JESUS, THE RISING SUN

Luke 1:57-80

Key Verse 1:79

* ZECHARIAH NAMED HIS SON JOHN, NOT ZECHARIAH JR. (57-66)

1. How did the neighbors and family regard the birth of Elizabeth's baby? Why did they see this as God's mercy? Why were they so joyful?

2. What was done on the eighth day? what was the meaning of this? What did everyone assume about the name of the baby? What did Elizabeth want to name the baby? Why?

3. When Zechariah was asked about the baby's name, what did he write? What happened as soon as he named the baby? Why? What was the spiritual importance of this to Zechariah?

4. What did the neighbors say about these things? What does it mean that "the Lord's hand was with him"?

* ZECHARIAH'S SONG (67-80)

5. In what two ways does Luke introduce Jesus in verses 67-79? Read verses 67-75. According to verse 68, why did Zechariah praise and thank God? What does it mean that "he has come"?

6. What does verse 69 mean? (See what "horn" means: Dt33:17a; Dan 7:21; Ps 148:14; I Sam 2:1; II Sam 22:3; Rev 5:6; 12:9; 13:1) What two kinds of horns do you find in these verses?

7. What does the horn of salvation do for us? (70,71) Who were the enemies in Zechariah's time? Who is our greatest enemy? (Rev 12:9) What are the results of being impaled on Satan's horn? (Rom1:29-31)

8. Read verses 72-75. How does God keep the oath he swore to Abraham? (Gn 22:18) What is the blessing he has given us? What does it mean to serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness? (2 Pet 1:3,4)

9. Read verses 76,77. To whom are these verses addressed? What was the special mission of Zechariah's son? what can we learn here about the nature of salvation?