Dear OBC Family,

Over these past weeks we have celebrated the birth of several children in our congregation, and this is a wonderful thing. Every child is a gift of God’s grace. As parents we pray for our children, and for what kind of people they will grow up to become.

This Sunday, we will look at a birth announcement of John the Baptist, as given from Gabriel to Zechariah in Luke 1:5-25. And this is not simply their son, but their son would grow up to be the forerunner of the Messiah. This is good news for Zechariah and Elizabeth, miraculous news, hard-to-believe news. Not only for them, but for all of God’s people as they have waited through the ages for the coming of Christ.

And it is good news for us today, as we see the faithfulness of God who keeps his promises and brings his Word to pass. This is good and wonderful news for God’s people. I invite you to read ahead and think about Luke 1:5-25 in advance of this Sunday.

I look forward to worshiping our Great God and Savior with you on this Lord’s Day!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Ben

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Discussion & Response Questions (Luke 1:5-25)

What does this text reveal to us about God?

Was Elizabeth’s barrenness God’s judgment against her? What promises are given about barrenness in the Old Covenant? How should we understand barrenness in the New Covenant today?

What does this text teach us about God’s providence?

Consider Elizabeth’s reversal from barrenness to life. Where else do we see this in Scripture? Why is this significant?

Why is Zechariah's mouth closed? Contrast this with Isaiah 6:1-7 and Mary’s faith in Luke 1:34.

How should Zechariah’s heart and words have responded to this announcement? Where else does the Scripture speak about God closing mouths?

What is the mission of their promised son? How will John be set apart, and how will he prepare the way for the coming of the Lord?

Consider how Paul picks up the idea of Luke 1:15 and contrasts drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit (Eph 5:15-20; Gal 5:14-24).

What does preparation for the second coming of our Lord look like today? (Matt 28:18-20)

How ought we to respond to this text?