Zechariah’s Prophecy
(Luke 1:67-80)
Friends gathered to celebrate the birth of a baby who would become John the Baptist. On deciding the name, Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “His name is John!” Immediately he gave this prophetic message –
1. Jesus was coming to redeem us. v68-75 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” Jesus would…
- Be a strong leader, “a horn of salvation”. Ancient kings had to lead an army to save their country. For Jesus, this will be seen on his return.
- Fulfill God’s promise. Jesus was a descendant of king David (2 Samuel 7); he would establish “an everlasting covenant.” (Gen.17:19).
- Rescue us “from the hand of our enemies” (the devil) “to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness…”
2. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. v76-77 “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; … to prepare the way for Him…”
John called Israel to repent and be baptised. We have the role of calling people to receive Jesus, repent and be baptised and ready for his return.
3. God guides to the path of peace. v78-79 “the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness…to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Jesus came to guide our feet into the path of peace – with God and with each other.
“The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2)