Lesson 1.2
The Birth of Jesus
Objectives: Summarize truths found in Gabriel’s visits to Zechariah and Mary
Gabriel's Heavenly Announcements
After four hundred years of silence, God sent angel Gabriel to visit Zechariah and Mary. Neither of the humans seemed a typical choice for such a revelation, yet each would playa key role in God's unfolding plan of salvation. God revealed to them the coming births of Christ and His forerunner, John the Baptist. For Christians today, what can be learned from Gabriel's messages to Zechariah and Mary?
God's Message to Zechariah
The last verses of the Old Testament prophesy that someone will come in the spirit of Elijah: "See, I will send you the prophet-Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes" (Malachi 4:5). Elijah, a prophet with a powerful ministry of judgment and repentance, preceded Elisha, one who was even greater. So another person like Elijah would be sent to prepare God's people for the coming of Christ. After four centuries of waiting, it was finally time for this second Elijah's coming.
Many Jews had given up on this promise, but Zechariah and others clung faithfully to it. Still, when the angel Gabriel announced that John would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, Zechariah was caught off guard (Luke 1:11-12, 18). Under divine instruction, Gabriel briefed Zechariah on John's lifestyle.
Q. 6 In what ways did the ministry of the “Second Elijah” resemble that of the first Elijah?
Filled with the Spirit
"He [John the Baptist] is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth" (Luke 1:15). This verse contrasts being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit. In the Old Testament, men and women who wanted to devote themselves fully to God took the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-4). This included a promise not to drink any wine or alcohol for a certain period of time. John's commitment to holy living went beyond even that of the Nazirites. His consecration would last his entire life, and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.
Restoring Relationships
"He [John the Baptist] will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children" (Luke 1:17). In John's day, the Pharisees had added so many difficult rules and traditions to God's law that it seemed impossible to please God. Meanwhile, the Sadducees denied spirituality and rejected the reality of angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead. People needed someone to redirect them to God. Thus, when John preached the plain truth, calling sinners to repent, he was God's prophet helping the disobedient follow the path of righteousness.
John's call to the disobedient included the restoration of families. It pleases God when parents give their hearts and minds to spiritually training their children. In fact, every earthly father is responsible to teach his children to love the heavenly Father. How sad it is when fathers' hearts turn away from their children. Today, many parents' hearts are turned to work, money, or pleasure. They forget that parents' gods often become their children's gods. However, when a father's heart is turned toward his children, the whole family benefits. Such a father is faithful to his wife, takes time to be with each child, and leads his family on the path toward God.
Eliminating Disgrace
'''The Lord has done this for me,' she [Elizabeth] said. 'In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people'" (Luke 1:25). While Zechariah's initial response to the angel's announcement was cautious-he questioned Gabriel and asked for a sign-his wife, Elizabeth, embraced the news with relief and joy. Zechariah and Elizabeth had no children and were well beyond childbearing years. In ancient times, a large family was more than fashionable; it could be vital for social standing and survival. Having many children ensured the family could provide for and protect itself. Also, parents relied on their children to take care of them in their old age.
Yet, the implications of being childless went far beyond the social and relational desires to have children. In the Hebrew culture, being childless was considered a sign of God's disfavor. Elizabeth most likely encountered blame and social stigma from those who believed children were a divine blessing and barrenness was a sign of God's judgment on sin. At best, she was an object of pity. However, God saw as a divine opportunity what others saw as a disgrace. John was not born in an ordinary or timely way. His birth was miraculous: the age of his parents; the angel's announcement; Zechariah's inability to speak; and John's Nazirite vow from birth. No one could doubt that God had a special plan for this child.
Elizabeth praised God for giving her a child and for taking away her disgrace. How much more should people be thankful to God for giving His Son to take away their disgrace! While people were still sinners, Christ died to take away their shame. Therefore, Christians have an even greater reason to rejoice than Elizabeth had. Elizabeth's words are for Christians too.
Q. 7 Explain how Elizabeth’s childlessness could have affected her standing in the community?
Today, some people think God is uncaring, distant, or angry with them if He does not give them what they desire. John's birth and Elizabeth's reaction remind us that God does some of His most outstanding work in the most unusual circumstances and ways. God loves all people, but He does not bless everyone in the same way. However, He can be trusted to do what is best for those who serve Him. The Father works in Christians' lives in just the right way and time, for their good and His glory. Therefore, believers should thank God for the blessings He gives them. They should never judge or criticize those whose blessings are different from their own.
Gabriel's Message to Mary
Christ s Eternal Kingdom
History books are full of stories of great kings and kingdoms. Yet, no matter how great and powerful they might be, all kings and kingdoms eventually pass away. The kingdom of heaven is eternal, however. Gabriel told Mary that the child she would bear would be God's own Son who would inherit a throne that would last forever: "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33).
Limitless Possibilities (Luke 1:37)
Zechariah and Elizabeth could not have a child in their old age, and it was impossible for the virgin Mary to give birth. But nothing is impossible with God. People do not fathom how God does things, but through faith they can understand that what is impossible for them is possible for their heavenly Father. When God calls on people to do something, He will always provide a way. Hold on to the dream God has placed in your heart, even when others doubt, mock, or say it will never happen. If something is truly of God, He will bring it to pass. Nothing is impossible with Him!
While both Zechariah and Mary asked questions, Zechariah's inquiry was borne of unbelief: "'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years'" (Luke 1:18). Zechariah saw obstacles, so he asked Gabriel for a sign that would convince him that the angel's message was true. God gave Zechariah a sign he was unlikely to miss-nine months of imposed silence.
Mary's inquiry, however, came out of humility and faith; she never asked for a sign. Her question stemmed more from amazement and wonder, as evidenced by her response: "'I am the Lord's servant ... May it be to me as you have said'" (Luke 1:38). She embraced the message from God. Her response to God, full of acceptance and trust, is an example that all Christians should strive to follow.
Q. 8 What do Zechariah and Mary teach us about asking God questions?
Christmas Music
The Messiah's coming brought a reason to sing, and five songs in the Bible are associated with this event. These songs are referred to for several reasons: Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, the angels, and Simeon were filled with or moved by the Spirit; their words contain praise and worship. Some of these songs are like Psalms, mostly written in poetic form. At least one lesson can be learned from each song.
Elizabeth's Song: The Honor of Being Used by God
Elizabeth's song reminds us that Mary is blessed among women and worthy of honor. After the angel's visit, Mary rushed to visit her cousin Elizabeth, whom the angel had said was experiencing a miraculous pregnancy of her own. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth's unborn child (John the Baptist) leapt for joy in his mother's womb, and the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth. She spoke out in a loud voice, '''Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'" (Luke 1:42). It was a great privilege to give birth to the Messiah, and Mary should never be given too low of a place. However, it should also be noted that any work God calls people to do is an honor. Nothing is too low or small to be blessed and honored by God when people obey and respond by faith to His call.
Mary's Song: Magnifying the Lord
Mary's immediate reply to Elizabeth's blessing is a song known as the Magnificat. In this song, Mary switches the focus and the glory back to God: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). Mary reminds all people that while God blesses and honors them, the real glory and honor belong to Him. Christian workers must remember that they are vessels for God and that their effectiveness and accomplishments stem only from His work in their lives. Just as Mary sang about her Savior, today a Christian's response to the birth of Christ should be to rejoice that Jesus came to die for sinners.
Zechariah's Song: The Coming of God's Salvation
After the birth and naming of John, Zechariah's ability to speak was finally restored. As the Holy Spirit filled him, Zechariah sang a prophetic praise for God's salvation. The prophet spoke of the salvation the soon-coming Messiah would bring to Israel: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us" (Luke 1:68-69). When he spoke of salvation from Israel's enemies (Luke 1:71), Zechariah was probably thinking of political freedom from the Romans, but he had prophesied things more wonderful than he could comprehend. The greatest mission of Jesus was not to bring political freedom, but deliverance from the guilt and power of sin.
The Angels' Song: Glory, Peace, and Favor
On the night Jesus was born, an angel announced the news of His birth to shepherds tending their flocks in nearby fields. The angel brought news of great joy for all people: The Savior was born! Suddenly a great host of angels appeared and sang Gloria in Excelsis Deo: "Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). The angels sang glory to God in heaven for giving us the first Christmas gift and peace on earth for those on whom God's favor rests. Peace is given to those who receive the gift of Christ. The shepherds rejoiced at the angels' song, and when they found baby Jesus, the Shepherd of souls (l Peter 2:25), they joined in singing the song of the angels (Luke 2:20).
Simeon's Song: The Promise Fulfilled
Forty days after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary took Him to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him to God as required by the Law. A righteous and devout man named Simeon was moved by the Spirit to enter the temple courts at the same time. Simeon had been eagerly awaiting the coming of the promised Messiah, the "consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah's coming. Now, through the Spirit, Simeon recognized this baby as the promised Christ, took him in his arms, and raised a song of gratitude to God for His promise fulfilled: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30). Simeon breathed a deep sigh of joy and relief and was ready to depart this life peacefully (Luke 2:29). Like Simeon, those who receive Jesus with arms of faith have peace when they come to death's door.
The Early Years of Jesus
Objective: Relate lessons the contemporary church can learn from Jesus’ family lineage.
In Ezekiel 37, the Spirit of God resuscitated a human wasteland after God asked the prophet, "can these bones live?" This same question could be asked about the deceased in Matthew 1. However, just as breath entered the dry bones and they came alive, life can be found in Matthew's genealogy of Christ.
Lessons from Christ's Flawed Lineage
Matthew and Luke wrote for different purposes; therefore, they present different family lineages for Jesus. Matthew traces the bloodline of Joseph, Jesus' legal father, while Luke traces the bloodline of Mary. Since Matthew's purpose was to present Jesus as the Messiah and King of the Jews, he started with Abraham, the father of the Jews, and then followed the official line of descent through King David to Jesus (Matthew 1:2-16).
On the other hand, Luke's writing to Gentiles emphasized that Jesus was fully human. Luke therefore started with Jesus, tracing His bloodline through Mary, Jesus' biological mother, back to King David, Abraham (Luke 3:23-38), and finally to Adam. Tracing Christ's lineage to Adam was important because he is the father of all people, not just the Jews. Thus, Luke demonstrates that Jesus came for all people, including the Gentiles.