Birth of John the Baptist
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Our message today comes from the Book of Luke, “The Gentle Doctor and Apostle” as he has been referred to Chapter 1:57-76. Stay with me this morning church, we are going to be going back and forth from John the Baptist to Jesus and back again. It’s a beautiful story.
Our message today comes from the Book of Luke, “The Gentle Doctor and Apostle” as he has been referred to Chapter 1:57-76. Stay with me this morning church, we are going to be going back and forth from John the Baptist to Jesus and back again. It’s a beautiful story.
So here in the first chapter of Luke in about 28 verses we read of two MIRACLES. The first is of an “old woman” who was not able to have children but became pregnant. Second, we read of Mary, a virgin who became pregnant. I urge you all to read the book of Luke this Christmas season.
So here in the first chapter of Luke in about 28 verses we read of two MIRACLES. The first is of an “old woman” who was not able to have children but became pregnant. Second, we read of Mary, a virgin who became pregnant. I urge you all to read the book of Luke this Christmas season.
Let’s take a deeper look. Of course God will is being done here. Angels, babies, world changes etc. Im’ sure as I have read that this is all for God’s Glory, God’s will. AMEN? These Godly women, Elizabeth and Mary, were they being Blessed when God said they would have a baby through His Angel? OF COURSE THEY WERE.
Let’s take a deeper look. Of course God will is being done here. Angels, babies, world changes etc. Im’ sure as I have read that this is all for God’s Glory, God’s will. AMEN? These Godly women, Elizabeth and Mary, were they being Blessed when God said they would have a baby through His Angel? OF COURSE THEY WERE.
You see, when we are obedient to our Father, we are blessed.
You see, when we are obedient to our Father, we are blessed.
John the Baptist was one of the greatest men that ever lived. He would be like the Old Testament prophets—Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.
John the Baptist was one of the greatest men that ever lived. He would be like the Old Testament prophets—Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.
Jesus tells us in Luke 7:28 "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Zacharias was filled with praise to God for answered prayer.
Jesus tells us in Luke 7:28 "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Zacharias was filled with praise to God for answered prayer.
Let’s go back to a few other scriptures for a few minutes and read the words from God about John the Baptist.
Let’s go back to a few other scriptures for a few minutes and read the words from God about John the Baptist.
Isaiah 40:2–4 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” 3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! 4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.”
Isaiah 40:2–4 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” 3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! 4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.”
We are told to get ready, this is what John the Baptist was telling everyone, this was John’s calling, John’s ministry. The Messiah is coming.
We are told to get ready, this is what John the Baptist was telling everyone, this was John’s calling, John’s ministry. The Messiah is coming.
Jeremiah 23:5 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. (Jesus) He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.”
Jeremiah 23:5 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. (Jesus) He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.”
The Son of Elisabeth and Zechariah was born. Luke 1:57 “When it was time for Elisabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son.”
The Son of Elisabeth and Zechariah was born. Luke 1:57 “When it was time for Elisabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son.”
Are we as parents, grandparents proud to show off our babies and grand babies? YES WE ARE.
Can you imagine the joy and thankfulness from Elisabeth and Zechariah?
Are we as parents, grandparents proud to show off our babies and grand babies? YES WE ARE.
Can you imagine the joy and thankfulness from Elisabeth and Zechariah?
Verse 58 tells us: “And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.” All the friends showed their kindness to Elisabeth.
Verse 58 tells us: “And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.” All the friends showed their kindness to Elisabeth.
Are we showing kindness? What is our tone? This tone thing has been on my heart for months. Do we help others? Do we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep? Are we being “present” in the church and family situations? Do our words reflect compassion or drama?
Are we showing kindness? What is our tone? This tone thing has been on my heart for months. Do we help others? Do we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep? Are we being “present” in the church and family situations? Do our words reflect compassion or drama?
Luke 1:59–61 tells us: “59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They (They all, family, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc) wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” 61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.”
Luke 1:59–61 tells us: “59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They (They all, family, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc) wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” 61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.”
Can’t you just hear it? The arguments, the input from some that should not be there or that should have stayed silent?
Can’t you just hear it? The arguments, the input from some that should not be there or that should have stayed silent?
Zachariah's speaking was taken away because of his doubt that he and Elisabeth could have a child at their old age. Zacharias literally cannot speak. They make signs to him. (It is not known if he was deaf or not. We know only that he could not speak.)
Zachariah's speaking was taken away because of his doubt that he and Elisabeth could have a child at their old age. Zacharias literally cannot speak. They make signs to him. (It is not known if he was deaf or not. We know only that he could not speak.)
Luke 1:62–63 “62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”
Luke 1:62–63 “62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”
Well, in my book there is another miracle right there, who ever heard of a Dad being able or even asked to choose the name of their child? LOL.....Sorry.
Well, in my book there is another miracle right there, who ever heard of a Dad being able or even asked to choose the name of their child? LOL.....Sorry.
GOD IS IN THIS
GOD IS IN THIS
Luke 1:64–66 “64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. 65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.”
Luke 1:64–66 “64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. 65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.”
Zachariah's tongue is loosed,His speaking was taken away because of his doubt now he speaks and praises God. How much do we praise the Lord? Last week I preached on our degree of being thankful, Zacharia immediately began thanking and praising God for his baby boy, John. It is so easy to complain and grumble.… Let’s start praising the Lord more!
Zachariah's tongue is loosed,His speaking was taken away because of his doubt now he speaks and praises God. How much do we praise the Lord? Last week I preached on our degree of being thankful, Zacharia immediately began thanking and praising God for his baby boy, John. It is so easy to complain and grumble.… Let’s start praising the Lord more!
The people began telling their neighbors in the village of the birth, This news spreads all over the area. This brings about reverence toward God, they were talking of the miracle birth. How we need to spread Good News!
The people began telling their neighbors in the village of the birth, This news spreads all over the area. This brings about reverence toward God, they were talking of the miracle birth. How we need to spread Good News!
People begin to ask,
People begin to ask,
Luke 1:66 (NLT) “66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.”Does any of this sound familiar? Of course it does. We hear this after every birth. When God blesses us it causes people to ask questions! God’s hand would be upon John in a special way!
Luke 1:66 (NLT) “66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.”Does any of this sound familiar? Of course it does. We hear this after every birth. When God blesses us it causes people to ask questions! God’s hand would be upon John in a special way!
THE SPEAKING OF WORDS FROM GOD.
THE SPEAKING OF WORDS FROM GOD.
The Holy Spirit comes upon Zacharias and he prophecies.
The Holy Spirit comes upon Zacharias and he prophecies.
Zacharias was being obedient when he confirmed that the boy’s name was to be John.
Zacharias was being obedient when he confirmed that the boy’s name was to be John.
Luke 1:67–69 “67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: 68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,”
Luke 1:67–69 “67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: 68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,”
God is Blessing us with Protection, God is keeping His Holy promise—He told us He would save us and protect us from our enemies—our one main enemy—Satan.
God is Blessing us with Protection, God is keeping His Holy promise—He told us He would save us and protect us from our enemies—our one main enemy—Satan.
Luke 1:70–71 “70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”
Luke 1:70–71 “70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”
How aware are we of God keeping His Promises? We read throughout scripture of God making promises and keeping them.
How aware are we of God keeping His Promises? We read throughout scripture of God making promises and keeping them.
Luke 1:72–73 “72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— 73 the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.”
Luke 1:72–73 “72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— 73 the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.”
John 1:19–23 “19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!”
John 1:19–23 “19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!”
John the Baptist now has the Privilege of serving God, of “announcing” the coming of Jesus. John was born for this. Like John, We have the privilege of serving God and telling others about Jesus, His love and salvation by receiving Him into our hearts.
John the Baptist now has the Privilege of serving God, of “announcing” the coming of Jesus. John was born for this. Like John, We have the privilege of serving God and telling others about Jesus, His love and salvation by receiving Him into our hearts.
John 1:27 “Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
John 1:27 “Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
John 1:29–30 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”
John 1:29–30 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”
We have Purity through Jesus, John tells this at the River Jordan. Only Christ can make us holy and pure.
We have Purity through Jesus, John tells this at the River Jordan. Only Christ can make us holy and pure.
Can we be like John the Baptist? Well, we better be. John was telling all about the coming of the Messiah. John, a prophet will prepare the way for Christ.
Can we be like John the Baptist? Well, we better be. John was telling all about the coming of the Messiah. John, a prophet will prepare the way for Christ.
Luke 1:74–76 “74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. 76 “And you, my little son, (Zechariah referring to John) will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.”
Luke 1:74–76 “74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. 76 “And you, my little son, (Zechariah referring to John) will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.”
John 1:29–30 “29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’
John 1:29–30 “29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’
Do you see any humility here in John’s observation and words?
Do you see any humility here in John’s observation and words?
John the Baptist had a great ministry ahead of him. He would prepare the way for Christ, the promised Messiah. We too may help prepare the way for the Lord. Our lives can be a blessing in preparing people to accept Christ as Savior. John introduced Christ to the people. We too can introduce men and women to Christ.
John the Baptist had a great ministry ahead of him. He would prepare the way for Christ, the promised Messiah. We too may help prepare the way for the Lord. Our lives can be a blessing in preparing people to accept Christ as Savior. John introduced Christ to the people. We too can introduce men and women to Christ.
Next week,we begin our journey to the “MIRACLE BIRTH” birth of Jesus CHRIST
Next week,we begin our journey to the “MIRACLE BIRTH” birth of Jesus CHRIST
AMEN
AMEN