December 23, 2018

 For Unto You… A Savior
December 23, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

This time of year brings a huge roll of emotions for everyone! Whether it’s gifts to buy and give, a loved one missing at the table, health crises, or a multitude of possibilities, everything seems to be magnified or take on extra anxiety at this season. Can you share what causes you stress?
We have spent much time in the Old Testament over the past few weeks, looking at prophecies that foretold the Messiah. We determined that Jesus Christ, who came to the earth as “God with us,” fulfilled all prophecies that told of a coming Savior. Today we’re going to be in Luke 1, where the scene unfolds in Jerusalem, as the story of John the Baptist is narrated.

 

Discuss:

God Visited:

  • To set the background for today’s study, someone please read Luke 1:5-25, and someone else read verses 57-66. Because this story sets the stage for the appearance of Jesus Christ, it never grows old. Someone else read our passage for today, verses 67-79.
  • What does Zechariah prophecy in verse 68a? What had he just experienced firsthand? (Who had been in his home for three months?)
  • What was the meaning of the Greek word used for visited? Read 2 Chron. 16:9a for a help as to the reality of God “visiting” man. What is His watchfulness like? Read Psa. 121:3-4. How do we know God watches us?

God Redeemed:

  • Read Luke 1:68b. What did Zechariah say God would do besides visit His people?
  • Why was He going to provide salvation for the world? What is the saying we hear often: “He paid a debt….”? Could you have done this with your child?
    Just as He Promised:
  • Read verses 69-70. Can you think of any OT scriptures we read recently that foretold Jesus’ birth? What was the first promise that gave man hope that a Savior would eventually come?
  • Read verses 71-73. In verse 71, what does God promise us? What kind of enemies do we have? Are we the target of hate in this era? How?
  • Who were the promises of the sacred covenants made to (vs. 73)? How would Jesus fulfill those?

So We Can Serve:

  • Read verses 74-75. What type of service does God have in mind for us?
  • Read Matt. 11:29-30. Does anyone have experience with a team yoked together? Who was put on the inside? If we are yoked together with Jesus, what does He promise us? If His yoke is easy, and our burden light, what type of service—yoked together with Him—does that indicate?
  • What is the best way we can serve Him?

So We Can Share:

  • Read verses 76-77. What does Zechariah say John would do? What would he tell the people?
  • John was going ahead of Jesus, preparing the hearts of the people to be receptive to salvation. How is that like the Secret Service preparing the way of our President when he is going to visit a state or city?

For the World to Have Hope:

  • Read verses 78-79. What are the final promises Zechariah expounds to those around him as he finishes his prophecy?
  • How many people this Christmas season do you know who have no hope? Do names immediately come to your mind? How can you give them the greatest hope in the world?

 

Close:

Like other stories of great people of faith in the Scripture, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is one we never tire of reading. Imagine the years they longed for a child—especially in a culture where the importance of the family was based on the number of one’s sons. In various places through the Bible we are told of barren women who felt shame or condemnation because of their childlessness. Yet had John been born earlier, he could not have been the forerunner to the Messiah. It was necessary, even during the years Elizabeth grieved for a child, that she trust God that His will was working for her good. As she and Zechariah spent three months with Mary in their home during Mary’s first trimester, pregnant with Jesus, you can imagine them sitting near the fire at night, with Mary and Elizabeth talking over and over of the visit by Gabriel to Mary. Zechariah, who knew how to write (vs 63), probably penned his own story of the angel’s visit inside the Holy of Holies. What joy and gladness they must have anticipated! Perhaps they invited others into their home, sharing their happiness.
So it is with us: we have had just as miraculous a beginning, being dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), when Jesus quickened our spirits and made us alive together with Him (Eph. 2:4-6)! What a story to share with the world, we who have been dead and now will live for eternity!

KEY VERSE: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

 

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