#217 Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15) - Life of Christ = Week 44 - Tuesday

Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit

John 16:5-15

The Counselor’s Ministry

⁵“But now I am going away to Him who sent Me, and not one of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ⁶Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. ⁸When He comes, He will convict the world about sin^†, righteousness, and judgment: ⁹about sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; ¹¹and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

¹²“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. ¹³When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. ¹⁴He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 216–217). Holman Bible Publishers.

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• 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.

OPEN:

• How are you at saying "good-bye"? Is it harder for you to be the one leaving home, or the one left behind? Explain.

DIG:

• What are the disciples feeling now? What is their grief keeping them from understanding (John 16:17)? 
• How would you paraphrase the three goals of the Spirit's work (John 16:8-11)? Therefore, why is it good that Jesus goes away? 
• If you were a disciple, how would you feel after hearing John 16:16?

REFLECT:

• Of the various roles of the Holy Spirit described here, which one have you come to appreciate recently? 
• Has Jesus ever said things to you that you could hardly bear (John 16:12)? What happened?

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“Finding Truth”

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)

The speed of and access to information have now accelerated to unprecedented levels. Daily, there are decisions that require action and opportunities requiring wisdom (truth), and a endless source of wisdom to draw from to make these decisions and shape these actions.

God calls you to be dependent upon His direction and guidance. Romans 6:19 reminds us, “I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”

Despite God’s command to allow Him to be Lord of our lives, we tend to be gunslingers who are “quick on the draw” ready to meet any challenge or decision with little thought for God’s role or His will concerning the situation.

There are many reasons for this, but a big one and one that can reveal a spiritual need in you is a lack of familiarity with the word of God as well as a lack of experience in walking in the Spirit.

Like anything in life, the more you know and understand something, the more comfortable you are in using it.

The same is true in your walk with God. Greater time and reflection on the word of God will provide the truth you need to make decisions. God’s wisdom and His word will give shape to your life.

The more you grow in intimacy with God, the more you will understand the Spirit’s desire to “guide you into all truth” so that you will experience the fruit of walking in truth.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing

glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

God created you to experience His promises, but this happens as you cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit and learn to walk with Him in full power and truth.

Spend time in the word of God and be faithful in allowing His Spirit to lead and guide you so that you can live in truth and live at the center of God’s will.

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38)

 

#011 Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple (Matthew 1:25b; Luke 2:21-40) - Life of Christ = Week 03 - Monday

Jesus Circumcised and Named

Matthew 1:25b
Luke 2:21

The Circumcision and Naming of Jesus

Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:21

^{Lk 2:21}When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named JESUS—the name given by the angel before He was conceived.^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 19). Holman Bible Publishers.

Eight days later, at the baby's circumcision ceremony, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was even conceived.
When the time came for Mary's purification offering at the Temple, as required by the laws of Moses after the birth of a child, his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; for in these laws God had said, "If a woman's first child is a boy, he shall be dedicated to the Lord."
At that time Jesus' parents also offered their sacrifice for purification—"either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" was the legal requirement.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
•  
• 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.

Jewish families went through several ceremonies soon after a baby's birth: (1) Circumcision. Every boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day after birth (Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59-60). (2) Redemption of the firstborn. A firstborn son was presented to God one month after birth (Exodus 13:2, 11-16; Numbers 18:15-16). (3) Purification of the mother (Leviticus 12:4-8).

Jesus Presented in Temple (Jerusalem)

Luke 2:22-24

Jesus’ Presentation as an Infant in the Temple

Luke 2:22–24

²²And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem^† to present Him to the Lord ²³(just as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male will be called holy to the Lord”) ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons”).^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 19–20). Holman Bible Publishers.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What Mosaic laws are being fulfilled by the presentation (see Lev 12:1-8, Exodus 13:2, 12, 13)? How do these events foreshadow Jesus' mission?
• What does the temple ceremony reveal about the parents of Jesus: They were very poor? Religious? Proud? Dedicated? Fearful of their salvation?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
•  
• 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.

Why did Joseph and Mary have to return to the Temple? For forty days after the birth of a son and eighty days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the Temple. At the end of her time of separation, the parents were to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare her to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead. This is what Mary and Joseph did. Jesus was God's Son, but his family carried out all the specified ceremonies according to God's Law. Jesus was not born above the Law; instead, he fulfilled it perfectly. Mary and Joseph forthrightly obeyed God, fulfilling the requirements in the Law. What has God told you to do? Be obedient, be faithful.

Simeon Expresses His Joy

Luke 2:25-35

Jesus’ Presentation as an Infant in the Temple

Luke 2:25–35

²⁵There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, ²⁸Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: ²⁹“Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. ³⁰For my eyes have seen Your salvation, ³¹which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples; ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.”

³³His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed—³⁵and a sword will pierce your own soulthat the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 19–20). Holman Bible Publishers.

That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God's anointed King. The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the Law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God.
"Lord," he said, "now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!"
Joseph and Mary just stood there, marveling at what was being said about Jesus.
Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, "A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed."

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• In Simeon's two prophecies (vv. 29-32, 34-35) what was he predicting about the work of Jesus? His effect on people? The pain of his parents?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
• How has Christ brought "light" to your life? How is he still the cause of "the falling and rising" of people that you know?
• 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.

All Who Believe
The Jews were well acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of the Messiah's blessings to their nation. They did not always give equal attention to the prophecies saying that he would bring salvation to the entire world, not just the Jews (see, for example, Isaiah 49:6). In the days following the Ascension, many thought that Christ had come to save only his own people. Luke made sure his Greek audience understood that Christ had come to save all who believe, Gentiles as well as Jews. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would have a paradoxical effect on Israel. Some would fall because of him (see Isaiah 8:14-15), while others would rise (see Malachi 4:2). With Jesus there would be no neutral ground: People would either joyfully accept him or totally reject him. What have you done with Jesus?

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated to God, they met an old man who told them what their child would become. Simeon's song is often called the Nunc Dimittis because these are the first words of its Latin translation. Simeon could die in peace because he had seen the Messiah.


Anna The Prophetess
Luke 2:36-38

Jesus’ Presentation as an Infant in the Temple

Luke 2:36–38

³⁶There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with a husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. ³⁸At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 19–20). Holman Bible Publishers.

Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the Temple that day. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the Jewish tribe of Asher, and was very old, for she had been a widow for eighty-four years following seven years of marriage. She never left the Temple but stayed there night and day, worshiping God by praying and often fasting.
She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior that the Messiah had finally arrived.
When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Do you know anyone like dear old saintly Anna? 
• How does she complement Simeon's prophecy?
• What impact would these startling predictions by Simeon and Anna have on all who were listening that day? On the parents of Jesus as they returned home (vv. 33, 39)?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
• Jesus parents presented Him in the temple, how "intentional" should parents be today about their children's spirituality? How?
• 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.

Never Too Old
Although Simeon and Anna were very old, they had never lost their hope that they would see the Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, they were among the first to bear witness to Jesus. In the Jewish culture, elders were respected, so because of Simeon's and Anna's age, their prophecies carried extra weight. Our society, however, values youthfulness over wisdom, and potential contributions by the elderly are often ignored. As Christians, we should reverse those values whenever we can. Encourage older people to share their wisdom and experience. Listen carefully when they speak. Offer them your friendship and help them find ways to continue to serve God.

Did Mary and Joseph return immediately to Nazareth, or did they remain in Bethlehem for a time (as implied in Matthew 2)? Apparently there is a gap of several years between verses 38 and 39—ample time for them to find a place to live in Bethlehem, flee to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath, and return to Nazareth when it was safe to do so.

Luke 2:39, 40

Jesus and His Family Return to Nazareth

Matthew 2:19–23; Luke 2:39–40

^{Mt 2:19–21}After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, ²⁰saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, because those who sought the child’s life are dead.” ²¹So he got up, took the child and His mother, and entered the land of Israel.

²²But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee ^{Lk 2:39a}to their own town of Nazareth, ^{Mt 2:23b}to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that He will be called a Nazarene. ^{Lk 2:40}The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him.^[1]

 

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 23–24). Holman Bible Publishers.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
•  What do you learn about Mary and Joseph in this passage? About Jesus? About God?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
•  
• 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.

The Herods of the New Testament

The Herods were a dynasty of Roman rulers in Palestine during New Testament times. Four different Herods are mentioned in the Gospels:

•    Herod the Great (ruled 37 to 4 b.c.), who tried to murder the baby Jesus;

•    Herod Archelaus (ruled 4 b.c. to a.d. 6), son and successor of Herod the Great as ruler over Judea;

•    Herod Antipas (ruled 4 b.c. to a.d. 39), who executed John the Baptizer (Mark 6:17–29) and who returned Jesus for sentencing by Pilate (Luke 23:6–12); and

•    Herod Philip (ruled 4 b.c. to a.d. 33), ruler in extreme northern Galilee when Jesus began His public ministry (Luke 3:1, 19–20).

Two additional Herods mentioned in the New Testament are Herod Agrippa I (ruled a.d. 37–44), who executed James, the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:1–19); and Herod Agrippa II (ruled a.d. 50–100), before whom the apostle Paul made his defense at Caesarea (Acts 25:13–26:32)

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Dedicated to God

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“What happened next, Mary”

Luke, a middle-aged physician hired by a wealthy Roman to document the story of Jesus, sat down on a bench next to an aging Jewish woman somewhere in the Roman province of Judea.
Luke’s task was to put together the story– in order– the story of Jesus and his followers. People in Rome were talking about this Jewish Messiah but what they knew about him was in bits and pieces, stories told from Jews.
To a Roman audience the origin story was vital. All of the gods had origin stories that everyone knew. They were taught in children’s stories and referred to in literature. Where your god came from helped define the power of the god.
So it was vital, if Jesus really was the son of God, that Luke document just who this Jesus was and where he came from.
· Jupiter was the son of Saturn, who ate the rest of the children.
· Apollo is the twin of Artemis, he’s the son of Zeus and Leto, who survived despite the protests of Zeus’s wife Hera. Though Artemis was born without labor pains, Leto labored for 9 days to give birth to Apollo.
· Luna (Greek goddess Selene) was the child of the sun-god Hyperion and his sister Theia.
Everyone in Rome knew these stories. They knew where each god came from.
And if Jesus was truly the son of the Most High God of Israel, he must have an amazing and identifiable origin story.
Luke very likely had access to Mark’s written account of Jesus’ life as well as Matthew’s Gospel. And he had probably seen a few other written accounts that didn’t make it into the canon of Scripture.
True to his task, Luke was making his way around to interview as many eyewitnesses as possible to corroborate all of the stories and document what he could.
So here he was, sitting with the only surviving eyewitness to Jesus’ birth and early years.
Mary. Now in her 50s or 60s. The mother of Jesus. The woman who saw it all. The woman who bore the shame and scrutiny of giving birth to a mystery child. The woman who gave birth to Jesus in a barn. The woman who nursed Jesus from infancy and kept his circumcision wound clean. The woman who made him 10,000 breakfasts. The woman who taught him to walk and sang songs to him. The woman who oversaw him playing with his cousins, knowing all along what the boy Jesus never knew. The woman who waited 30 years for the promise of the angel to come true. The woman who watched her oldest child become a man, learn a trade, and work alongside his father, her late husband. The woman who sometimes traveled with Jesus during his ministry. The woman who rushed to Jerusalem when he was arrested. She was an eyewitness to his birth and she was an eyewitness to his crucifixion.
No doubt Luke trembled. Billions of women have given birth to sons. But only Mary gave birth to the Messiah. She was chosen. She was blessed by God as the god-bearer.
And she sat on the bench next to him.
The Sitting down with her, you can imagine, he recalled the story as he’d been told, as he’d written down. Is that all true, Mary? She nodded and he proceed.
“So what happened next, Mary. Tell me what happened after Jesus was born.”
Read Luke 2:22-40 to see what she said.

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“GROWING IN CHRIST” WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

“Available and Usable”

Luke 2:34‐35 ‐‐ "This child (Jesus) is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”

This prophecy about Jesus is a prophecy that continues today. It not only continues, but also should occur in greater proportion. John 14:12 says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

Every follower of Christ should be used by God to reveal the hearts of others. You reveal the hearts of others when the life of Jesus is reflected through you. God’s character and love should be so appealing to others that they are drawn to Him through you. In addition to living the walk, you should also be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the truths of His kingdom. God wants you to be bold in representing Christ. God wants to use your life and words through the work of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts of others to receive His truth that they too may experience the fullness of Christ’s love for them!

John 16:7‐8 says, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” God, through His Spirit, wants to use you as His vessel for drawing others to Him. Are you willing to be faithful to His legacy and available for His use? Begin each day seeking God’s opportunities and divine appointments to be used as His point person in liberating the hearts of others to receive the truth and abundance of His kingdom!

1 Peter 2:9‐10 ‐‐ “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.“


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#218 Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer (John 16:16-33) - Life of Christ = Week 44 - Tuesday

Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer

John 16:16-33

¹⁶“A little while and you will no longer see Me; again a little while and you will see Me.”

¹⁷Therefore some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this He tells us: ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸They said, “What is this He is saying, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what He’s talking about!”

¹⁹Jesus knew they wanted to question Him, so He said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’?

²⁰“I assure you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. ²¹When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. ²²So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. ^23aIn that day you will not ask Me anything.

^23b“I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. ²⁴Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

²⁵“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. ²⁷For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

²⁹“Ah!” His disciples said. “Now You’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. ³⁰Now we know that You know everything and don’t need anyone to question You. By this we believe that You came from God.”

³¹Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? ³²Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered each to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. ³³I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have suffering. But take courage! I have conquered the world.”^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 217–218). Holman Bible Publishers.

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• 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.

OPEN:

• Did your parents ever tell you about your birth experience? What was it like for them? 

DIG:

• What tones of voice do you hear in John 16:17-18? If you were there, would Jesus' answer encourage you, or confuse you more? 
• What event is Jesus referring to in John 16:20-22? In what ways does the world's "joy" (v. 20) contrast with the joy the disciples will experience (John 16:22)? How is this similar to what Jesus said about dying (John 12:24)? About peace (John 14:27)? 
• What characterizes the relationship we can have with the Father because of Jesus (John 16:23-27)? 
• Do you think the disciples truly grasp what Jesus says in John 16:28? Why?

REFLECT:

• Both Jesus and the world offer a form of peace (John 14:27; 16:33), joy (John 15:11; 16:22-24) and love (John 13:34-35; 15:9-19). How have you experienced each of these? What is different between them? 
• How do you deal with change? Moves? Job transfers? Transitions from one stage of your life to another? How has pain helped you to grow? 
• From your experience, how could you comfort someone going through change? 
• How do you desire joy? How do you experience it?

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JOY

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24

The Bible doesn’t tell us how long the lame man in Acts chapter 3 had sat begging at the Temple gate, but it was a daily occurrence. When he saw Peter and John, the odds are he wasn’t expecting anything—it was just another day, trying to survive.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Here’s what happened next: “He, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8)

There’s an important lesson here for us. God has set times for doing certain things. He has a calendar and your name is on it: “For the time to favor her [or him]… the set time, has come.” (Psalm 102:13) If we’re not spiritually attuned we can miss our set time and forfeit what God has for us.

This means we must learn to live in expectation, because God’s blessings are either coming towards us or passing us by. Miracles happen to those who believe in them, ask for them, expect them, and receive them. The enemy will try to keep us so preoccupied, cynical, and hopeless that when God sends the answer we prayed for, you won’t recognize it, reach for it, or receive it.

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23–24)

Thought of the Day: Be ready to receive.

 

I CAN HARDLY IMAGINE

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace." John 16:33

In His farewell conversation, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure through death’s door. He speaks words of comfort to them.

But the journey is worthwhile, for it has a glorious destination. The goal toward which we are striving is not anything in this world. It is not what man’s hands can build – the kind of houses people want today and already wanted in the time of Amos 3:15: “winter house,” “summer house,” “houses adorned with ivory,” “mansions.” The destination is the Father’s house of many mansions. To come face to face with our Father in heaven – that is our goal.

But it would be purposeless for Jesus to point to the destination if He didn’t also give us the direction for getting there. What road must His disciples follow to reach their destination? Jesus is specific: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.’ John 14:6 This is one of many “I am” passages in John’s Gospel, showing that Jesus equated Himself with the Lord who revealed Himself to Moses as “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14

Jesus is the Way, the only road leading to the Father, and all who believe in Him have found the way. He is the Life, the Giver of eternal life beginning here and now and reaching its fullness in heaven.

Thought of the Day: Have you thought recently about what Heaven will be like? A few years here. Eternity there. It’s going to be unbelievable.

 

PUTTING JOY ON TRIAL

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Adam and Eve lost both of their children in a single day — one was murdered, the other banished. Can you imagine the horror and pain they must have felt? How can a couple deal with that kind of deep sorrow and guilt?

Suffering has a way of putting our joy on trial. We can train our hearts to trust the character of God before we are faced with a tragedy. We can have confidence in the truth of God’s Word even when we don’t understand what He’s doing. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

Adam and Eve may have thought their sin had thwarted any chance for future joy, but God redeemed the situation in His perfect time. He blessed the couple with another son in the wake of their bereavement and brought them comfort, graciously allowing Eve to conceive again. And this experience would be different.

When she had given birth to her firstborn, Cain, Eve had said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man” (Genesis 4:1). Notice that she takes credit for herself — “I have brought forth a man” (emphasis added). However, after suffering loss — the tragedy in the garden, the death of Abel, the banishment of Cain — Eve was humble and grateful. After Seth’s birth, she was thankful: “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him” (Genesis 4:25). This time, Eve gave all the credit to the Lord. After enduring failure and the inability to control or repair life on her own, Eve acknowledged God’s kindness and mercy.

As a parent, you will face difficulties you cannot understand. You can prepare now by spending time in His presence and learning to trust His goodness, grace, and wisdom for whatever lies ahead.

Father in heaven, You are the God of creation. You form children in their mothers’ wombs. You planned every day of their lives before the foundation of the world. Today, let us, along with our children, sense the miracle of Your design. Let them know the presence of Your Spirit guiding them in the direction You have chosen. Make clear the path of preparation we need to follow. Give us wisdom and strength to trust You. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Other Resources:

https://youtu.be/LSV0auHzjrs

https://youtu.be/iS84WFGCLGQ

#004 An Angel Promises the Birth of John to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25) - Life of Christ = Week 01 - Thursday

An Angel Promises the Birth of John to Zechariah 

When the Impossible Becomes Possible

Luke 1:5-25

Announcement of the Birth of John the Baptizer

Luke 1:5–25

⁵In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division^† named Zachariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. ⁷But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

⁸When his division was on duty, and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. ¹¹An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. ¹²When Zachariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear.

¹³But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. ¹⁴There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and will never drink wine or beer. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. ¹⁶He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

¹⁸“How can I know this?” Zachariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. ²⁰Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

²¹Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zachariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. ²²When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. ²³And when the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

²⁴After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and kept herself in seclusion^† for five months. She said, ²⁵“The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”^[1]

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 7–8). Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
		The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Quick Links

• Harmony of the Gospels on Founder's Passion 
• Parallel Gospels = The Annunciation to Zacharias in the Temple
• 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.
• Synthetic Harmony of the Gospels
• Harmony of the Gospels on BlueLetterBible.org

Summary: This passage narrates the miraculous announcement of John's birth to Zechariah in the temple, highlighting God's ability to fulfill promises, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Application: This message encourages Christians to trust God in their struggles and believe that He can bring hope, healing, and answers to prayer, even when situations seem impossible or hopeless.

Teaching: The message teaches that God fulfills His promises and works through the faithful, showing that prayer and faith in difficult times are essential for experiencing God's blessings.

How this passage could point to Christ: God's promise of salvation is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who parallels John the Baptist in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah, illustrating how God’s plan unfolds through unexpected circumstances.

Big Idea: God's faithfulness is evident in our impossible situations, reminding us that He listens to our prayers and can bring about miraculous change.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this message, consider utilizing resources to explore the significance of the priestly duties described in this passage, along with a deeper understanding of the significance of angelic appearances and Old Testament prophecy fulfillment. Additionally, you might look at commentary resources addressing Zechariah’s disbelief and the implications of faith versus doubt in receiving God’s promises.

1. Faithful Despite Frustration

Luke 1:5-10

You could highlight how Zechariah and Elizabeth's faithfulness in serving God despite their struggle of childlessness set the stage for God's miraculous intervention. This encourages believers to remain faithful even when prayers seem unanswered, showing that God’s timing is perfect and His promises are unfailing.

2. Divine Declaration Delivered

Luke 1:11-17

Maybe you will emphasize the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah, illustrating the power of God's word and His ability to intervene supernaturally. This section reinforces that God not only hears our prayers but also answers them in ways beyond our comprehension, often fulfilling His plans through extraordinary means.

3. Silence and Surprise

Luke 1:18-25

Perhaps, focus on Zechariah's initial disbelief and the consequence of his muted voice, teaching that while doubt is a common human response, God's plans extend beyond our limitations. It serves as a reminder that our faith invites God’s miraculous work in our lives, transforming doubt and silence into praise and testimony.

 

Luke 1:5-25

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Topics:

#Angels

#Doubt

#Encouragement

#Evangelism

#Family: Children

#Family: Fathers

#Family: Mothers

#Fear

#Gabriel

#God: Faithfulness

#God: Presence

#Herod’s Temple

#Holy Spirit

#Incense altar

#Jerusalem

#Joy

#Marriage

#Miracles

#Obedience and Disobedience

#Power

#Prayer

#Prophecy

#Righteousness

#Vision

#Wisdom

#Worship

#Zechariah (father of John)

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• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
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John's Birth Foretold

Luke 1:5-17 

Questions

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What stands out to you about Zechariah and Elizabeth (vv. 5-7)? What feelings do you think the couple might have in light of their barrenness? How does age influence their life?
• What did the angel of the Lord tell Zacharias? (vv. 8-17) What was the significance of the task for for which Zachariah was chosen (see 1 Chronicles 23:13)? Since many priests never had the chance to go into the temple and burn incense, what might he be feeling as he prepares for it? How about when the angel appears?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life starting today?
• Does your life reflect careful obedience and high regard for God's will? (v. 6)
• Of the major characters here, Zechariah Elizabeth, John -- with whom do you identify most? Why? With whom do you identify least? Why?
• When was the last time you doubted God? What caused you doubt?
• Consider Zechariah's and Elizabeth's character (v. 6) and struggle (v. 7) When have you been obedient to God and still felt forgotten? What does this story tell you?
• John prepared the way for the Lord (v. 17) and turn the hearts of the people to God. What can we do today to turn the hearts of people to God?
• 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.

Zechariah Made Speechless
Luke 1:18-25 

Questions

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What sign did Gabriel give to Zacharias? (vv. 18-20) How would the birth of this son affect Zechariah and Elizabeth? Describe the child's mission in your own words. Why would Zechariah doubt?
• In the meantime, how were the people feeling (v. 21)? What did they think when Zechariah emerged from the temple mute?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life starting today?
• 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.

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• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
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• 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.

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The Angel Gabriel

Gabriel was an archangel, a heavenly being higher in rank than an angel. As a special messenger from God, he appeared to Daniel in the Old Testament (Dan. 8:16). Gabriel’s appearance to Zachariah and to the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26–38) was a dramatic statement from God that the Messiah would soon appear. Some interpreters believe Gabriel is the archangel whose voice will be heard when Christ appears in the clouds (1 Thess. 4:16).

My story begins with a Jewish priest, Zacharias, who lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zacharias was a member of the Abijah division of the Temple Service Corps. (His wife, Elizabeth, was, like himself, a member of the priest tribe of the Jews, a descendant of Aaron.) Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly folk, careful to obey all of God's laws in spirit as well as in letter. But they had no children, for Elizabeth was barren; and now they were both very old.
One day as Zacharias was going about his work in the Temple—for his division was on duty that week—the honor fell to him by lot to enter the inner sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. Meanwhile, a great crowd stood outside in the Temple court, praying as they always did during that part of the service when the incense was being burned.
Zacharias was in the sanctuary when suddenly an angel appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense! Zacharias was startled and terrified.
But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will both have great joy and gladness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. For he will be one of the Lord's great men. He must never touch wine or hard liquor—and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth! And he will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God. He will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children's, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith."
Zacharias said to the angel, "But this is impossible! I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years."
Then the angel said, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to you with this good news! And now, because you haven't believed me, you are to be stricken silent, unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time."
Meanwhile the crowds outside were waiting for Zacharias to appear and wondered why he was taking so long. When he finally came out, he couldn't speak to them, and they realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision in the Temple. He stayed on at the Temple for the remaining days of his Temple duties and then returned home. Soon afterwards Elizabeth his wife became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months.
"How kind the Lord is," she exclaimed, "to take away my disgrace of having no children!"

Let God Do the Impossible

While Zacharias was burning incense on the altar, he was also praying, perhaps for a son or for the coming of the Messiah. In either case, God answered his prayer. He would soon have a son, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. God answers prayer in his own way and in his own time. He worked in an "impossible" situation—Zacharias's wife was barren—to bring about the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. If you want to have your prayers answered, you must be open to what God can do in impossible situations. And you must wait for God to work in his way, in his time.

A Jewish priest was a minister of God who worked at the Temple. The priests were divided into twenty-four separate groups of about one thousand men each, according to David's directions (as described in 1 Chronicles 24:3-19). Zacharias was a member of the Abijah division, on duty this particular week. Each morning a priest was to enter the Holy Place in the Temple and burn incense. Lots were cast to decide who would enter the sacred room. One day the lot fell to Zacharias.

Faithfulness

Zacharias and Elizabeth were faithful people, yet they were suffering. At that time some Jews did not believe in a bodily resurrection, so their hope of immortality rested on their children. In addition, children would care for their elderly parents, and they added to the family's financial security and social status. Children were considered a blessing, and childlessness was seen as a curse. Zacharias and Elizabeth had been childless for many years, and at this time they were too old to expect any change in their situation. They felt humiliated and hopeless. But God was waiting for the right time to encourage them and take away their disgrace. If you are facing difficult times, remain faithful to God. One day, in this world or in the world to come, God will take away your pain and replace it with his glory and peace!

The people were waiting outside for Zacharias to come out and pronounce the customary blessing upon them as found in Numbers 6:24-26.

“GROWING IN CHRIST” WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Hearing God

Luke 1:13, 18, 20, 22 ‐‐ “But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zachariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.’ 18 Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ 20 (Angel speaking) ‘And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.’ 22 When Zechariah came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.”

God came to Zechariah through the angel Gabriel to answer his prayers of many years for the child he desired – yet he doubted and questioned God. Zechariah exhibited faith, but when God moved right before his eyes, he not only did not believe – he needed further demonstration of God’s work. Zechariah was blessed to have a further demonstration of God’s intent.

I am struck with the question of how often God comes into my life to answer prayer, to guide me, and to work wonders and I am resistant and oblivious to His presence and work. Often during my prayer times, I am convicted by the Holy Spirit of God’s work in my life. It seems so obvious under the Holy Spirit’s conviction, although I was unaware and unresponsive when it happened.

God promises His work and presence in your life. Colossians 2:9‐10 says, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the head over every power and authority.” It is a shame to desire God’s promises and then be deaf and blind to His hand in your life. Live in the presence of His glory and work so that you can experience all that God has for you. Live in the expectancy of God’s love and grace knowing that He not only lives in you, but also actively works for your good! Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

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