Sunday: John’s Birth Foretold — Luke 1:5-25
Zechariah’s response to this announcement was one of hesitation and doubt. “And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years’” (v. 18). Zechariah’s doubt was based on his understanding of nature! He had failed to take God into account! How often we hesitate to believe for the same reason? Answer my prayer? “Well, the way things normally work out…” How wonderful that our God is not restricted to the usual, or bound by the merely natural. Our God is a God of the unusual, and the sooner we see God as He is, the more quickly our lives will be transformed.
Monday: The Announcement to Mary — Luke 1:26-38
Gabriel had another announcement to make. Some months later, he was sent to Nazareth, and there appeared to a young engaged woman named Mary. Mary was also startled and upset at the angel’s appearance and his greeting. But, reassuring Mary of God’s love, the angel told her she would have a Son. This Child would be the “Son of the Most High.” He would be of the Davidic line, and would be King over Israel, fulfilling the Old Testament Covenant promises. In this one Person, Deity and humanity would be perfectly blended. In Him, all the promises of God and all the purposes of God for humankind would be fulfilled.
Tuesday: Mary Visits Elizabeth — Luke 1:39-45
“Blessed are you among women,” (v. 42) carries the idea that Mary is the most honored of all women. Elizabeth called her the mother of my Lord. “Lord” would be more important for a Greek reader than would the term “Christ” (meaning “Messiah”), for the Gentiles had not anxiously awaited the Messiah. But the Septuagint often used the word “Lord” to translate Yahweh. Again, Elizabeth said Mary was blessed because she believed what God had told her. This suggests that Mary visited Elizabeth not with a skeptical attitude but rather joyously.
Wednesday: Song of Joy — Luke 1:45-56
Mary recited a song praising God’s favor on her and her people. “The Magnificat” consists of Old Testament allusions and quotations. She praised God for His special favor on her (vv. 46-50), calling “God my Savior” (v. 47). She also spoke of His faithfulness (v. 48), power (v. 49), holiness (v. 49), and mercy (v. 50), and praised God for His favor on Israel (vv. 51-55). Mary knew that the birth of her Son was a fulfillment of covenant promises.
Thursday: John’s Birth — Luke 1:57-66
The record of John’s birth is given in a single verse (v. 57), with friends sharing in the joy. The obedience of Zechariah and Elizabeth is especially noted, and they were careful to follow the Law with John’s circumcision. Though others objected, Elizabeth announced his name as John, which Zechariah confirmed in writing. This miraculously loosed Zechariah’s tongue, and he spoke.
Friday: Zechariah Sings — Luke 1:67-79
This psalm, known as “the Benedictus,” is filled with O.T. quotations and allusions. Zechariah expounded four ideas: an exhortation to praise God (v. 68a); God’s redemption (v. 68b); the Messiah’s work and nature (vv. 69-74); and John’s prophetic ministry (vv. 76-79). Zechariah had understood the message of the angel, so he foretold that John would be a prophet to go before the Lord, preparing the way for Him (v. 76).
Saturday: The Witness Grows — Luke 1:80
As John grew, he became strong in spirit, developing inner vitality and fortitude. His living in the desert until the time of his public appearance was unusual, but because of the special mission which John knew from an early age he would perform, he followed the role of Elijah (Luke 1:17) by living in a desolate area. In a brief period of time, John’s ministry would launch him into popularity.