Luke Part 1 Week 2

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 1:14-15 

¹⁴ “You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.” 

This continues what the angel told Zechariah when he appeared to him in the temple. The angel had said Zechariah’s prayer had been answered and God was giving him and Elizabeth a son. The angel said they would have “great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” This son would have on him some restrictions similar to what was commonly called the “Nazirite” vow.  

REFLECT 

Think how special this child born to Zechariah and Elizabeth would be. He would certainly be set apart as chosen by God for a special task.  

RESPOND 

With a friend read Numbers 6:1-8 for the Nazirite vow during Old Testament times. Believers in Jesus today are to be “holy” or “sanctified” meaning they are to be “set apart” from the evil world system. Notice how the apostle Paul addressed some of his readers in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 1:16-17 

¹⁶ “And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” 

This son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth would “turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.” His spirit and power would be similar to what Elijah had in Old Testament times. Notice his ministry would “prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.” In other words, his ministry would cause people to be ready when the Savior would come and present Himself to them. 

REFLECT 

There is so much evil in the world. As a believer in Jesus do you realize you have been set apart from that? Does your life reveal this to others? 

RESPOND 

Some wonder if Elijah will actually come before the return of the Lord. Read Malachi 4:5 in this regard. Then read what Jesus said in Matthew 11:11-15. The verse in this reading of Luke 1:17 says this son “will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah.” Talk about these verses with a friend. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 1:18 

¹⁸ Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” 

Zechariah wondered how all this could occur. Remember, this was an answer to his prayer, the angel said (see Luke 1:13). What must he have been praying? But now he has doubts about the angel saying his prayer was being answered.  

REFLECT 

Not sure what Zechariah must have been praying. At his age was he really praying for a child? Most would agree that it is understandable that he had doubts about it happening because of his age and the age of his wife. 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about how each of you responded when God answered one of your prayers. Were you surprised even though you wanted God to answer? Share with each other your triumphs and trials in this regard. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 1:19-20 

¹⁹ Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! ²⁰ But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” 

Zechariah was a priest and should not have doubted what the angel said. Gabriel identified himself as standing in the presence of God who sent him with this good news. Because Zechariah had doubts the angel said he wouldn’t be able to speak until the son was born. The angel promised his words would be fulfilled. 

REFLECT 

As you pray for something, do you really believe that God will answer your request? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend to talk about praying without the confidence of God really answering your prayers. Read Acts 12:6-17 to see an example of people who could not believe God was answering their prayers.  

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 1:21-22 

²¹ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. ²² When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary. 

The crowd had been outside the temple praying while Zechariah was in the temple proper. They wondered why he had not come out. When he finally did he was not able to tell them anything. Somehow with gestures he was able to get them to understand that something unusual had happened while he was in the temple burning incense.  

REFLECT 

Imagine the scene of Zechariah waving his arms in some way to indicate to the people that he had seen a vision. 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about how serious it was that Zechariah did not believe the messenger of God. Consider also that we have the Bible with the completed revelation of God and it is sad if we do not believe the only book He has inspired.