God’s Plan Advances: The Birth of John the Baptist • 02.01.26
God’s Plan Advances: The Birth of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-80
Grasping the significance of God’s plan through the birth of John
- God shows great mercy to Elizabeth
- Bystanders respond to the hand of the Lord
- Zechariah blesses God and prophesies of salvation
- John will prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ
Manuscript:
Good morning church family! My name is Jack Flaherty and I am humbled to serve as one of the pastors here at Harvest. Today I am excited to open up God’s Word together as we continue our study of Luke. First, let’s dismiss our 4th/5th graders to class. Rest of us open to Luke 1. Ushers coming through with Bibles if you need one. We will be in Luke 1:57-80 today.
As you turn there, let me confess some of where my mind went in thinking about this text. As many know, this is the Sunday before the Super Bowl–a game many get excited about even if not football people. They prep for the spectacle, some for the game, some for both, some don’t care. But where we don’t get too excited is the ProBowl. Its even on a Tuesday this year! Cool to get people from all over to show off. But let’s get to the big game. As we peak ahead to Luke 2 we see what really is the Super Bowl, the birth of Jesus Christ, God the Son Incarnate! However, don’t look to the end of Luke 1 as the ProBowl. Yes a great cast of people but this is not a meaningless exhibition. Luke includes this event because it serves to advance and explains what is about to come in this narrative. Don’t overlook it!
Specifically, don’t stand on the outside looking in. The way Luke presents this great cast of real life people and their involvement in the very real plan of God is meant to draw us in. We aren’t just to read the story but to see how this story is meant to transform us form the inside out. Even that fact that it reads like a musical demonstrates this! Even if not music people a good musical gets your foot tapping and if you get familiar enough joining the song with that main character energy! This is our second song is just one chapter (albeit 80 verses). And there are two more in the next ch. That’s meant to be the model for the reader as each event that stirs faith results in praise—not just peripherally but in participation with what God is doing. Luke shows that God is doing stuff for people to witness and have certainty in. Pray we would move from seeing what God did then to singing for what God has done now us.
Without further adieu, lets Read Luke 1:57-80. So much sweetness here in the birth narrative of John. Our aim today is Grasping the significance of God’s plan through the birth of John. Something I like to do is try and see each point as flowing from a particular section. Will do that to the best of my ability but really there is overlap in the sections, which is why I wanted to read this in its entirety first. We see key words like mercy, salvation, joy, marvel/wonder. All words important to this section but even especially to Luke. He uses salvation and save more than any other gospel. He uses joy/rejoice and marvel more than any other author in the Bible! And mercy, well that’s the first major handhold of God’s plan we need to grasp today.
- God shows great mercy to Elizabeth (v57-58)
The narrative has moved from announcements of Elizabeth and Mary’s pregnancies to the birth of their miraculous sons. This is miraculous. One commentator said there are two categories of ladies who never get pregnant: virgins and very old ladies. True! This is to fulfill all that was spoken so that we may know with certainty!
Now time has come for what was prophesied to occur. Gabriel promised this was coming in 1:13-18. Then in v24-25 Elizabeth conceives. She treasures this in her heart for 5 months as God is up to something in her life! Then as we heard last week after Mary also gets a visit from Gabriel she shows up at cousin Elizabeths house, sings a song, and stays for 3 months (v56). Would you ladies like that company? Maybe don’t answer. Well 5 plus 3 makes close enough to 9… its baby time!
We see v57 the baby is born and in v58 the word spreads of the great mercy God has shown! Mercy is the explicit framework for John as word used 3x in this passage. Here in v58 it more literally is “God magnified/made great/large his mercy.” In v72 staying true to his promise of mercy is the reason God moves to save his people from their enemies. And in v78 this expression tender mercy is like “mercy from his very inner being, literally inward parts/guts. Its core to who God is–its what moves him and what he wants to put on display and does in advancing his plan!
So, what is mercy? Oxford dictionary says Mercy=compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. A couple of commentators broke this down a bit more succinctly so here is a combo of their definitions. Mercy=To show kindness to someone in need (relief of suffering) or punishing someone less than deserved. Its eleos (ελεος) in Greek or hesed (הסד) in the Hebrew. Hesed—covenant loyalty loving kindness, compassion, and faithfulness! This great mercy of God is shown to little old Elizabeth! This is compassionate provision of relief and reversal of fortunes. This is God’s character on display!
Would encourage you to go study this word mercy more. Every time I thought and prayed on it. it got sweeter. Not sure I did it justice in this brief explanation! This grand plan of God is a personal mercy to Elizabeth, and as shown in usage in Zechariah’s song also a greater mercy to greater number of people. Do you think about the mercy of God in the personal and quite moments like this? How about in the big moments of relief or reversal? Elizabeth was a humble lady who trusted and cried out to God. God is a compassionate God who delights to hear from humble people who cry intervene in time of need. And he is merciful to intervene.
Seems that people are pumped up! This fulfills what was said in 1:14. They aren’t jealous of that mercy but excited. Do you get excited about that for others? It ought to spread! Interestingly we don’t really know how much Elizabeth knew of the encounter her husband had with Gabriel as he couldn’t speak. Clearly in v24-25 she knew she had a baby and God was at work! This mercy is of a baby in old age, but does she know the party this boy will play? The compassion and faithfulness to Elizabeth intentional … fulfills what was told her and Zechariah. BUT it also will keep going when mercy isn’t just for her. God’s mercy never stays private for long. Bringing us to the second movement of the plan we now grasp.
2. Bystanders respond to the hand of the Lord (v58-66)
We see in v58-66 there are a variety of responses by people not named Zechariah or Elizabeth. We already see the neighbors and relatives heard of God’s great mercy and rejoiced. They see something cool to a neighbor observing BUT also WITH shows some involvement/empathy.
They all show up as the obey the law of circumcision on the 8th day which was also naming day. But their praise shifts. in v60 Elizabeth has strong words about not naming him after his father, literally exclamation point to stop. The bystanders respond with objections to the name. This disrupts tradition. Common to name Jr especially if struggled to get pregnant. What is going on? Note that obedience to God often disrupts expectations of others. So they go inquire of the man. Interesting here something I had not before considered is that v62 actually indicates hints that Zechariah wasn’t just mute but also deaf. Words back in v13 and v20 could have been both. But clearly, he didn’t hear what Elizabeth as people now use hand motions to ask Zechariah the name. So he gets a tablet and writes with emphasis John is his name.
They were confused before, but what is their respond when he reiterates v63? Wonder or marvel! This blew their minds! Likely because he couldn’t hear/talk to his wife but had the same name to share. OR maybe just because just that they are both on the same page about baby name that is so unique. Wasn’t a priestly name. Wasn’t a family tree name. Whichever, this idea of marveling/wondering is because its getting clearer God is up to something, and it’s not just Zechariah and Elizabeth that are impacted.
We after he shares this he is now able to speak. He was always going to be able to speak at this time as v20 said but he hasn’t told his story. Who knows what the bystanders expected next. And what v64 says is they get is mute/deaf Zechariah bursting into praise (which is recorded in v68-79). They now in v65 respond how? Fear! They have no doubt now there is divine involvement here! Fear is the response when life is touched by God as we saw with Zechariah and Mary’s encounters with Gabriel the last couple weeks. These bystanders are now also getting drawn into this experience of God’s plan. Starting to be less bystander and more participant!
We see in v65 its time to talk and spread the news. They can’t help but share. Something is up! And ever more in v66 they question the child. They laid up in their hearts or treasured in heart like will be repeated twice about Mary with Jesus in the next chapter. They don’t know what’s happening, but they are ready for an answer. What’s happening is their having an awakened expectation. Silence broken now so is the stupor. They know this child has something about him. The hand of the Lord was upon him.
Are you aware when the Lord’s hand is upon something or someone? If yes, what do you do when you realize God working? All of these responses might fit depending on where our spiritual state is. We might rejoice with God at work in others. We might marvel at ways he is kind to and through people. We might have a right fear at things we don’t understand and know are of God. We might talk about them in the best kind of gossip and conversation. May I encourage you to get familiar with what God’s works look like and be ready? The work of God begs that we not be bystanders but have a sense of involvement! I understand this is a unique one-time action of the miraculous birth of the forerunner of the one and only Messiah. But we see a principle: don’t be on the outside of God at work. Move from watching others to responding personally.
Yes this was a one-time event of forerunner of the Messiah being miraculously born. So we won’t have the same exact things to respond to as this moment in history. But God is still at work in this world. He has given us his Word to clue us in to the ordinary means of grace he uses as well as the reality he is a wonder working God. And when he draws us in, he wants us involved. Get involved in what God is doing.
They’ve really been waiting for a child since the promise of a seed of the woman to crush a seed of the serpent in Gen 3. They’ve been calling on the name of the Lord for mercy since Gen 4 for this seed/son to show up. Every baby boy is one they hope the hand of the Lord will be upon. Now it seems something is stirring! Well Zechariah who is filled with the Spirit, as his wife was back in v41-45 now prophesies some clarity about his baby boy but first with some clarity about another baby. This moment isn’t just for them, but for us. Which is our third hold in this advancing plan to grasp onto.
- Zechariah blesses God and prophesies of salvation (v67-75)—Benedictus
Where Mary’s song is the Magnificat, Zechariahs is known as the Benedictus. Both are the Latin name’s of the first word in their songs. His mouth opened to bless God, and he starts in v68 blessing the Lord God is Israel. And what comes out is an unreal Holy Ghost inspired freestyle that is oozing with OT references. I debated reading all the references, listing all the references, but I settled on summarizing them into sections. Three reasons for that: 1) simplify if for me and you, 2) to see the themes Zechariah felt, and 3) to help us apply these themes to our lives.
OT Connections in Zechariah’s Song
Exodus & Deliverance Language…“visited and redeemed…Delivered from the hand of our enemies…delivered from enemies to serve” (v. 68, 71, 74-75)
If you wanted to see these more clearly, go read Exodus 3–15 (4:31 and 6:6 esp); Psalm 2:11; 106; 111:9; Isaiah 43:1; Ruth 1:6; Gen 50:24-25; Lev 11; or Josh 24. We see this reality of visited and redeemed in v68. Visited bookends the song in v68 and 78. when God visits its not casual. He shows up to act decisively! As he did in the exodus, he is about to do a new exodus. Many will see this as some sort of political expectation for Zechariah, and maybe some truth, but this is a grander deliverance than human enemies that is talked about. It’s the ultimate enemy that God is here to redeem his people from. Redeemed assumes slavery and a price needed to be paid. There was trouble, that couldn’t escape by oneself, and God shows up to help.
The term “redemption” has been hijacked by the sports world. An athlete flops and lives in infamy. Till they do something else that “atones” for their performance and totally redeems himself. BUT in a more profound and biblical sense this cannot happen. We can’t make it up. Only God can deliver and redeem those who placed hope squarely on him to saves from irreversible corrupted state. That’s what God is saying he will do through Zechariah. SO no wonder he blesses God! In fact, that’s what the redeemed are called to do. Just like Moses told pharaoh they needed out of Egypt to serve YHWH, so now Zechariah says this deliverance from enemies is to serve/worship God without fear, and in holiness and righteousness all our days. Do you realize that’s what salvation is still is about? So that we might not just chill out but serve him!
Davidic Salvation / Horn Imagery…“A horn of salvation… in the house of David” (v. 69-70)
If you wanted to see more go read 1 Sam 2 (Hannah’s Song); 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 18:2; 132:17; or Deut 33:17. This is unmistakable connections to the promise the one who would have kingly strength and power and bring victory. This is the one they would have been asking about, praying about, looking for. The Messiah Zechariah says God himself has arrived as this savior just like he promised he would. This song is soaked in OT because gospel is fulfilled promises.
Covenant with Abraham… “mercy promised…his holy cov…oath that he swore to our father Abraham” (v. 72-73)
If you wanna read more go to Genesis 12:1–3; 17; 22:16-18. This is going WAAAAY back and showing God’s long-term faithfulness not momentary emotions. God still works in ordinary faithfulness over time. As we saw earlier he is a merciful God, full of covenant faithfulness and lovingkindness. He doesn’t forget! Isn’t that good news?! And coming from an old man who felt forgotten. Don’t forget that God doesn’t forget his people! Evidence in the birth of John.
Which is where the song goes next. Really v67-75 is one long sentence of salvation. Now v76-79 turns to Zechariah’s child. and all of this, though blessing God, is meant to inform the people around him. That’s what prophecy is. He is speaking this to those listening. Reminding them this is about them! Even now what he is about to say regarding his child, is informative for the listener and readers.
Promised New Covenant/Forgiveness of sin v77
Here is where the OT tension cracks open. This is how we know its not just political nation state redemption. He speaks of forgiveness of sin. This is what Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36 and Isaiah 53 and Psalm 103 talk about. Another glorious piece to what’s been promised.
Promise of Light in Darkness and peace v78-79
Basically if you want to read more go back and read Isaiah (Isa 9:2, 6-7; 42:6–7; 52:7; 57:19; 60:1-2; cf Num 24:17) and Micah (Micah 4:2; 5:5)
Again this is new creation language of rescue and renewal. Shows again its not just political but spiritual salvation and redemption. It his us morally. And relationally with God what an epic picture of “sunrise shall visit…Light for those who sit in darkness”. The idea of peace is not just path leading to peace but a peaceful path itself. This is (Shalom) of wholeness.
Whereas the salvation has some many OT connections back to what has happened now the work of John still has OT connections but looking forward to promises of new covenant work of God. ALL of this spoken about John and what he will do is summarized in v76. Though he is not the son of the Most High, as Mary’s son is, he is still the prophet of the Most High, an incredible title with an incredible mission…to make preparation for the Lord. We will get right back to that but a couple application steps from the song.
Many applications, but two come to mind. First, “Zechariah’s song isn’t quoting Scripture — it’s thinking and singing in Scripture.” The OT lingo is because it flowed out of him! Do we read to fill heads, to fill mouths, or conform our lives. where do you reach to speak to God?
Second Zechariah is the example of response of faith and worship/certainty. What was his response before? Got him in trouble. Does he stay bitter or quite? No! Like Elizabeth celebrating with Mary, Zechariah bursts into song! This is now being seen as the expectation for when God is on the move! God used these 9 months of silence to draw him nearer. That challenges me!
In fact, this is both Zechariah and Elizabeth waiting most of their lives to get an answer to prayer for a child. Clearly, they had asked for this! But also they have been asking for something else. We don’t know exactly what he was praying when Gabe showed up, but he was surprised when baby was mentioned. I think he was surprised about the baby announcement not only because he was old but because that was an old prayer. Both because he was old but I suspect because he was praying for something else at that specific moment. AS good priest he had Israel on his mind. Praying for their redemption, both from enemies and from sin. That’s reflected in this song and prayer but would have been on his heart then. When we are waiting, do we get bitter or draw nearer to God? Elizabeth and Zechariah are no bystanders. They are in the story. They waited on God and it was worth it. Not just blessing of John but of salvation. People of Israel waited, and we know they have mixed response, not just here but Luke will show that more and more. How about you? Let Zechariah’s song remind us to see waiting and suffering as moments not of frustration and resentment but of faith and refinement.
Maybe you caught this, but my hope is to keep with the advance idea not just in the text but for our congregation. As Zechariah finished the song speaking of the role his new baby boy will play, we see a final significant reality to grasp for us today.
- John will prepare the way of Lord Jesus Christ
Again, Zechariah says John would be his son –not savior. His child is preparing the way. this what is said of him in Luke 3:1-7. Hear Isaiah 40 and Mal 3 speaking of the same plan from of God that has been steadily advancing and now arriving to the point where final preparations are being made by John and will soon by followed by God himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. The from prophets of old in v70, the mercy promised to fathers v72, prophet of Most High v76, visit from on high v78 all are meant to say the good news you’re hearing didn’t just appear form nowhere it rose from the Scriptures and is moving more and more clearly into plan sight, like sunrise on horizon. Promised salvation, planned forgiveness, and light for all who would come.
Zechariah is preparing by sharing of his son’s preparing. John will be declaring how salvation reaches people—knowledge and forgiveness v76-77 and declaring what salvation brings —forgiveness, light, peace v78-79. The question is will you listen to the messenger?! Zechariah shifted to the future tense as he speaks of his son. But he is responding in the presence tense. In fact you might say he prepares the way for the one who will prepare the way.
The bystanders had all the response but s we consider v80 this is such a powerful statement. God is at work preparing John for his public ministry. But also you have to image so are Elizabeth and Zechariah. They know their son will help prepare the message of salvation but I don’t think John just showed up knowing the truths of Scripture on his own. The man who had it oozing out of him certainly trained up his son. I want to be careful not to steal more from a future sermon here because v80 is the conclusion for today. It’s a summary statement of this miraculous birth and this song of divine salvation showing more is yet to come.
Suffice it to say, even knowing future what John will do, Zechariah plays his part in the story. How about us? is now in the past tense for us. The way of the Lord Jesus Christ hasn’t only been prepared by John but Jesus has shown up and showed he was the Way, Truth, and the Life. He brings this redemption, salvation, mercy, light and peace that was promised and that we need. We’RE in the story. whether we like it or not!
Not just private mercy, nor just public curiosity/wonder, but proclaimed salvation which requires all to grasp with faith! Are you prepared? Jesus is the savior! This is the future tense in the text but past tense for us. Jesus has come! John prepared the way for people in his day and we will see more about how he lived that out in Luke 3. But the question for you is where are you at with Jesus right now knowing this a historical account we know with certainty to be true? Don’t be like a kid seeing the ball rolling towards him before she realizes she is in the game or teenager who wakes up from a daydream to realize the teacher is calling on him. Keep digging in. Let these words prepare the way of the Lord in your heart.
If you’ve seen God bring that salvation to you, then lets start living like John! Be the neon sign preparing hearts and pointing to Jesus! Invite people to church. That’s a goal for this year is to do that at least once a month. Its February 1st so lets get after it! Have the intentional evangelism conversation. Show the hope and mercy and love and light and peace/wholeness of God! Lead your family. As you read v66 ad see v80, don’t we want God’s hand to be on our kids so they may become strong? Zechariah didn’t just sing but taught those myriads of OT truths to John. He was filled with Spirit from the womb BUT also had to be discipled at home. Lets pray for God to work in our kids. Let equip them with their Bibles. Let’s not let our temporary pleasures and peace of not addressing sinful behavior or being confused that our job is for our kids to have happies by their definition. No, pray for the Lord to be on them, that they may grow strong in the spirit. This isn’t just parents, but church serve to prepare hearts of the next generation. If Zechariah wasn’t out of season for it neither are you. Pray, support parents, get involved in Students or Kids
Don’t be caught — watching from the outside. Luke doesn’t want us stay there. This story keeps advancing until we have to ask, ‘What does this mean for me?’” Before the Savior is born in Bethlehem, God tells us what kind of salvation He is bringing—and who will prepare the way. Before the Savior is born, God shows mercy, stirs expectation, and announces the salvation that is coming. The same God who showed mercy to Elizabeth, stirred expectation in the crowd, and brought light through Christ is still advancing His plan — not just in Scripture, but among His people. He wants you to praise, have faith, and follow him too!
Pray
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