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The Grace of Advent (Luke 1:57-80)
Sermon Recap
For a PDF version of this recap, click here.
In our day of constant activity and distraction, we find it difficult to be quiet and alone. Zechariah had been silent since he was struck mute for his disbelief in God’s promise (Luke 1:5-25). God didn’t waste that silence, but used it to show Zechariah and Elizabeth—and all of us—his amazing grace.
1. Grace Breaks InZechariah likely felt the shame of his unbelief and failure as a priest. Elizabeth felt the shame of being childless. In their time and place, they would have been outcasts. But that’s not how we remember them. We remember them as uniquely blessed by God, because his grace broke into their lives powerfully through the miraculous birth of their son, John.
2. Grace Transforms UsNot only was Zechariah’s silence broken in this passage—God’s was too. God had not spoken by his prophets for 400 years. And he gave Zechariah the incredible privilege of speaking the first prophecy since Malachi. God’s grace transformed Zechariah from failed priest to first prophet of the New Testament. God’s grace changes everything.
Reflection and Discussion QuestionsHeadZechariah uses the language of the Old Testament to prophesy about John and the coming salvation God would send in Christ. Look at his prayer in Luke 1:68-79. Find as many references to the OT as you can.
Why did Zechariah speak in such OT language? What does God want us to understand from that?
Zechariah’s 9 months of silence was imposed on him, but Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Why is silence difficult for us to practice?
God’s grace transformed Zechariah from failed priest to first prophet in the New Testament, and that new identity was good news to him! What story do you tell about yourself or do others tell about you? How might a new identity by grace in Christ be good news to you? How might it seem like bad news to you or to others?
Have you received God’s grace? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, who died for sin and rose from the dead for our salvation? To receive the gift of God’s love, we have only to believe and trust in him. Talk to a mature Christian and ask for help to know how to receive God’s grace.
Leading up to or during the Christmas holiday this week, take time to practice silence. It doesn’t need to be a long time—5 minutes is amazing! But take the time to empty yourself of your own words; tell God you are listening; be content to dwell quietly in his love (tip: read Zeph. 3:17 beforehand).
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By Grace Church AlamedaSermon Recap
For a PDF version of this recap, click here.
In our day of constant activity and distraction, we find it difficult to be quiet and alone. Zechariah had been silent since he was struck mute for his disbelief in God’s promise (Luke 1:5-25). God didn’t waste that silence, but used it to show Zechariah and Elizabeth—and all of us—his amazing grace.
1. Grace Breaks InZechariah likely felt the shame of his unbelief and failure as a priest. Elizabeth felt the shame of being childless. In their time and place, they would have been outcasts. But that’s not how we remember them. We remember them as uniquely blessed by God, because his grace broke into their lives powerfully through the miraculous birth of their son, John.
2. Grace Transforms UsNot only was Zechariah’s silence broken in this passage—God’s was too. God had not spoken by his prophets for 400 years. And he gave Zechariah the incredible privilege of speaking the first prophecy since Malachi. God’s grace transformed Zechariah from failed priest to first prophet of the New Testament. God’s grace changes everything.
Reflection and Discussion QuestionsHeadZechariah uses the language of the Old Testament to prophesy about John and the coming salvation God would send in Christ. Look at his prayer in Luke 1:68-79. Find as many references to the OT as you can.
Why did Zechariah speak in such OT language? What does God want us to understand from that?
Zechariah’s 9 months of silence was imposed on him, but Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Why is silence difficult for us to practice?
God’s grace transformed Zechariah from failed priest to first prophet in the New Testament, and that new identity was good news to him! What story do you tell about yourself or do others tell about you? How might a new identity by grace in Christ be good news to you? How might it seem like bad news to you or to others?
Have you received God’s grace? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, who died for sin and rose from the dead for our salvation? To receive the gift of God’s love, we have only to believe and trust in him. Talk to a mature Christian and ask for help to know how to receive God’s grace.
Leading up to or during the Christmas holiday this week, take time to practice silence. It doesn’t need to be a long time—5 minutes is amazing! But take the time to empty yourself of your own words; tell God you are listening; be content to dwell quietly in his love (tip: read Zeph. 3:17 beforehand).