dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace."
The little boy greatly loved God, and when he grew up he lived out in the lonely wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.
When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They all assumed the baby's name would be Zacharias, after his father.
But Elizabeth said, "No! He must be named John!"
"What?" they exclaimed. "There is no one in all your family by that name." So they asked the baby's father, talking to him by gestures.
He motioned for a piece of paper and to everyone's surprise wrote, "His name is John!" Instantly Zacharias could speak again, and he began praising God.
Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread through the Judean hills. And everyone who heard about it thought long thoughts and asked, "I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in some special way."
God's Family
The circumcision ceremony was an important event in the family of a Jewish baby boy. God commanded circumcision when he was beginning to form his holy nation (Genesis 17:4-14), and he reaffirmed it through Moses (Leviticus 12:1-3). This ceremony was a time of joy when friends and family members celebrated the baby's becoming part of God's covenant nation. Today there is also great joy when a baby is born, and some churches have special ceremonies to commemorate the blessed event. You were born into a human family, but to become a part of God's family, you must accept Jesus as your Savior. Are you a part of God's family?
The circumcision ceremony was an important event in the family of a Jewish baby boy. God commanded circumcision when he was beginning to form his holy nation (Genesis 17:4-14), and he reaffirmed it through Moses (Leviticus 12:1-3). This ceremony was a time of joy when friends and family members celebrated the baby's becoming part of God's covenant nation. Today there is also great joy when a baby is born, and some churches have special ceremonies to commemorate the blessed event. You were born into a human family, but to become a part of God's family, you must accept Jesus as your Savior. Are you a part of God's family?
Family lines and family names were important to the Jews. The people naturally assumed that the child would receive Zacharias's name, or at least a family name. Thus they were surprised that both Elizabeth and Zacharias wanted to name the boy John, as the angel had told them to do (see Luke 1:13).
Then his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
"Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to visit his people and has redeemed them. He is sending us a Mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago—someone to save us from our enemies, from all who hate us.
"He has been merciful to our ancestors, yes, to Abraham himself, by remembering his sacred promise to him, and by granting us the privilege of serving God fearlessly, freed from our enemies, and by making us holy and acceptable, ready to stand in his presence forever.
"And you, my little son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. All this will be because the mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven's dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace."
The little boy greatly loved God, and when he grew up he lived out in the lonely wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.
Footnotes: circumcise To cut off the foreskin. This was done to every Jewish baby boy. It was a mark of the agreement that God made with Abraham (Gen. 17:9-14).
Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.
David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.
prophet(s) People that spoke for God. Some of them wrote books that are part of the Old Testament.
fathers Important ancestors of the Jews, especially the leaders of the twelve Jewish family groups.
Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jews.
God's Power and Faithful People
Zacharias had just recalled hundreds of years of God's sovereign work in history, beginning with Abraham and going on into eternity. Then, in tender contrast, he personalized the story. His son had been chosen for a key role in the drama of the ages. Although God has unlimited power, he chooses to work through frail humans who begin as helpless babies. Don't minimize what God can do through those who are faithful to him. You may not feel as though you can do much for God, but all he requires is faith and a willing spirit. Let God do his work in and through you!
Zacharias prophesied the coming of a Savior who would redeem his people, and he predicted that his son, John, would prepare the Messiah's way. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true. The Jews were eagerly awaiting the Messiah, but they thought he would come to save them from the powerful Roman Empire. They were ready for a military Savior, but not for a peaceful Messiah who would conquer sin.
God's Power and Faithful People
Zacharias had just recalled hundreds of years of God's sovereign work in history, beginning with Abraham and going on into eternity. Then, in tender contrast, he personalized the story. His son had been chosen for a key role in the drama of the ages. Although God has unlimited power, he chooses to work through frail humans who begin as helpless babies. Don't minimize what God can do through those who are faithful to him. You may not feel as though you can do much for God, but all he requires is faith and a willing spirit. Let God do his work in and through you!
Zacharias prophesied the coming of a Savior who would redeem his people, and he predicted that his son, John, would prepare the Messiah's way. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true. The Jews were eagerly awaiting the Messiah, but they thought he would come to save them from the powerful Roman Empire. They were ready for a military Savior, but not for a peaceful Messiah who would conquer sin.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- How did John's birth fulfill the words of the angel in verses 13-17?
- How did the neighbors and relatives respond to these events? What were the neighbors and relatives of Elizabeth concerned about? How does all this begin to promote the Gospel?
- As Zechariah's neighbor, what would you think about his son?
- Make a list of the things for which Zechariah praises God. How would you summarize the prophecy of Zacharias? How does his song compare and contrast with Mary's (vv. 46-55)?
- What does it mean that Zechariah was "filled with the Holy Spirit"? Is that the same experience with the Spirit that believers experience today? Why or why not?
- What, according to this song, is the purpose of salvation? How does Zechariah's song show God's unfolding plan from the OT days to the coming of the Messiah?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
More Thought for Thought Translations (helps some with application)
- Describe a time when you, like Zechariah, took a step of faith and began speaking, praising God.
- How was the "Lord's hand" seen in John's life? In your life?
- Of the promises listed in this song, which one means the most to you? Why?
- How has God unfolded his plan of salvation in your life? Who helped prepare the way? What were some key events that led you to your commitment to Jesus?
- Write a verse of praise to God using the special events from your own spiritual journey.
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: In the Name of Jesus.
Other Resources:
- Other YouTube Videos
Articles
- Devotions
“GROWING IN CHRIST” WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Luke 1:74-75 -- “To rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”
When you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are delivered from your enemies. You are no longer under judgment by God; your place as a child of God is secured in heaven; the decay of your human body is replaced with life immortal; and the outcomes of this world are absorbed into God’s purpose for you. Psalm 119:20 “My soul is consumed with longing for Your laws at all times.”
The things of this physical world that consume your everyday life are now seen and experienced within God’s eternal perspective and the living out of His purpose in you. Matthew 6:20‐21 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Those things that create fear, anxiety, and hopelessness have been replaced with a new spirit and heart that are not only made alive, but also empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit in you!
Claim your place of freedom and walk in the freshness and love of God’s grace each day. Allow God to take those things that plague your identity in Christ and to make them a living testimony to the living Christ in you. Live without fear by trusting Him for everything – knowing that you are secure in Christ!
Philippians 1:20‐21 ‐‐ “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Luke 1:74-75 -- “To rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”
When you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are delivered from your enemies. You are no longer under judgment by God; your place as a child of God is secured in heaven; the decay of your human body is replaced with life immortal; and the outcomes of this world are absorbed into God’s purpose for you. Psalm 119:20 “My soul is consumed with longing for Your laws at all times.”
The things of this physical world that consume your everyday life are now seen and experienced within God’s eternal perspective and the living out of His purpose in you. Matthew 6:20‐21 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Those things that create fear, anxiety, and hopelessness have been replaced with a new spirit and heart that are not only made alive, but also empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit in you!
Claim your place of freedom and walk in the freshness and love of God’s grace each day. Allow God to take those things that plague your identity in Christ and to make them a living testimony to the living Christ in you. Live without fear by trusting Him for everything – knowing that you are secure in Christ!
Philippians 1:20‐21 ‐‐ “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
=============
- Links
This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources. Some will place some passages in different locations, so here are more links below.
Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for the help to make this most useful.
No comments:
Post a Comment