Luke 1:5-25

Luke 1:5-25

Greatest Story Ever

I. God is completely faithful to work His plan through people; we must be encouraged that He works through the unlikeliest of people (Vv. 5-7)

a. Luke’s accurate account of the exact truth of the events and characters associated with the coming of Jesus Christ and His ministry, begins during the reign of Rome’s puppet king Herod; a time of turmoil, terror, civil unrest, and the longing for deliverance among God’s people. In the midst of this frustrating time we meet Zacharias and Elizabeth, two unassuming characters. Both were from the line of Aaron, and Zacharias a priest, both are “advanced in years”, and the couple is childless. There was no indication that they were prominent or influential. The stigma of being childless in their context, came with automatic, even if inaccurate, assumptions of sinfulness. In their younger years, prayer and pleading for a son, mixed with shame and brokenness would’ve given way in later years, to resign for their place in the world. But the most remarkable aspect of their character and the information most critical for God’s story, was that despite their life circumstances, they were both righteous in God’s sight and walked blameless in His commands. This isn’t to say that they were perfect and sinless people, but that they endeavored to live for God in all they did, always seeking to live obediently to His law and for His glory. In doing so, they would join a long line of unlikely people, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, Hannah, through whom God did amazing things in order to accomplish His good purposes. (Vv. 5-7; Gen. 21:1-3; 25:21; 29:31; 30:22-24; 1 Sam. 1:1-2:11; 1 Chron. 24:10; Ps. 113:9; 119:1-8; Luke 1:1-4; 19:10; John 9:1-3)

II. God is completely faithful to work His plan through people; we must be encouraged that He works in the unlikeliest of ways (Vv. 8-17)

a. In time it was Zacharias’ time to travel to Jerusalem to serve his priestly duties at the temple. But this rotation would be different. The priests were chosen by lot to enter the temple during either the morning or evening service, into the holy place, to clean the alter of incense and offer fresh incense during the sacrifice. Because of the large number of priests, this was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and the crowning moment of Zacharias’ life. But the lots didn’t fall to Zacharias by accident. As he worked inside the holy place, focused on his intense task, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared at the right side of the alter terrifying Zacharias, but calming his fears. God had heard his prayers for a son, and Elizabeth would bear a son who would be called John, bringing joy to their lives and others. It seemed all their prayers were answered, but there was more. It had been 400 years since the people had heard from God, but now He was picking up exactly where God left off. Their son would be the one like Elijah, a messenger sent ahead of God’s Messiah, to prepare the way, and turn the hearts of the people towards God, and towards each other through His message of repentance. He would be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb, and set apart for a singularly unique role in God’s plan! God’s plans are often unorthodox, but always far greater than we think. Are we living distinctly for God; set apart in His truth, in a way that prepares us to be used by Him for His work? (Vv. 8-17; Exod. 30:7-8; Lev. 10:9; Numb. 6:1-8; Judg. 13:4-5; 16:17; Isa. 40:3-5; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 22:36-40; John 17:17; Gal. 1:15; Eph. 3:20-21; 5:18; 1 Pet. 3:15)

III. God is completely faithful to work His plan through people; we must be encouraged that it’s not the strength of our faith that prevails, but the strength of the object of our faith (Vv. 18-25)

a. But Zacharias wasn’t a perfect human being. Not realizing God had answered his past prayers for a son and his current priestly prayers for deliverance, and being stunned in the moment, Zacharias said he need to be sure, because he and his wife were old? The Scriptures, God’s promises, and a visit from an angel wasn’t enough? So Zacharias would be mute until God’s work was accomplished as a sign, which was revealed when Zacharias made hand gestures instead of the customary pronouncement of blessing on the people when he exited the temple. Had he seen a vision? God did indeed provide a son for the couple, because God does what He says He’ll do. You can hear the joy and relief in her voice as Elizabeth praises God for removing her reproach. Zacharias’ faith wavered a bit, and he had doubts. But God blesses us for His glory and moves us to heights we can’t get to, not because of the level of our faith, but because He’s the object of our faith. (Vv. 18-25; Gen. 15:6-8; 17:17; 18:10-15; Exod. 4:1-17; Numb. 6:24-26; Judg. 6:36-40; Isa. 7:11; Dan. 8:16; 9:21-22; Luke 11:29; 16:27-31; 24:6-11, 25; John 6:30-36; 20:14-28; Acts 12:1-17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1, 6; 2 Pet. 1:19)