Luke- The Forerunner of Christ (Luke 1)

Luke- The Forerunner of Christ

Intro

- The people in Luke did not believe

- Even the witnesses that saw Christ do miracles 

- Luke was able to take us back further than any other Gospel, maybe b/c of more first hand accounts

- It was a distinct time in history

    - Herod was a brutal ruler; his people hated him

    - Herod made times tough for his people

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- Zechariah is chosen by lot to serve in the most holy place v. 8-9

    -this was a high honor to burn incense to God

- Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people before God

    -However there were without a child 

    -v. 13- they are praying for a son

    -to be childless, it was considered to be a punishment by society

        - viewed as being unrighteous b/c something was wrong with their life (not the case with these guys)

    -However Zechariah and Elizabeth still worshiped God

**This is a note worthy time for God to enter

-v.11 An angel of the Lord appears to all of them who were praying and burning incense

    - In Zechariah's case, he never would have thought to see an angel (given his circumstance with being childless)

    - He was not prepared for this, he was confused and scared (v. 12)

    - Probably thinking, is God here to Judge? scary moment

    - v. 19 the Angel is Gabriel 

    - Zechariah became "mute" ; did not talk about seeing Gabriel 

        -odd b/c wouldn't anyone want to tell this amazing story?

    - The Angel says do not be afraid, and that Zechariah's prayers will be answered! And that their child's name will be John

    - John the Baptist (v. 13-17) God is setting him apart to be great!

    - He will be filled with the Holy Spirit in his mother's womb (v. 15)

    - This is the only case in the bible for infant conversion (child is saved)

    -First thing John is going to do, illicit repentance (v. 16)

- Now a days- we preach repentance!

    -This started with John, right here! pretty cool

    - v. 17 This will start the passing on of repentance to the fathers of children once again

        -all this was not happening in Israel in this time

        -John was going to prepare these peoples' hearts for the Lord (v. 17)

- v. 20 Gabriel says I am to speak to you and you will say nothing

    - Now we know why he remained mute 

    - The people in the temple would not have believed Zechariah so the Lord made him mute

-v. 80 John lived in the desert for many years until he was ready to spread the good news

*** Today's worship song! Whom Chall I Fear? - Chris Tomlin (Click Here)