In this Passage, we see the birth of John the Baptist and the faith of the people around them. The prophecy was fulfilled, just as Gabriel had said, and Zachariah was then able to speak. They were faithful to what God had asked of them. The faith and joy put on display by the people in this section is astounding, and I pray we are able to emulate this all throughout the Advent season.

Luke 1.57-64

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What exactly did the Lord promise to Elizabeth and Zachariah? How did it come true?

+ How unlikely is it for a woman of Elizabeth’s age to give birth?

+ Why were the neighbors rejoicing?

+ How were Elizabeth and Zechariah obedient?

+ What was the significance of naming the child John, instead of Zachariah?

+ At which point did Zachariah receive his voice? How does that contrast with how he received his news?

+ What was the first thing that Zachariah did when he received his voice back?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can I be obedient like Elizabeth and Zachariah?

+ Can you praise the Lord like the people of this town in this passage?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?