Primary Text: Luke 1:5-38
Memory Verse: “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17
Introduction:
The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and none would expect that Elizabeth should have any in her old age. While Zechariah was burning incense in the temple, serving in the priesthood as he did two weeks out of each year, multitudes of people were praying outside.
It was in this setting that God’s angel came to give a special birth announcement: Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a son in their old age, who would be instrumental in the conversion of many souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel (and physical manifestation) of Christ. He shall go before the Messiah with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious would be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was coming among them.
Zechariah heard all that the angel said, but as is true with every one of us at times, he spoke out in unbelief. We too often understand and speak only that which we can see with our eyes or touch with our hands. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he had objected against God’s word. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking any more distrustful, unbelieving words.
Even real believers are prone to dishonor God by unbelief; and their mouths are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. It is difficult for us to conceive of the rich grace and mercy that God bestows upon us. Often, we really must wait patiently upon God in self-imposed silence, merely trusting in His perfect goodness and awaiting the outpouring of His blessings. God is good!
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Describe the angel’s announcement to Zechariah of John the Baptist’s birth. Luke 1:5-25
- How did Zechariah respond to the angel and his announcement? Luke 1:12, 18
- What was Gabriel’s announcement to Mary? Luke 1:26-38
- What things transpired when Mary visited Elizabeth? Luke 1:39-45
- Describe the key elements in Mary’s song of joy (the “Magnificat”). Luke 1:46-56
- What important things transpired at John’s birth? Luke 1:57-66
- Describe the key elements in Zechariah’s song (the “Benedictus”). Luke 1:67-79
- What was unique about John’s formative years? Luke 1:80