Luke 1:1-4

Greek Luke, compiling in Western fashion, to "Lover of God," "Friend of God". Another baby's birth gets about as much attention as the birth of Jesus.

Luke 1:5-25 Zechariah, Elizabeth and the other baby

Zechariah is a priest with pastoral functions in the faith practices of Judaism. Elizabeth, his wife, is also in the priestly line of Aaron (brother of Moses). Both are upright people, attentive to God's commands. They are also infertile and have apparently been praying for a child.

Once, while doing customary service in the temple, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah. This is in a sacred place where people don't go, and Gabriel's appearance would have startled Zechariah even if Gabriel were mortal. Being an angel (in whatever form…) Gabriel's presence caused Zechariah to be gripped with fear. (Who wouldn't be?).

The angel starts talking. First, "don't be afraid," and he call Zechariah by name. Then he says, "Your prayers have been answered." "Elizabeth will have a son," says the angel. You are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you. Many others will rejoice because of him. He'll be great in God's sight, filled with the Holy Spirit. But lest anyone accuse him of being filled with any other spirits, make sure that he never drinks alcohol. We need him to be utterly believable. He is going to lead people back to God and He will go before the Lord. In the power and spirit of the great prophet, Elijah, your John will turn people's hearts around - fathers back to their children, disobedient back toward obedience. Your John will make ready a people for the coming of the Lord.

Malachi 4:5-6 predicted this visit from an Elijah figure. "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children", etc. This is literally the last prediction of the Old Testament. Zechariah, of course, knows these scriptures well.

"What if this is a ruse? How can I be sure?" asks Zechariah.

"The good new," says Gabriel "is that I came to speak good news." "The bad news," says Gabriel "is that you'll be struck dumb until the day John is born."

Elizabeth and Mary (39-45)

Meanwhile, Gabriel the angel also visits Mary, mother of Jesus. We'll look at that story next week. But the one note I'll take from that encounter is that Mary can't wait to tell her cousin Elizabeth. Needless to say, the two compare notes, not to mention stomachs. The baby in Elizabeth's stomach leaps the moment Mary walks in.

Let me pause here and ask a question that honest people ask - especially those who weren't steeped in faith and immersed in these stories. "How do you know that this happened?"

One short answer is this: Luke, more than any other gospel writer, was on a quest for the truth. Coming at the discovery process from a uniquely western angle (a Greek and a historian and a doctor), Luke has taken pains to research the data available - stories about Jesus starting to circulate, books previously written, plus the testimony of eyewitnesses and others. Interestingly, Luke is the gospel that gives the greatest attention to accuracy and historicity, and Luke's is also the gospel that makes the most of the Christmas story. Though it is a sensational story, it is also a more credible one because it's found in Luke (not that it wouldn't be credible in other gospels, but note Luke's self-described attention to historical accuracy). Beyond that, most believe that Mary and some brothers of Christ were key figures in the early church, and obviously the keenest witnesses to the early life of Christ, and even John, their cousin.

Another Circumcision Story (57-66)

Now jump to the eighth day of baby John's life. He's circumcised on the eighth day, as was Jesus. They name him John, as the angel commanded. Zechariah's mouth miraculously is opened. Now he can speak, and starts telling the remarkable story of his son.

Zechariah's Song (68-79)

Then Zechariah breaks out in song. Who wouldn't, after being silenced for 9 months. He starts singing Louie, Louie. No, no, no. He starts singing praise to God, quoting scripture and celebrating the knowledge that his son is going to be used by God as a prophet preparing the way for the Messiah, whom Zechariah refers to as "the rising sun…come from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death." Zechariah is thrilled to be part of this big story.

John the Baptist (3:1-20, 7:18-35, Mark 1:1-8, 6:14-29, Matthew 3:13-17, John 3:22-36)

And so he should be. John's life unfolds exactly as the angel said it should. John becomes the herald of the coming King and Savior. His messages are very clear and strong.

Repent

Be baptized…ceremonial cleansing…wilderness baptisms…water and cleansing…

Be prepared to meet the Lord (Prepare the way of the Lord)

I baptize with water, but he will baptize with The Holy Spirit and fire (He will gather the wheat into his barn and burn up the chaff in an unquenchable fire) Luke 3:17

I am only the bridegroom's friend (the best man) John 3

The bride belongs to the bridegroom

He must become greater (He must increase) John 3

I must become less (I must decrease)

We find out more about John from…

"John was more that a prophet. No one ever born was greater than John…He is the Elijah who was to come. Some say "Here's a glutton and a drunkard," but he came neither eating or drinking…wisdom is proved right by her actions.

John's spirit even there…"I should be baptized by you."

John told King Herod the wrong thing - that he shouldn't marry his brother's wife. So Herod had a grudge - arrested and imprisoned John. Still, the King was afraid of John, and only had John killed when he was trapped by his own words

Lessons from John

1. Do what you were born to do. Not all of us have a life purpose that is as clearly defined as John's, but… - Find your place in the unfolding drama of God's good work, find your gift and role in the Body of Christ - We are God's workmanship
   
2. Know who you are -How does your story and giftedness shape your identity and your destiny in this life?
   
3. Know who you aren't -Are we clinging to self-perceptions that are inaccurate or life purposes that aren't substantiated in our prayer lives or confirmed in the deep places?
   
4. Christ must increase -As a focus, is Christ bigger, closer, clearer? -As people see us, do they see Jesus in ways that are bigger, closer, clearer?
5. We must decrease -The battle with self -Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
6. Repent -Still and always a good idea
7. Be baptized -Some of us have been living a common-law marriage with Christ…go through the ceremony
8. Be prepared to meet the Lord -Luke 12:32