Getting Ready for the Savior - Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 - December 9, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Getting Ready for the Savior – December 9, 2007

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study “The Savior of Christmas.”

Our background scripture is Luke 1: 5-25, 57-80.

We are fast forwarding from last week’s lesson to the fulfillment of the prophesy GOD revealed through the Prophet Isaiah some 681 years earlier. King Herod of Judea ruled Israel from 37-4 B.C. During the later part of King Herod of Judea’s rule these events occurred.

We know that Luke was a physician and wrote the book of Luke for a believer named Theophilus. Apparently there were many versions of the history of the facts surrounding the birth and lives of John the Baptist and JESUS. Luke produced a detailed, accurate, well documented account of these facts so Theophilus would know for sure that he knew the truth about these events. I think that is so neat because the truth and certainty of these events are also important to us today.

Our lesson today centers on John the Baptist or John the Baptizer, who is to herald or announce the coming of the Messiah.

Daniel 3:4:
4 A herald loudly proclaimed, “People of every nation and language, you are commanded:

Isaiah 52:7:
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things,[4] Rm 10:15 who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

A herald would go before a king to announce his coming or a message from the king to the people. GOD would announce the coming of the KING of KINGS through a herald, John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the cousin of JESUS. Mary the mother of JESUS is the cousin of Elizabeth, the mother of John.

There are two (2) Old Testament scriptures that give prophesy regarding the herald who will announce the Messiah.

Isaiah 40:3:
3 A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness;[2] Mt 3:3; Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4; Jn 1:23 make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1:
1 “See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.[1] Isa 40:3; Mk 1:2 Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant[2] Ex 23:20; 33:2 you desire—see, He is coming,” says the Lord of • Hosts.

Let’s read Luke 1:5-13:

5 In the days of King • Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s (a BUY jah) division[3] One of the 24 divisions of priests appointed by David for temple service; 1 Ch 24:10 named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children[4] Lit child because Elizabeth could not conceive,[5] Lit Elizabeth was sterile or barren and both of them were well along in years.[6] Lit in their days 8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear.[7] Lit and fear fell on him 13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

The time is during the rule of King Herod. Zechariah is a priest from the division of Abijah (a BUY jah) and his wife Elizabeth is from the priestly blood line of Aaron. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth are descendants of Aaron. Aaron is the brother of Moses and the first high priest. Moses had protested about speaking to the Pharaoh. So GOD designated Aaron as Moses official spokesperson. This is about 1,500 B.C. GOD is using Moses and Aaron to lead HIS people out of the bondage of slavery. Now 1,500 years later through descendants of Aaron, GOD is preparing the way for mankind to be delivered from the bondage of sin and death. GOD is awesome!!!!!

Both Zechariah and Elizabeth are Godly people. This is made clear because it was a common belief that a woman was barren or could not conceive a child because of some sin in her life. So Doctor Luke is making it clear that these are Godly people. But more important is the fact that they knew how people looked upon their childless situation but they remained faithful to GOD.

They are up in age, how old we are not sure but past the time when they could conceive a child based upon common knowledge. Over the years they had prayed and asked GOD to bless them with a child. But so far no child and had likely stopped asking.

There were twenty-four (24) divisions of priests. Each division served in the temple in Jerusalem for one (1) week each, two (2) times a year. All divisions served in the temple during the peak periods of the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles.

Zechariah is one of about 18,000 priests who served in the temple during that time. The priests lived in the surrounding area and served the people in the community where they lived. But twice a year each division had to serve in the temple. The duties of the priests were determined by casting lots. The odds of a priest being selected to go into the Holy of Holies were very small. But on this day GOD chose Zechariah to be the priest to enter the Holy of Holies. This was a great honor but also a fearful duty. This was a once in a lifetime event for a priest. This was Zechariah’s day! He just didn’t know how good it would be for him until it was over.

The priest had to first confess his own sins and offer a sacrifice for his own sins and then he offered a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Then he went into the Holy of Holies. A rope was tied to the priest before they entered the Holy of Holies in case he died or was killed by GOD while he was in there. The other priests could drag his body out using the rope without having to enter the Holy of Holies. Just think we as Christians have the HOLY SPIRIT indwelling us 24/7. We can approach our FATHER any time we choose without fearing if we are acceptable to GOD. We are truly blessed because our sins have been covered by the blood of JESUS.

After Zechariah entered the Holy of Holies, he encountered an angel. It is reasonable to conclude that Zechariah was uptight about entering the Holy of Holies. When he saw the angel he was startled and overcome with fear. The angel put his mind to ease by telling Zechariah to not be afraid. The angel called him by name and immediately said his prayer has been heard. His wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son and you are to name him John. John means “GOD is gracious.”

The angel identifies Himself as Gabriel in verse 19.

Let’s read Luke 1:14-23 to see the rest that the angel Gabriel had to tell Zechariah about his son John:

14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer.[8] Nm 6:3; Jdg 13:3–5; 16:17 He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.[9] Lk 1:41,44; Isaiah 44:2 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children,[10] Mal 4:5–6 and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people. 18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”[11] Lit in her days 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, 25 “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

Let’s look at some of the highlights. Gabriel tells Zechariah that John will be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT while he is still in his mother’s womb. GOD is GOD and HE can do what HE chooses to do. HIS power is infinite. It will be a miracle for Zechariah and Elizabeth to conceive a child and for the fetus to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. Zechariah knew when Gabriel mentioned Elijah it meant the Messiah is coming and his son would proclaim HIM. But then Zechariah wanted to know how he could really know that this all was true. GOD does not like doubt. Gabriel identifies Himself and tells him if you want a sign GOD will give you a sign. You will not be able to speak until you know without a doubt that all that I have told you is true.

The people are concerned about Zechariah because he stayed so long in the sanctuary. When he comes out of the Holy of Holies, the people realize he has had an encounter. Zechariah completes his duties and goes home. Elizabeth conceives a child. She remains in seclusion for five (5) months. She rejoices in the LORD because HE has blessed her with a child. Her shame of how others look upon her has been removed. In essence she has been vindicated because it is obvious GOD has performed a miracle. She can no longer be thought of as hiding some secret sin. Zechariah, Elizabeth and others had to recall how Abraham and Sarah conceived Isaac at the ripe old age of ninety (90) years old. Had GOD considered the faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth similar to that of Abraham and Sarah? The promise GOD made to Abraham and Sarah was confirmed with the birth of Isaac. It also marked the beginning of the old covenant which was instituted as a show of faith until the Messiah came to earth. GOD was fulfilling the old covenant through the Messiah, WHO would usher in the new covenant of salvation through grace. John the Baptist would herald the coming of the Messiah and be considered as the final prophet to announce the Messiah.

Now we fast forward to the birth of the promised child.

Let’s read Luke 1:57-66:

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. 58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy,[26] Lit the Lord magnified His mercy with her and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But his mother responded, “No! He will be called John.” 61 Then they said to her, “None of your relatives has that name.” 62 So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: HIS NAME IS JOHN And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue [set free]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard about [him]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. took [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to heart, saying, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.

The birth of John was an exciting event. All friends and relatives of Zechariah and Elizabeth rejoiced with them. The naming of the child, when he was circumcised, was an important occasion. All but Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted to name the baby Zechariah. When Elizabeth said she wanted him named John, all but Zechariah questioned her. Hoping to override Elizabeth’s decision they appealed to Zechariah. When Zechariah confirmed the name of John, he began to speak; it confirmed that John was a very special boy. GOD had HIS hand upon HIM.

Let’s read Luke 1:76-79:
Zechariah’s Prophecy
67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,[27] Ps 41:13 because He has visited and provided redemption for His people. 69 He has raised up a • horn[28] 1 Sm 2:1,10; 2 Sm 22:3; Dn 7—8; Zch 1:18–21 of salvation[29] A strong Savior for us in the house of His servant David, 70 just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets in ancient times; 71 salvation from our enemies and from the clutches[30] Lit the hand of those who hate us. 72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers and remembered His holy covenant— 73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham. He has given us the privilege, 74 since we have been rescued from our enemies’ clutches,[31] Lit from the hand of enemies to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days. 76 And child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways,[32] Mal 3:1 77 to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. 78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn[33] Jr 23:5; Zch 3:8; 6:12 LXX from on high[34] Lk 24:49; Isaiah 58:8; Eph 4:8 will visit us 79 to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death,[35] Isaiah 9:2; 60:2–3 to guide our feet into the way of peace. 80 The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

These verses outline the role John the Baptist would play to prepare the way or herald the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and spoke. Some think He might have been holding John in his arms as he spoke these words. He had time to ponder his encounter with Gabriel while he was in the Holy of Holies and he also knew the scriptures which prophesied the coming of the Messiah.

Zechariah speaks about the “Horn of salvation.” King David speaks of the horn of salvation in 2 Samuel 22:1-3:

1 David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said:[1] Ps 18:2–50 The Lord is my rock, my fortress,[2] Ps 31:3; 71:3 and my deliverer, 3 my God, my mountain[3] LXX; MT reads God of my mountain; Ps 18:2 where I seek refuge. My shield, the • horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.

King David speaks of deliverance from his enemies. All mankind is faced with an enemy it cannot defeat which is death as the result of sin. Only GOD can deliver mankind from that enemy.

King David also speaks of the horn in Psalms 18:2:

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the • horn of my salvation,[2] 1 Sm 2:1,10; Lk 1:69 my stronghold.

The altar in the temple had four (4) projections called horns on which the blood of the sacrificed animals was sprinkled. A guilty person, whose offense had been discovered could go to the temple and hold onto the horn of the altar in hopes of finding mercy and forgiveness.

All mankind is guilty of sin and we seek forgiveness. GOD is sending HIS ONLY SON WHO will shed HIS blood so that all who believe will be forgiven of their sins and escape death.

Zechariah goes back to Abraham and the promise GOD made to him. John the Baptist is called the prophet of the Most High (GOD). JESUS is the Son of the Most High.

Isaiah 40:3:
3 A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness;[2] Mt 3:3; Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4; Jn 1:23 make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1:
1 “See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.[1] Isa 40:3; Mk 1:2 Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant[2] Ex 23:20; 33:2 you desire—see, He is coming,” says the Lord of • Hosts.

John the Baptist will announce the way to salvation through the promised Messiah. The old covenant will be replaced with the new covenant of salvation through the shed blood of the Messiah.

Verses 78 and 79 are awesome. They depict the Messiah, JESUS, as rescuing a person that has been traveling and night is coming upon them. Their road is very treacherous and pending disaster is every where. Light is critical. The darkest part of the night overcomes them and they are facing sure death and they need to continue their journey but at the last possible moment before certain doom a light appears that saves them from certain death. This is JESUS coming to earth when mankind is facing the darkest moment of their existence. Mankind is perishing but GOD has allowed HIS SON, the Messiah, JESUS to come to earth. HE brings the light to the lost and perishing at the last possible moment. HE is the only way to the FATHER. HE is the truth and the light.

John the Baptist grew until GOD called him to sound the alarm for the Messiah.