Read Luke 1:57-80
Introduction: In our first two lessons of the book of Luke we’ve seen the account about the conception of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Two cousins were the chosen mothers: Elizabeth to be the mother of John and Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Now, in this lesson, we’ll see the birth of the one who was to be the forerunner of the Messiah , Jesus Christ, as prophesized by Isaiah (Isa. 40:3-6). His name was to be John (Lk. 1:13), later referred to as John the Baptist
1. When the baby was born, to this couple, "well stricken in years" (Lk. 1: 18), their neighbors and Elizabeth's cousins heard of it and they all rejoiced. Their perception was that the "Lord had showed great mercy upon her." (Vs.57-58).
2. On the eight day, when the child was brought to be circumcised, the naming was to take place. They wanted to name him after his father. But the mother said that his name was to be JOHN. None of the relatives had that name. When the mother persisted, the father was given a sign signifying what the child should be called. The father wrote the name "JOHN" because he had been unable to speak ever since the time the angel had announce that they would have a baby, (v. 59-63). All were amazed when suddenly the father’s "tongue" was untied and he was able to speak and he "praised God" (v.64)
3. When this occurred, "fear" or great awe fell upon everyone. However, we should not wonder why anyone should not fear or have respect for the God of Heaven when such evidence of His power is displayed! The word spread throughout the country of Judah. Such was a challenge to all who heard it (v. 66) and the hand of the Lord was with him.
4. When Zacharias complied with the instruction of the angel Gabriel, he was also filled with the Holy Spirit, and "prophesied" (vs. 67-79). He "blessed be the Lord God," pointing to the fact that He had raised a :horn of salvation", a servant in the house of David, just as the prophets of old had spoken (vs. 65-72). He mentioned that God had sworn to Abraham (vs. 73-75); that He pointed to the fact that this child would go "before the face of the Lord to prepare his way" (vs. 76-79).
5. We are told that the child grew and waxed strong. He lived in the "deserts till the day of his showing to Israel." So, we see a lot of time is just mentioned without giving much detail as to what happened in the growing up of John. Next we’ll see the events surrounding the berth of Jesus, who is the Saviour of the world.
QUESTIONS:
1. How did Elizabeth’s neighbors and cousins react to the news of the new born baby?
2. What happened on the "eight day"
3. What question was asked about naming the baby "John"?
4. How did the father respond to the question about the name for the child?
5. In fact who had really decided on the baby’s name (Lk. 1:13)?
6. What happened to Zacharias when he wrote the name (vs. 63-64)?
7. What "came upon" all that dwelt around about, and how was the news received and how did they respond?
8. What did Zacharias do when he was "filled with the Holy Ghost" (v. 57)?
9. What are some of the things Zacharias said relative to God dealing with His people (vs. 68-74)?
10. What is said about the child’s calling and mission (vs. 75-79)?
11. What is said about the child’s growth and location (v. 80)?
