week of 3/1

Unit 18  Session 5

THE MESSENGER PREPARED

LUKE 1:5-17

 

Key Concept:

God will send messengers to prepare His way.

In the four hundred years between the closing of the Old Testament (Malachi) and the opening of the New Testament (the Gospels), many world powers and leaders shaped Jewish culture and religious life. When the book of Luke opens, Herod the Great ruled Judea and the surrounding regions. Though a descendant of Esau, Herod was appointed as king of the Jews by Rome and ruled ruthlessly. The priesthood largely became corrupt during the intertestamental period. But Zechariah was faithful to his role as priest, and along with his wife, Elizabeth, he continued to be faithful to Israel's covenant with God.

As you examine Luke 1:5-17:

 

✞   Recognize how God's miracle of giving Zechariah and

    Elizabeth a son recalls similar miracle in the Old Testament.

✞   Consider how their son, John, fulfilled God's promise to

    send someone in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare

    the way for Jesus.