Prepare the Way of the Lord!

Luke 1:5–7 ESV

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Illustration: Personal significance and reminder that God is good!

Like Sarah, Elizabeth has advanced beyond child-bearing years. God is going to announce a child through them to fulfill a specific purpose.

Luke 1:8–13 ESV

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 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. 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.

This is familiar to us as we study Abraham.

Luke 1:14–17 ESV

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. 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.”

Purpose of John the Baptist

v14 To deliver Joy and Gladness

v15 To be filled with the Holy Spirit

v16 To turn the people of Israel back to God

v17 To make ready for the Lord a people prepared

God calls His servants from birth.

Isaac was announced to come from Sarah to establish the nation of Israel

Samuel announced from Hannah to establish the kingship of Israel

John is announced to make the people of God ready for the true King of Kings.

Samson, Jud 13 / Paul, Ga 1 / Josiah, 1 Ki 13 /

Luke 1:18–23 ESV

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.” 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.” 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.

Illustration: Christmas Charades

God conceals information so He can later reveal His power.

For Jesus’ birth: Ge 3:15 (Heel), Is 7:14 (Virgin/Immanuel), Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem), Mat 1:23 (Is 7)

For John’s birth: Mal 3:1 (Messenger), Mal 4:5-6 (Elijah)

For Jesus’ death:

Isaiah 53:4–6 ESV

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

God takes away our shame.

Luke 1:24–25 ESV

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.”

From inadequacy to worship!