5: The Hero of the Story (Luke 1:56-80)

This is the time of the year that often frustrates followers of Jesus - a season of the year where instead of honoring the birth of Jesus...a fat dude in a red suit gets the credit. Instead of honoring the One who came from heaven we honor the concept of a man who came from the North Pole. Sometimes Santa becomes The Hero of the Story. But that’s not just true during this season.

God has dealt with me on something recently. As I listen to others tell stories I have an urge to tell one of MINE. Instead of celebrating how God has used someone else I often find myself looking for an opportunity to share how God has used ME. In short, there are times I walk away from talking with others & I have a sense of...”I talked too much.” Somewhere between my desire to honor Jesus and sharing my real life experience I realize...I have made myself the HERO of the Story.

Have YOU ever done that? Have you ever had the perfect chance to honor Jesus but - instead - you pushed Him out of the way - and YOU became the Hero of the Story. Today we are going to see that - while God wants to use us IN the story - He deserves & desires to be the Hero of the Story.

PRAY Father, please help us to see how to better honor YOU as the Hero of the Story.

Mary stuck around for another 3 months (Luke 1:56), right up to the time when John was born.

left6350Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child...Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child...Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child...Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child...And so the baby was circumcised on the 8th day in obedience to God's command in Gen. 17:12 & Lev 12:3. We will see the same for Jesus later in the story (2:21). It was at this time that the baby was made part of the covenant people, just as Abraham had done 2000 years before (Gen. 21:4).

Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child...

Luke 1:57–59 (NIV)

Although it wasn’t an OT command, by the 1st century naming boys on the day of their circumcision was a common practice. Sometimes babies were named because of a physical characteristic (Esau ‘hairy’), a parent’s response to God’s goodness (Samuel ‘asked for’), or to honor God (Elijah ‘Yahweh is God’). Now it was time to name this little tyke & since Zechariah wasn’t able to talk...

left6350Luke 1:59 (NIV)59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah, Luke 1:59 (NIV)59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah, Luke 1:59 (NIV)59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah, Luke 1:59 (NIV)59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah, Imagine your neighbors & relatives picking out the name of YOUR child. I have often recommended Judas for a boy & Jezebel for a girl...but for some reason...no one has liked those biblical suggestions.

Luke 1:59 (NIV)

59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah,

Luke 1:59 (NIV)

59... they [neighbors & relatives] were going to name him after his father Zechariah,

The neighbors & relatives were going to name the baby after his father Zechariah.

This makes sense. Many people are named after their father. Tonya’s father name is Tony - she is named after him. But Elizabeth wasn’t down with that...

left6350Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Elizabeth & Zechariah had likely communicated about this before the birth. The baby was to be named John, as commanded by God through Gabriel to Zechariah (Luke 1:13).

Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)

60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

Luke 1:60–61 (NIV)

60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

The Hebrew name for John (Yohanan) is full of meaning - Yahweh has given grace. Luke doesn't choose to interpret this for his Gentile audience, but this is significant. Not only has God given grace to Zechariah & Elizabeth - a barren couple, but John’s life would direct people to Yahweh’s greatest proof of grace - Jesus Himself!

Maybe the people wondered if Elizabeth taking advantage of Zechariah’s silence, so they chose the frustrating task of trying to communicate with Zechariah.

left6350Luke 1:62 (NIV)62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. Luke 1:62 (NIV)62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. Luke 1:62 (NIV)62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. Luke 1:62 (NIV)62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. And now we get more insight into Zechariah’s condition. They made signs to him, so evidently he was both mute & deaf. Elizabeth couldn’t hear him & he couldn’t hear her. Married folks...does that sound like your house? Your spouse won’t talk or you have ‘selective deafness’? You might think, “That would be wonderful!” But after 9 months you would be missing the voice of your sweetie.

Luke 1:62 (NIV)

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.

Luke 1:62 (NIV)

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.

The decision is made by the head of the household, and Zechariah was about to echo Elizabeth’s words.

left6350Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)63 He asked for a writing tablet [wood tablet covered with wax] 16, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)63 He asked for a writing tablet [wood tablet covered with wax] 16, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)63 He asked for a writing tablet [wood tablet covered with wax] 16, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)63 He asked for a writing tablet [wood tablet covered with wax] 16, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. Can you imagine that moment for Zechariah & Elizabeth? For 9 months their communication was squelched. For 9 months the priest could say nothing to honor God. But the first thing Zechariah did was to begin to praise God...with his mouth!

Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)

63 He asked for a writing tablet [wood tablet covered with wax] 16, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

Luke 1:63-64 (NIV)

On a side note, can you imagine what it will be like when those who have been sick, open their eyes to wellness on the other side of eternity? Can you imagine the child born blind...opening his/her eyes in eternity & seeing the first face...of the King! Can you imagine those who have been handicapped on earth being set free when they see their King! Oh WE too will ‘begin to speak, praising God!’

Now, Zechariah will honor God with his mouth instead of questioning God with his mouth. Maybe WE should do the same! Remember, this is exactly what Gabriel said back in Luke 1:20.

left6350Luke 1:20 (NIV)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.”Luke 1:20 (NIV)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.”Luke 1:20 (NIV)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.”Luke 1:20 (NIV)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.”

Luke 1:20 (NIV)

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.”

Luke 1:20 (NIV)

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.”

This miracle had a ripple effect throughout the community and beyond.

left6350Luke 1:65-66 (NIV) 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe [literally ‘fear’ phobos], and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.Luke 1:65-66 (NIV) 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe [literally ‘fear’ phobos], and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.Luke 1:65-66 (NIV) 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe [literally ‘fear’ phobos], and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.Luke 1:65-66 (NIV) 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe [literally ‘fear’ phobos], and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.This child was a special part of God’s plan, and everyone waited to see who Yohanan (John) would become. To Theophiuls, the recipient of Dr. Luke’s writing, the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Maybe Theo already knew of John, but now the baptizer’s key role & the powerful plan of God is starting to fit together. Theophilus & other Gentiles who read this work should too, be filled with awe. The man who God had disciplined for his lack of trust, is now being greatly used to point others to God’s plan.

Luke 1:65-66 (NIV) 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe [literally ‘fear’ phobos], and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

This should not come as a surprise to us because it is the theme of the Bible. God rarely uses angels and visions to offer forgiveness to people. Instead…

BIG TRUTH God uses Forgiven People to Forgive PeopleBIG TRUTH God uses Forgiven People to Forgive PeopleBIG TRUTH God uses Forgiven People to Forgive PeopleBIG TRUTH God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

Especially when those people desire to demonstrate that Jesus is the Hero of the Story.

Let me give you a couple of examples of God using forgiven people to forgive people. In Luke’s sequel to Theophilus, called the Acts of the apostles,

(Acts 8) an Ethiopian man is reading Isaiah 53, but rather than the Spirit of God doing the work - no angel or dream - the Spirit chooses to include Phillip - tells him right where to go. Phillip approaches & explains that Is. 53 is speaking of Jesus. Phillip has been forgiven...and now explains God’s offer to forgive the Ethiopian. The man quickly responds, surrenders his life, & looks for a place to follow the command of Jesus to be baptized.

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

(Acts 10) God gives an angelic vision to Cornelius, but the angel doesn’t offer salvation or forgiveness. Instead, the angel tells Cornelius to invite Peter to his home. But why not the angel? Why the process of bringing Peter to tell about the saving work of Jesus? But Peter does come...the one who personally knew Jesus & His forgiveness. Peter shares of God’s plan to forgive people...and the whole family of Cornelius bows their knee to the King.

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

So now God uses Zechariah & Elizabeth in the same way. The baby they hold, John the baptist - will do the same. Those who have experienced God’s forgiveness, will offer it to others. And rather than use angels or visions, God will use Yohanan (John) to prepare the way of the Lord. And he will be one of our greatest examples that...

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

And like Mary’s praises to God, we now hear the first words of Zechariah as God un-mutes his servant. Listen as he rightly emphasizes who the Hero of the story really is.

left6350Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Zechariah’s first words are to honor His God who has come come to his people and redeemed them (meaning ‘buying them from bondage’). But just HOW had God come to his people?

Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Luke 1:67–68 (NIV)

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

left6350Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), In the Bible, the term ‘horn’ the strength of an animal. As an animal could lower its horns and drive away its enemies, so this horn of salvation was raised up from King David’s family. This is NOT referring to John. He wasn't from David's family...but Jesus was!

Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

Luke 1:69–70 (NIV)

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

John MacArthur notes: Zachariah “was so certain that God would do what He had promised that he spoke of redemption as if it had already taken place.”

left6350Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Speaking as the “mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit,” Zechariah was not speaking of God’s plan to bring political freedom to the Jews because they continued under the reign of the Romans for years to come. Around 70 years later the Jewish War against the Romans ended in the destruction of the temple and over 1 million Jews dead.

Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)

71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Luke 1:71–75 (NIV)

Lenski notes: “This is deliverance from our real enemies, sin, curse, damnation, all the power of the devil.”

The oath God swore to Abraham was to give him many descendants through whom ALL nations would be blessed. Of course, Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of this, and it was His coming that would enable them to serve Him without fear, to live in holiness and righteousness before him all their days.

Then the spotlight turns to Zechariah’s new son...Yohanan (John). Oh what a future lay ahead of him.

left6350Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...Zechariah’s hope for his son was not that he will rule and reign. Instead, he wanted his son to serve the Lord as the one who is worthy of praise. John would be the one Malachi 3:1 & Is. 40:3 says would prepare the way of Yahweh (Lord).

Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...

Luke 1:76–77 (NIV)

Zechariah understands that John is like the moon - having no light in and of himself - but brilliantly reflecting the glory of the Son. John was the hero of the story. He wanted to be used by God as one who pointed people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

Oh parents, is that OUR hope for OUR children? Would we pray that our children will simply reflect the glory of Jesus... the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins? As we have already seen, this is God’s plan for changing the world.

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

left6350Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” What an incredible metaphor for Jesus coming to Earth - the rising sun will come to us from heaven. This is likely based on Malachi 4:2.

Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 1:78–79 (NIV)

Jesus brings LIFE left6350Malachi 4:2 (NIV)2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.Malachi 4:2 (NIV)2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.Malachi 4:2 (NIV)2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.Malachi 4:2 (NIV)2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.& peace. This is God’s offer to His creation. And this is God’s plan to forgive man. The Son would come from heaven...and...

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)

2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)

2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

left6350Luke 1:80 (NIV)80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.Luke 1:80 (NIV)80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.Luke 1:80 (NIV)80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.Luke 1:80 (NIV)80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 1:80 (NIV)

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 1:80 (NIV)

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Have you experienced God’s forgiveness in your own life? If not...

If you HAVE experienced God’s forgiveness, then it is your great privilege to tell your story and offer that forgiveness to others.

Recently a couple that have been a part of our church has experienced the worst pain their lives. The husband sinned against God and his wife & the situation has now become public knowledge. They are broken & humble. And the first people on their house after his arrest...Jeff & Harriett Brewer. WHY? The Brewer’s marriage looked like it was going to have a crash landing over 5 years ago...But Jeff & Harriett have been restored - a fine example of marriage for us all!. And having experienced God’s incredible forgiveness - they now offer that forgiveness to others. Because...

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

BIG TRUTH

God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People

The Hero of the story used Jeff & Harriett, Zechariah & Elizabeth. The Hero of the Story used others like Mary Magdalene, Peter, Paul, & Phillip...this list goes on. God uses Forgiven People to Forgive People.

Homework

Ask God for an opportunity to share how God has forgiven you & take it! Make sure you focus on JESUS as the Hero of the story.

Could you imagine walking through the community - people chatting in a restaurant, at the grocery store, in homes, at the ball field...those who have experienced God’s forgiveness telling others about the Hero of the story.