Go and Tell
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Go and Tell!
Luke 1:67-80
Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567
It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost here! Just the thought of getting hugs from
loved ones, giving gifts and breaking one’s diet to eat mountains of food makes me quiver with
excitement. As grand as these “traditions” might be they pale in comparison to the thought
that over 2,000 years ago our Savior was born and provided the means of reconciliation with a
holy God! While this truth makes one’s heart leap with overwhelming joy, one can’t help but
feel a sad that for many in this world the birth of their Savior is the furthest thing from their
minds! Despite the testimony of nature and God’s holy word for many people their
“commercial Christmas” leaves no room for giving their heart over to Jesus! While they will
ultimately be held accountable for rejecting Jesus on His birthday one can’t help but think that
those who are His ambassadors will also be held accountable for sharing the Good News that
all can be reconciled and adopted into God’s family! The following sermon is going to look at
Zechariah’s song in hope that it will challenge us to share the best gift ever given to humanity
with the world!
Story of Zechariah’s Silence
At the very beginning of Luke’s
Gospel, the reader is told of the
“extraordinary phenomena” surrounding
the birth of John the Baptist.1 The story
starts off by telling us of the piety of
John’s parents. 2 Not only was Zechariah
a priest and his wife Elizabeth the
daughter of a priest3 they both
blamelessly kept the Lord’s commands
and decrees (1:6). Despite their amazing
standing we are told they were childless.
Elizabeth’s womb was closed which was
“a sign of divine punishment and shame”
1
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI:
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 112.
2
Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 85.
3
Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 85.
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in the eyes of the Jewish people.4 Zachariah’s disgrace soon ended when God chose Him by lot
to go into the temple and burn incense (1:10), which was at best a once in a lifetime
experience.5 While in the temple the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah and told him the
good news that he and Elizabeth were going to have a child that would “bring back the people
of Israel to the Lord their God” (1:16). Zechariah did not believe the angel 6 so Gabriel punished
him by making him unable to speak or hear.7 When the baby was born Elizabeth broke with
tradition and told her relatives that his name would not be the same as a parent or
grandparent8 but would instead be called “John.” In disbelief they summoned Zechariah to
write the boy’s name and the moment he wrote “John” on his tablet9 his ears were opened,
and his tongue was freed up to speak again.10
Following Jesus, Not Culture at Christmas
While Zechariah’s nine months of
silence was most likely a divine rebuke
for his unbelief it was also an opportunity
to ponder, pray, and meditate on the
Bible so that he might reassured and
accept the miraculous birth of John.11
Despite his age and stature as a
righteous priest (1:6) the “peer pressure
and attitudes of the world” had had a
profound effect on Zachariah’s unbelief
before God.12 Even though Scripture
clearly taught that God could open any
womb,13 Zacharias chose to believe as
4
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI:
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 65.
5
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
6
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
74.
7
Walter L. Liefeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol.
8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 838.
8
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
74.
9
Walter L. Liefeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol.
8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 838.
10
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
74.
11
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
12
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
78.
13
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 65.
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the world does that such a miracle could not happen. He had nine long months of watching
Elizabeth’s belly grow in silence to not only bask in his shame of initial disbelief but also to
spiritually grow in his understanding of the awesome power of God! Because Zechariah was
not an arrogant man14 he learned that sanctification was not a “momentary” event but a
lifetime one!15 If a prestigious priest could learn more about God surely, we can as well!
Christmas is almost upon us and if we are not careful the peer pressure and customs of
this world16 will keep us lukewarm and unreceptive to proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is
our Savior. Christmas is not just about
gifts, eating and visiting friends and
relatives, nor is it about standing on the
“perceived” power and prestige17 of our
supposed spiritual maturity! Like
Zacharias we need to spend time in
silence and solitude this Christmas18 so
that we might learn to “walk where God
tells us to walk!”19 Holy living is not found
in “taking control” and doing the things
that pleases oneself but in following the
One who is in control!20 While not all of
us were called to be evangelists are not all
Christians called to go and make disciples
of all nations (Matthew 28:19) or at the very least be ready to give the reason why we have
hope in our Lord (1 Peter 3:15)? If one is concerned about what to say to the unsaved then
keep reading the rest of this sermon for the song the Holy Spirit gave to Zacharias not only tells
us of the significance of Christ’s birth but also solidifies His command to GO and tell everyone
the Good News!
14
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
74.
15
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
79.
16
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
78.
17
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
80.
18
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
19
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
78.
20
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
81.
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Do not be Afraid to Speak that God Visited Us (67-75)
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. 69 He has raised up a horn z of salvation for us in the house of his servant
David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 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.
Instead of a voice of frustration for having been silenced21 Zachariah became filled with
the Holy Spirit22 and began to prophesy23 and praise the God of Israel.24 To fulfill a promise
made to Abraham some 4,000 years
ago25 God would once again visit26 this
world like He did in the days of the
Exodus27 and deliver His people. The one
in whom great prophets like Isaiah,
Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke of28 would
empty Himself of His reputation in
heaven (Philippians 2:6-11) and be born
as the “horn of our salvation.”29 From
the line of King David30 would come
God’s only son whose divine strength31
would purchase victory not over political
21
Gavin Childress, Opening up Luke’s Gospel, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2006),
19.
22
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 115.
23
Walter L. Liefeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein,
vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 839.
24
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
25
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
26
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 116.
27
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 117.
28
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
29
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
30
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 116.
31
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
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but spiritual enemies of His people.32 Jesus conquered sin and death33 so that His people might
be freed to serve God “without fear and in holiness and righteousness.”34 With numerous
references to the Old Testament Zechariah made it abundantly clear that the “stupendous,
unrepeatable, incredible” birth of Christ not only fulfilled prophesy but was to be the song their
hearts were to sing to the world … “the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace”35 has arrived!36
From this part of Zachariah’s song we learn that Jesus did not come to earth to redeem
His people from sin and death so that they might become carnal lukewarm pretenders of the
faith but so that they might receive and
proclaim the Good News that all might
be saved! Even though we are told in
Scripture that the world will hate us for
speaking the truth concerning Christ on
His birthday (John 15:18-19) this does
not mean we should hide silently in fear
of their scorn and possible attempts at
retribution. We are to take refuge in our
rock and shield (Jesus) who has already
conquered Satan and death37 and shout
from the mountaintops “our Savior has
arrived!” Like John the Baptist our role
this Christmas is to not fear but to
embrace the opportunity to point those who are dying of a disease called sin to the
Redeemer38 that can not only save them from spiritual death but also provide every spiritual
blessing in Christ, Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 1:3)!
32
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
34
Gavin Childress, Opening up Luke’s Gospel, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2006),
19.
35
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
36
Zachariah in this song talked as if Jesus was already born.
33
37
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library
(Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
38
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The Passion to Go and Tell Everyone (76-79)
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, 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.” 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit;
and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Through the Spirit Zachariah was told that his baby boy was called by God (Malachi 3:1;
Isaiah 40:3) 39 as an agent or forerunner40 to testify to “God’s saving purpose and plan.”41 Those
living in darkness and were about to see a great Light42 and thus were to prepare their hearts43
for “repentance, contrition, and new paths of righteousness.44 The Dawn was about to rise45
whose kingship would reign46 and reveal God’s mercy to send His Son47 to conquer the cosmic
forces of evil that had enslaved and entangled His people in their sins. Using Scriptural images
of “visitation, Exodus, Jubilee, New Covenant and illumination,48 Zachariah was overwhelmed
with joy that his son John was called and set apart to preach “a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins!”49 The shoot or offspring of David, the raising Star Jesus’50 life, atonement
and resurrection would pave the way for Israel and the world (Romans 6:10) to receive the gifts
of peace51 and eternal life with God the Father in heaven! 52 Even though the world was
39
Craig A. Evans, Luke, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990), 34.
Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 97.
41
Craig A. Evans, Luke, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990), 34.
42
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
43
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
44
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
45
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 119.
46
Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996),
77.
47
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 119.
48
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids,
MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 119–120.
49
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
50
Robert H. Stein, Luke, vol. 24, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers,
1992), 101.
51
Walter L. Liefeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein,
vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 841.
52
D. A. Carson, “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA:
Faithlife, 2016), Lk 1:57–80.
40
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covered in darkness and death and John’s preaching ground was to be in a desert he was
overwhelmed with joy to say a Savior had been born!
How will you respond to the birth of your Savior this year? Will you give into the
commercial Christmas and eat mountains of food, show your love for your friends and family
by merely offering them gifts that meet no real needs and do not satisfy their true heart’s
desire?53 Christmas is almost
here and we as Christ’s
ambassadors will be held
accountable for what if anything
we say about our Lord, Savior
and King. The horn of salvation
arrived more than 2,000 years
ago to provide the cure for the
deadliest disease humanity has
ever seen54 and defeat an enemy
that is best described as a
ferocious lion. 55 Praise be that
Christ took on a human nature
to atone for our sins and destroy
this lion who held the power of
death (Hebrews 2:14-15).56 Will
you be brave and bold enough to tell others about the awesome gift of salvation that Christ
gave to you? Will you this Christmas show God how much you love Him and others by running
to the highest mountain and shouting “Jesus is not just a baby lying in a manger He is your only
way to be reconciled unto a holy God?”
53
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
55
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
56
John Piper, Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) (Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2007).
54
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