Lesson 6: The Birth of the Greatest Prophet (Luke 1:5-25)

 THE BIRTH OF THE GREATEST PROPHET

Luke 1:5-25

The passage introduces Zechariah, a righteous priest, and his wife Elizabeth, who were childless and advanced in age. While serving in the temple, an angel appeared to Zechariah and announced that despite their old age, he and Elizabeth would have a son named John. This son would be filled with the Holy Spirit and prepare the way for the Messiah.

Zechariah initially doubted the angel's message due to their advanced age. As a consequence, he was struck mute until the prophecy's fulfillment. When Elizabeth conceived, she remained in seclusion for five months, acknowledging God's gracious act in taking away her disgrace of barrenness.

This narrative highlights several themes, including the sovereign power of God to work miracles, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the preparation for the coming of the Messiah. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience. Zechariah's doubt led to temporary punishment, while Elizabeth's acceptance brought joy and blessing.

Overall, this passage sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, who would later proclaim the coming of Jesus Christ and prepare the way for His ministry.ted the angel's message due to their advanced age, and as a consequence, he was struck mute until the prophecy's fulfillment. When Elizabeth conceived, she remained in seclusion for five months, acknowledging God's gracious act in taking away her disgrace of barrenness.

This narrative highlights several themes, including God's sovereign power to work miracles, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the preparation for the coming of the Messiah. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as Zechariah's doubt led to temporary punishment, while Elizabeth's acceptance brought joy and blessing.

Overall, this passage sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, who would later proclaim the coming of Jesus Christ and prepare the way for His ministry.

Go Back to the 400 Years of Silence. Imagine. For 400 years, Israel has been without a prophet. Someone to speak the oracles of God to them. Since Malachi, the Jews have been waiting for the return of Elijah, and in devote expectation of the Messiah. AND THEN AN APPEARANCE OF THE ANGEL GABRIEL.

1. Zechariah ("Jehovah has remembered"), a priest from the division of Abijah

2. His wife Elizabeth ("God is my Oath"), living during the time of Herod. This was the Herod the Great that ruled from 37 to 4 BC. He was half Jew (his family were Edomites), and built the temple Jesus knew in his day).

3. It was very strict and selective for Priests to marry certain women. Elizabeth came from the line of Aaron himself.

4. Zechariah's duties (priest duties divided up by David, see 1 Chron. 24). What he was doing was a once in a lifetime opportunity as a priest, and notice what vision and message he receives as a result. Wiersbe, "You have probably noticed that God often speaks to His people and calls them while they are busy doing their daily tasks. Both Moses and David were caring for sheep, and Gideon was threshing wheat. Peter and his partners were mending nets when Jesus called them. It is difficult to steer a car when the engine is not running. When we get busy, God starts to direct us."

5. Notice how the Bible describes Zechariah and Elizabeth: "And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord" (Lk. 1:6)

1:8-10 – Altar of Incense

1. The altar of incense that Zechariah was responsible for represented the prayers of the entire nation of Israel.

2. The burning of incense for a priest was a once in a lifetime opportunity

 1:13-17 - He will be called "John"

1.  Your prayer has been heard (v. 13). QUESTION: How many prayers have you offered up to the Lord, and feel as if God doesn't hear them? It's tough not getting an answer, isn’t it?

2. Joy and gladness (v. 14) - Indeed Zechariah and Elizabeth were old, and had no children. But their child would not only bring them joy, but be one of the greatest prophets to ever live. Great in the sight of the Lord (v. 15a). See John 1:6-8, John was not the light but the proclaimer of it.

3. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (v. 15b) - Nazirite vow - A vow that you see in Num. 6 (Go before the Lord in the Spirit of Elijah). Mal. 3:1 - “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.”

• Jesus acknowledged John's ministry when he quoted this passage in Matthew 11:10.

• Isaiah 40:3-5, "A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

• John will come in the spirit and power of Elijah  

• Jesus would later say in His ministry that there was no one greater than John the Baptist – Matt. 11:11

1:18-25 – Zechariah Becomes Mute

1. The angel Gabriel is mentioned twice in Daniel, reveals himself to Zechariah

2. Unbelief led to silence until John was born

3. They realized that he had seen a vision in the temple (v. 22) - When Zechariah came out of the temple, and couldn’t speak; the people knew Zechariah must have had an encounter with God.

Application:

Although the Bible describes Zechariah as a man of God, he found it incredibly hard to believe that he and his wife would have a son at their old age. It's ironic that Zechariah had more doubts about having a son at his age than his soon-to-be-son paving the way for the coming Messiah.

Are you currently believing God for miracles in your life?