[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1
INTRODUCTION:
Luke was a physician who wrote Luke and Acts. He wrote Luke primarily for the Greeks and wrote the most detailed account of Jesus’ birth. He was concerned for individuals, women, children and emphasized on prayers, rejoicing, poverty and wealth. There are 6 miracles and 19 parables that are found only in Luke.
The gospel of Luke wrote Christ’s birth in Bethlehem to his death outside Jerusalem while the book of Acts opened in Jerusalem and ended in Rome.
Bible Verses:
“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. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 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” (Luke 1:13-15)
“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38)
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.” (Luke 1:80)
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST FORETOLD (vs. 5-25)
Zechariah was a priest whose wife was Elizabeth. Zechariah means “Jehovah has remember”, while Elizath means “My God is an oath”. Zechariah had prayed for a son and now God sent angel Gabriel to announce the good news. Zechariah could not believe it because heer wife was well long over years. As a consequence, he was dumb until his promised son was 8 days old. His wife was pregnant and the son should be called John.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD (vs. 26-38)
Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. Angel Gabriel came to announce to Mary that she will be conceived by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus. Mary submitted herself to God and said: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (v. 38).
MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (vs. 39-56)
Mary sang a song glorifying God for His mercy, mighty deeds and provision.
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (vs. 57-80)
Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. Zechariah sang a song praising God for His salvation, mercy, protection, holiness and righteousness. He thanked God for sending his son to be called a prophet of the Most High. He was to prepare the way for the Lord, to preach repentance, to shine on those living in darkness and guide them into the path of peace.
APPLICATION:
- Zechariah continued to serve the Lord despite of his disappointment for not having a son. He had the faith to keep on praying. How about you? Can you still serve God despite of unanswered prayer?
- When angel Gabriel announced his prayer being answered, Zechariah did not have the faith to accept it. He looked at his limitation rather than God’s power. May we realize that there is no limit to God’s power. For nothing is impossible to God.
- Mary’s submission may bring her sorrow and suffering but she willingly yield to it. As a result, she was called “blessed among women”. All who trusts in Christ and submit to God’s will be blessed.
- Have you ever thanked God or sang a song praising God for his greatness, mercy, power, protection and provision that you have experienced in your life?
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