03: Birth of John (Luke 1:57 – 80)

When John was born, his father Zechariah praised the Lord. His praise gives important insight about God’s salvation.

👉 Read Luke 1:57 - 80

Q1. What amazed them? (from 59-66)

When they saw the birth of John in their old age, 

when they heard that the baby would be named John—a name not taken from among their relatives—

and when they saw Zechariah begin to praise after being mute, they recognized something unusual was happening.

At first, they rejoiced with her. But when they realized that Zechariah had been mute because of his unbelief, all were filled with fear. These signs showed that the Lord’s hand was with the baby.

The Lord’s coming brings both blessing and judgment. Ironically, his lack of faith—and the resulting muteness—became a witness that the Lord’s hand had appeared.

Q2. The praise of Zechariah consists of praise for God's salvation (    ~     ) and a prophecy about John's mission (     ~     ).

68, 75, 76, 79

Q3. He has raised a horn of salvation for us in the house of (                ) as he spoke through his prophets. It was to fulfill the covenant given to (              ). It is to let his people serve God without fear, having been rescued from enemies, and in (           ) and (            ).  

He has raised a horn of salvation for us in the house of ( David ) as he spoke through his prophets. It was to fulfill the covenant given to ( the father Abraham ). It is to let his people serve God without fear, having been rescued from enemies, and in ( holiness) and (righteousness   ).

The enemy of His people here can be primarily a foreign force who conquered Israel, but ultimately sin and death. Only when they are washed from sin by the blood of Jesus will they have righteousness to come to God without fear.

Q4. John will tell people that the Most High will save us through (                     ). Because of God's (           ), a light will shine upon those in darkness and without hope, to lead them to the way of (          ).

John will tell people that the Most High will save us through (forgiveness). Because of God’s (mercy), a light will shine upon those in darkness and without hope, to lead them into the way of (peace).

The way of forgiveness does not require obedience, but it does expect obedience. John offered a baptism of forgiveness.

Those who do not know God’s forgiving grace remain seated in darkness. We ought to let them know.

The Gospel of Luke portrays mercy toward the poor, the Father’s heart seeking the lost, and the gospel of peace.