The Life of Christ Lesson 1 Luke’s Preface/Dedication and John’s Introduction – Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18 The Genealogy of Jesus – Matthew 1-17; Luke 3:23-38 Prophecy of Birth of John the Baptist – Luke 1:5-25 Annunciation of the birth of Jesus – Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Mary’s visit to Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-56 Birth and early life of John the Baptist – Luke 1:57-80

The Birth Of John Luke 1:57-80

Zechariah’s Prophecy Zacharias (1:68-79) Again, this is the third of five remarkable poetic statements from those involved in the beginnings of the New Testament story: Elizabeth (1:42-45) Mary (1:47-55) Zacharias (1:68-79) The angels (2:14) Simeon (2:29-32)

Zechariah’s Prophecy Glory first to God for – His “visiting” – Luke 19:41-44; Acts 7:23 His “redemption for His people” – Luke 2:38; 2:25 – cf. Luke 1:72-74 Raised up a “horn of salvation for us” – Psalms 18:1-3 “Salvation from,” “rescued from,”… “our enemies” – Matthew 13:24-39 Remembering His covenant – Psalms 105:8-14 Ability to “serve God without fear” – Hebrews 2:14-15; Romans 8:15 horn (keras) was the fighting instrument of a bull or ram. The ox would lower his head and attack with his horns, putting his entire weight behind the thrust of his head. The term stands for “strength.” It often describes the power of the king (sometimes the Messianic King) in leading the nation to victory over its enemies (see 1 Sam. 2:1,10; 1 Kings 22:11; Pss. 75:4-5, 10; 92:10; 89:17; Ezek. 29:21). In apocalyptic literature, many horns suggest great or complete power (see Dan. 7:7ff; 8:1-14; Rev. 5:6; 12:3). David identified God as the “horn of my salvation” (sōtērias). He said, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalms 18:1-3; see also 2 Sam. 22:3). God’s power to save would now be vested in His Son. This statement is reminiscent of a Psalm sung by the Israelites as they ascended Jerusalem for their feasts: “There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish” (Psalms 132:17-18).

Zechariah’s Prophecy Regarding His newborn child – Prophet of the Most High – Luke 1:32; Daniel 4:17 Prepare the ways of the Lord – Luke 1:17 Give knowledge of salvation – forgiveness “Sunrise from on high” (dawn of a new day) visits us – Malachi 4:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Matthew 4:14 horn (keras) was the fighting instrument of a bull or ram. The ox would lower his head and attack with his horns, putting his entire weight behind the thrust of his head. The term stands for “strength.” It often describes the power of the king (sometimes the Messianic King) in leading the nation to victory over its enemies (see 1 Sam. 2:1,10; 1 Kings 22:11; Pss. 75:4-5, 10; 92:10; 89:17; Ezek. 29:21). In apocalyptic literature, many horns suggest great or complete power (see Dan. 7:7ff; 8:1-14; Rev. 5:6; 12:3). David identified God as the “horn of my salvation” (sōtērias). He said, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalms 18:1-3; see also 2 Sam. 22:3). God’s power to save would now be vested in His Son. This statement is reminiscent of a Psalm sung by the Israelites as they ascended Jerusalem for their feasts: “There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish” (Psalms 132:17-18). Most High – Luke 8:28; Acts 16:17