Luke 1:57-66 Study Questions:
- Define the word mercy and list the ways that the birth of John the Baptist was a great mercy from the Lord to Elizabeth.
- Use blue letter bible or some other commentary resource to research the naming practices of the Jewish people. What did the people expect the child’s name to be and why?
- What happened when Zechariah confirmed what the baby’s name would be?
- How did God ignite attention and curiosity amongst the people through the birth of John?
Application Questions:
- How has God’s mercy in my life been a source of joy for both me and others?
- Naming the baby “John” showed both belief and obedience in the face of different expectations. How can outside expectations collide with what God has called me to believe and obey?
- What can I be praising God for in my life right now and with whom will I share those praises?
Luke 1:67-80 Study Questions
- Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17 and Jeremiah 23:5-6, in addition to Zechariah’s prophecy, what house was the redeemer to come from and how does this show that God is omniscient, faithful and trustworthy?
- Zechariah mentions “salvation from our enemies”(vs. 71) and “rescue us from the hand of our enemies”(vs 74). Who were the enemies from which the redeemer would deliver?
- According to the second half of vs. 74-75, what does salvation enable us to do?
- What was John’s purpose prophesied to be according to vs. 76?
- What do God’s tender mercies bring to the lives of those He saves?
- How would living in the wilderness help prepare John for the day God would send him out to Israel?
Application Questions:
- How does a life of service to Jesus bring me more freedom than a life of self-service?
- What types of wilderness living has God allowed in my life to prepare me for what He has called me to do?
- If someone asked me “How has God saved you?” what would be my response? Write out the answer below.