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JOHN THE BAPTIST'S BIRTH, FORERUNNER OF CHRIST

Introduction

The name “John” means "whom Jehovah loves."

John the Baptist was born to Zacharias and Elisabeth, both who were descendants of Aaron,

so he was of full priestly descent. (Vs 5)

They lived in the hill country of Judea. (Vs 39)

John’s mother, Elisabeth, was a cousin to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Scripture reveals that John the Baptist was born into a godly home and was nurtured in an atmosphere of love for the Lord God. (Vs 6).

I.         GABRIEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT.

            (Vs 7-17)

            Elisabeth was barren and both she and Zacharias were old. (Vs 7)

            Being barren was looked upon by the Jews as being a curse from the LORD.

While Zacharias the priest was in the temple at Jerusalem fulfilling his priestly duties by offering incense upon the altar, the angel Gabriel appeared at his side. (Vs 8-12)

The angel announced to Zacharias that he and Elisabeth would have a son and even told even told him what to name the child. (Vs 13)

            He then told him what the nature of John would be. (Vs 14-17)

II.       ZACHARIAS’ DOUBTS. (Vs 18-23)

            Doubting what he had heard, Zacharias asked the angel a question. (Vs. 18)

            Then the angel identified himself to Zacharias. (Vs 19)

With Gabriel pronouncing the birth of John, it would seem that Zacharias would have believed that God would divinely perform all that was promised.

But Zacharias doubted and we see that because of he doubted, he was stricken dumb and did not speak again until John was born and named. (Vs 20)

The lack of faith on the part of Zacharias caused him to suffer some nine months of speechlessness.

            When Zacharias came out of the temple, he could not speak to the people. (Vs 21-22)

            After fulfilling his ministry, he departed to his own house. (Vs 23)

V.        ELISABETH’S CONCEPTION. (Vs 24-25)

            After Zacharias got home, his wife Elisabeth conceived for the very first time. (Vs 24)

            After she conceived, Elisabeth hid herself for the first five months of her pregnancy.

            God had removed the reproach (barren condition). (Vs 25)

VI.      MARY’S VISIT. (Vs 39-45)

            Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary, the mother of Jesus, went to visit with Elisabeth. (Vs 39-40)

Mary had been told by Gabriel that she had been chosen to bear the Saviour of the world. She had also been told by Gabriel about her cousin’s conception in verse 36.

As soon as Mary entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth a strange thing happened. (Vs 41-45)

VI.      JOHN THE BAPTIST’S BIRTH. (56-58)

            We see that Mary stayed with Elisabeth for three months and then returned home. (Vs 56)

            Then came the time for Elisabeth to give birth to her son. (Vs 57)

            John the Baptist was one of the miracle babies of the Bible.

As with Sarah in the Old Testament, God reversed the natural aging process of the bodies of both Zacharias and Elisabeth.

As usual, neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. (Vs 58)

VII.     JOHN THE BAPTIST NAMED. (Vs 60-64)

            At the circumcision on the eighth day, they tried to name the boy after his father. (Vs 60)

However, Elisabeth would not accept the suggestion of friends to name the child after his father. She said, "His name shall be called John" (Vs 60)

Those who heard this could not believe that he wasn’t being named after any of their kin.

            (Vs 61)

            Signs were made to Zacharias as to what the name should be. (Vs 62)

            He wrote on a writing table exactly what Gabriel had told him. (Vs 63)

After this Zacharias began to speak again and the Bible says He praised God. (Vs 64)

            Then we see the reaction that the news caused in the neighborhood. (Vs 65-66)

VIII.   ZACHARIAS’ PROPHECY. (Vs 67-79)

            A.        He Prophesied Concerning The Saviour. (Vs 67-75)

                        1.         Jesus Is God. (Vs 67-68)

                        2.         Jesus Is The Redeemer. (Vs 68)

                        3.         Jesus Was The Promised Messiah. (Vs 69-75)

            B.        He Prophesied Concerning John The Baptist. (Vs 76-79)

                        1.         He Would Be A Prophet Of God. (Vs 76a)

                        2.         He Would Be A Preparation For The Saviour. (Vs 76b-79; Isaiah 40:3-4)

IX.      JOHN THE BAPTIST’S CHILDHOOD. (Vs 80)

            John grew up in seclusion in the wilderness west of the Dead Sea.

            Notice, that he was there "until the day of his showing to Israel."

            (Luke 3:2-3)

Conclusion

So what lessons can we learn from this section of Scripture:

1.         We should live for God and be faithful to God if we want to be used mightily of Him and if we want our children to be used mightily of Him! (Vs 6, 8)

It was as Zacharias and Elisabeth were faithful in the things of God that God showed up to bless them and use them and to bless and use their son!

2.         We should not give up on prayer! (Vs 13)

It appears that Zacharias was still praying for Elisabeth’s womb to be opened!

3.         Believe God’s Word without doubting! (Vs 20)

4.         God can do that which seems impossible. (Vs 36-37)

5.         Being filled with the Holy Spirit causes us to be a blessing to those around us.

            a.         Elisabeth was filled. (Vs 41-42)

            b.         Zacharias was filled. (Vs 67-68ff)

            c.         John the Baptist was filled. (Vs 15-17)

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!