Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.   (Luke 1:57-58)

1. The 9 months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy

a) It was a time of chastisement for Zacharias

b) Zacharias remained mute throughout this period

2. The time came for their child to be delivered and Elizabeth brought forth a son

3. It was known to her neighbours and relatives that God had shown great mercy to Elizabeth

a) In taking away her reproach among people   (Luke 1:25)

b) In granting protection and strength to an older woman during her pregnancy

4. It was a joyous moment for all

THE FIRST TEST FOR ZACHARIAS – THE RITE OF CIRCUMCISION

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.   (Luke 1:59)

1. Would they obey and keep the rite of circumcision?

a) They had been described as walking in all of God’s commandments and ordinances

b) Zacharias and Elizabeth kept the sign of God’s covenant

2. They circumcised their child on the eighth day

3. They passed the first test!

THE SECOND TEST FOR ZACHARIAS – THE NAMING OF THEIR CHILD

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.   (Luke 1:59-63)

1. A group who was present was suggesting a name for the newborn child

a) They did not know what the angel Gabriel had instructed Zacharias to do

b) They resorted to tradition and what was customary to do

c) They would have called the child by the name of his father, Zacharias

2. Elizabeth responded in obedience to the angel Gabriel

a) She was decisive

b) She disagreed with this group and objected to their suggestion

c) Zacharias must have told her what Gabriel had said because she named him John

3. The group was unmoved by Elizabeth’s decision

a) Those in attendance did not ask Elizabeth to explain her choice of name for the child

b) They insisted that no one in her family was called by such a name

c) They proceeded to check with Zacharias

4. Zacharias’ firm decision

a) He asked for a writing tablet

b) He obeyed the angel now and he wrote “His name is John”

c) He was obedient to the angel Gabriel and passed the second test!

5. They marveled

a) That Zacharias agreed with his wife, Elizabeth, on the child’s name

b) They were left to wonder why they would not follow their traditions and customs

ZACHARIAS PRAISED GOD

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.   (Luke 1:64)

1. The opening of his mouth and loosening of his tongue

a) This was what the angel had told him would happen

b) He will be mute and not be able to speak until the day these things take place

2. Praise was Zacharias’ first response after being able to speak

3. Some reasons why Zacharias praised God

a) Gratitude for being healed and able to speak again

b) Deep appreciation for what he had experienced

i. An angel had appeared to him   (Luke 1:11)

ii. His prayer had been heard and answered   (Luke 1:13)

iii. He had been gifted a son in his old age   (Luke 1:13)

iv. He had been given knowledge about his newborn son   (Luke 1:15-17)

c) Zacharias did so to celebrate the personal lessons he had learned recently

d) Zacharias did so because the period of his chastisement had ended

THE RESPONSES OF THE PEOPLE

65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?”   (Luke 1:65-66a)

1. Fear

a) Fear was something all began to experience

b) A reverence for God because of the praise Zacharias directed to God

2. Discussing all these sayings

a) While some discussed, those who heard them kept the sayings in their hearts

b) They wondered what kind of child John will be

THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS WITH HIM

66 … And the hand of the Lord was with him.   (Luke 1:66b)

1. God was already involved in John’s life prior to his birth

a) John’s conception and birth had been foretold by an angel of God

b) The Lord had shown great mercy to John’s mother

2. God continued to be involved in John’s life directly

a) Filling him with the Holy Spirit even at his birth   (Luke 1:15)

b) Empowering him for ministry   (Luke 1:17)

c) The hand of God was with him