Luke 1 Birth of John the Baptist

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,

- Luke is acknowledging there are other works/traditions of jesus

- Part of one of two volume set

2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you

- Luke is not an eyewitness to the story of Jesus

- Luke is gathering from eyewitnesses and traditions

-Purpose, is an orderly account of what happened … not just sayings, proverbs

- Does not mean chronological account

, most excellent Theophilus,

— Theophilus, which means God Lover, one who loves God

— the adjective most excellent can be used as a title for a ruler or leader

— then also could be read as if he’s writing to us

4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

— someone taught Theophilus

— He knows the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus

— This is to give encouragement, defense, evidence for the things that he was taught

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah.

-Prior to 4BC

- Herod was king

-Roman rule Julius Caesar, Pompeii, Mark Antony, Caesar Augustus, Cleopatra

And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

- Elizabeth was also of the line of Arron

- Ex 28:43. 43 and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.

- 1 Th 2:9–10. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

- When ever in Scripture we read about a woman who is barren..... God is about to do something

Ge 16:1–2

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram…

Ge 20:17–18 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Ge 25:21 And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Ge 29:31 When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

1 Sa 1:5–9 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke…

Is 54:1 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood,

-1 Chronicles 24:10 -  the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

- 24 month rotation

- 8 month April-May - ee-yar

he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

- chosen by chance

- Holy but the Holy of Holiees

-hour of incense morning and evening service

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

- imagine in a darken room, only lit by the flickering of a few candles

- cloud of incense surrounding Zechariah

-seeing an angel standing on the right side of the altar

- fear fell upon him, i can’t imagine what was going through Zechariah mind

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

- an angel of the Lord - God’s messengers always seem to say peace be with, do not be afraid throughout scripture

- when did Zechariah say this prayer… the text notes that he and Elizabeth were already past the age of having kids

-God directs the name being John

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

-Number 6 - Nazarite Vow — similar to Samson’s Birth

-Jdg 13:2. 2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children.

4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5 for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son.

- 2 weeks, we will come back to the Holy Spirit that the angel is say in

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will 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 for the Lord a people prepared.”

- This is how the Old Testament Ends

- Mal 4:5–6. 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

- Abraham and Sarah

- Issac and Rebekah

- Birth of Samson

19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

- Now we know the name of the Angel

-He comes before with the Authority of God

- Zechariah ---- I don’t understand why Zechariah gets punished or maybe this makes Zechariah apart of the sign --- So all may know God is at work....

21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

---- So all may know God is at work....

— without speaking, people realized something had happened.

— Zechariah doesn’t go home right away… finished his month of duty serving the temple

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

--- roughly 3-4 months until she conceived

— for five months… people didn’t know she was pregnant

— reproach — either people have said judgmental things about her or she judge herself for being barren

— I can’t imagine the joy she must of felt … how much did Zechariah communicate with her

Silent No More: The Power of Divine Announcement

Bible Passage: Luke 1:1–25

Summary: In Luke 1:1-25, we witness the miraculous announcement of John the Baptist's birth to Zechariah, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption after a long period of silence.

Application: This passage reminds Christians that even in seasons of waiting and doubt, God’s promises are still at work. It encourages us to trust in His timing and to recognize that He is preparing answers to our prayers, even when we cannot see them.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God is both faithful and powerful, capable of bringing hope out of despair. It highlights how God's silence does not equate to inactivity and that His plans do come to fruition.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows the arrival of both John the Baptist and Jesus, showing how God intricately weaves salvation history together—John as the forerunner and Jesus as the Savior, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Big Idea: God’s faithful promises always lead to powerful fulfillments, and our responses in faith prepare the way for His mighty work in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical context of Israel's silence between the Old and New Testaments using Logos. Look into the significance of angelic announcements in Scripture and how they align with theological themes of hope and expectation. Additionally, examine Zechariah's response and its implications for faith, exploring commentaries that address the nuances of his doubt and subsequent silence.

1. God's Divine Diligence

Luke 1:1-10

Perhaps you could explore how God worked during the silence. Highlighting the meticulous care God takes in setting the stage for redemption, this section reveals divine preparation even when we feel forgotten. Encourage your congregation to notice how God arranged Zechariah's priestly duties on this day, emphasizing God's timing. Connect this with our waiting periods, reinforcing that God's silence is not absence.

2. Promise of Prophetic Power

Luke 1:11-17

You could emphasize the power of God's promises through the angel Gabriel's announcement. This passage beautifully recreates the scene of reassurance and divine promise, highlighting both Zechariah's shock and the certainty of God's plan. Urge the listeners to trust in God’s promises despite their own doubts or despair. Draw connections to other biblical promises fulfilled, pointing to God's unwavering faithfulness.

3. Faithful Response Required

Luke 1:18-25

Questions from the Passage

Maybe you can reflect on the response to divine revelation. Zechariah's initial disbelief leads to temporary muteness, teaching us about the consequences of doubt but also the grace that allows for redemption. Stress that God works through our weaknesses, using Zechariah’s silence as a period of reflection and preparation. Challenge the congregation to respond in faith, paving their personal paths for God's action.

In your family, you may feel overwhelmed with daily responsibilities, leading to stress and feeling unappreciated. Take a moment to reflect on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who prayed earnestly for a child. Consider creating a family prayer jar where each member can submit their prayer requests. Set aside one night a week for a ‘family prayer night’ to pray over these requests together. This will foster gratitude and a sense of unity, reminding each family member of God’s promises, and encouraging you to stay hopeful even amidst chaos.

At work, it's easy to be consumed by deadlines and pressure, making you forget the importance of God's guidance. Just like Zechariah was reminded of God's timing through the angel, you can create a 'work prayer partner' system. Pair with a colleague to pray for each other’s tasks and challenges weekly. This will not only provide spiritual support but also help you work more joyfully, seeing your job as an opportunity to glorify God, even in stressful moments.

In public life, you may often feel uninspired or disconnected, especially in a world filled with negativity. Remember Zechariah's doubt was met with God's assurance. Consider organizing or joining a local community service project focused on helping marginalized groups in your area. Volunteer to share your faith story or support others through their struggles. This action aligns your public presence with your faith, allowing you to be a light in your community while showcasing that God is actively working through you.

If you feel your home lacks spiritual vitality, it’s time to change that. The story of Zechariah and his response to the angel's message indicates the importance of affirming God's presence. Start a family devotion time each week. Choose a passage to read aloud together, and discuss how it applies to your lives. Prioritize applying Biblical teachings to your actions throughout the week. This practice will deepen your family’s faith journey and create a spiritually nourishing environment.

When at work, facing conflict with colleagues can be incredibly draining. Just as Zechariah faced a challenging situation but ultimately chose to trust in God's plan, you too can turn to prayer in conflict. Consider setting a time to pray before meetings or difficult discussions with coworkers. Ask for wisdom, patience, and understanding, allowing God's spirit to guide the interaction. This small step can transform the atmosphere and help you navigate tensions peacefully while reflecting Christ's love in a tough environment.

Illustration Ideas

In my last home improvement project, I decided to tackle a plumbing issue. Armed with just a YouTube video and my trusty toolbox, I confidently made things worse! The water was spraying everywhere, and it took a professional to fix my mess. Just like in life, we sometimes try to fix our problems without checking the instruction manual. The Bible is our ultimate manual, guiding us when we feel like we're in over our heads!

Remember the story of Jesus and the loaves and fishes? He took what seemed impossibly small and fed thousands. Just like the little boy who shared his lunch, when we offer our humble gifts to God, He multiplies them in ways we might never imagine. It's a reminder that no contribution is too small and that God can work wonders through our willingness to share. Let's not underestimate our impact!

Once, I thought I'd impress my friends by baking a cake from scratch. I followed the recipe perfectly, but I forgot to add the baking powder. What came out of the oven was not quite what I expected – a dense pancake instead of a fluffy cake! It taught me that even small missing ingredients can change the outcome dramatically – just like how faith can be the key ingredient in the mix of our lives.

Have you ever seen those inflatable decorations that pop up for holidays? One day, my neighbor’s giant Santa deflated and ended up looking like a defeated pillow in his yard! It reminded me of how easily our spirits can deflate without proper support and maintenance. In faith, we need to be re-filled daily with God’s spirit to stand tall and shine bright in our lives, just like that Santa needs air!

There was a time I tried to eat healthy, and I bought a huge salad, thinking I’d feel like a million bucks. Days later, that salad wilted in my fridge while I turned to pizza instead. Sometimes we treat our spiritual lives like that – intending to grow but neglecting the care we need. Just as a salad requires freshness and attention, we need daily spiritual nourishment to thrive in our faith!

Application

In your family, you may feel overwhelmed with daily responsibilities, leading to stress and feeling unappreciated. Take a moment to reflect on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who prayed earnestly for a child. Consider creating a family prayer jar where each member can submit their prayer requests. Set aside one night a week for a ‘family prayer night’ to pray over these requests together. This will foster gratitude and a sense of unity, reminding each family member of God’s promises, and encouraging you to stay hopeful even amidst chaos.

At work, it's easy to be consumed by deadlines and pressure, making you forget the importance of God's guidance. Just like Zechariah was reminded of God's timing through the angel, you can create a 'work prayer partner' system. Pair with a colleague to pray for each other’s tasks and challenges weekly. This will not only provide spiritual support but also help you work more joyfully, seeing your job as an opportunity to glorify God, even in stressful moments.

In public life, you may often feel uninspired or disconnected, especially in a world filled with negativity. Remember Zechariah's doubt was met with God's assurance. Consider organizing or joining a local community service project focused on helping marginalized groups in your area. Volunteer to share your faith story or support others through their struggles. This action aligns your public presence with your faith, allowing you to be a light in your community while showcasing that God is actively working through you.

If you feel your home lacks spiritual vitality, it’s time to change that. The story of Zechariah and his response to the angel's message indicates the importance of affirming God's presence. Start a family devotion time each week. Choose a passage to read aloud together, and discuss how it applies to your lives. Prioritize applying Biblical teachings to your actions throughout the week. This practice will deepen your family’s faith journey and create a spiritually nourishing environment.

When at work, facing conflict with colleagues can be incredibly draining. Just as Zechariah faced a challenging situation but ultimately chose to trust in God's plan, you too can turn to prayer in conflict. Consider setting a time to pray before meetings or difficult discussions with coworkers. Ask for wisdom, patience, and understanding, allowing God's spirit to guide the interaction. This small step can transform the atmosphere and help you navigate tensions peacefully while reflecting Christ's love in a tough environment.