Overview: Like Elizabeth and Mary before him, Zechariah recognizes that the births of John and Jesus inaugurate the central event in salvation history. Zechariah speaks prophetically about this event and its implications under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He blesses God for His faithfulness in visiting and redeeming His people, just as He had promised to David and to Abraham. By raising up a “horn of salvation” with the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s people will be recipients of God’s mercy who are saved and delivered from their enemies. God’s people will thus be able to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all their days. Zechariah also notes that his son, John, will be the forerunner to Jesus, who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people, to proclaim the forgiveness of sins, to give light to those who sit in darkness, and to guide their feet into the way of peace. As we consider Zechariah’s words this Advent season, let us take to heart God’s plan of salvation and follow the example of John the Baptist as we prepare the way for the Lord’s return.
01. Zechariah’s words lead us to bless the Lord by having our view of the world shaped by God’s Word and His work in the world.
02. Zechariah’s words lead us to bless the Lord by responding to the call of salvation so that we may serve Him without fear in this world.
03. Zechariah’s words lead us to bless the Lord by being a light in the darkness and giving knowledge of salvation to the world.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Read the section leading up to our text (Luke 1:57-66). How did the Lord show great mercy to Elizabeth through the birth of her son? Why was it important for Elizabeth and Zechariah to name the child John? What was the first thing Zechariah did when his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed?
2. Read through chapter 1 and note the frequent references to the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit do, according to this chapter? What things in this chapter would not have happened without the Holy Spirit? In what ways are you dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit in your life today?
3. What does Zechariah celebrate in verses 68-75? Can you outline the history of salvation in this passage using Abraham, David, and the birth of Jesus? Why is it important to trace the prophetic promises in the Old Testament as they relate to the birth of Christ? Put another way, how do the prophetic promises underscore the historical accuracy of Scripture, the faithfulness of God, and the sovereignty of God?
4. Using words like visited and redeemed (verse 68), mercy (verse 72), saved (verse 71), delivered (verse 74), and forgiveness (verse 77), can you outline the plan of salvation in verses 68-75? [Note: The plan of salvation is used in reference to what it means to be saved. The history of salvation is used in reference to the working out of this plan throughout the ages]. Can you also outline the Christian life using the phrase, “serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days” (verses 74b-75)?
5. Using the Gospels, trace the life of John the Baptist. What characteristics, sayings, or events stand out to you? How did his life measure up to the prophecy of Zechariah? In what ways can we live our lives as “forerunners” to Jesus in light of His return?
For Further Reading: Edmund Clowney, The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament, 2nd Edition (P&R, 2013)