THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 1:5-25
“To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)
Before the birth of the messiah baby, another baby is born.
This aged couple, like Abraham and Sarah, is part of God’s salvation plan.
Their child will not be the messiah, but he will prepare the way.
He will be filled with the Spirit even before he is born – what a special child!
And yet, he will know that he is secondary, less than the messiah.
This baby, as a man, would say of Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)
And Jesus would say of everyone who believes in Jesus: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11)
Jesus is not making this baby less important, but showing how this baby helps make everyone great.
He prepares people for Jesus, and through Jesus they are restored to greatness.
Like this baby, we are also an important part of God’s salvation plan to help people find Jesus.
We show them by our own lives what it means to repent and believe and follow Jesus.
We are also filled with the Spirit of Jesus to help us do our work.
This little baby is a big part of God’s plan… and so are you, so am I!
We are to devote our lives, like this baby, to making Jesus great!
To saying as well, “Jesus must become greater; I must become less.”
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am not just a nobody. I have Your Spirit, I am a part of God’s salvation plan. I am Your missionary, pointing people to You. Make Your Name greater through me!
Observations/Application
Elizabeth and Zach were people of integrity, living in the presence of God and bringing concerns to Him in prayer such as having a baby. And when God in His timing answers the prayers, this man of God doesn’t believe that it could happen. The message was brought by one who stands in the presence of God. Zach lacked the faith in what God could do and he did receive a sign that all this would happen. He came mute.
Zach – a man of God was yet not in tune with God.
The son was called John – the Lord is gracious. The Lord graciously saves us and fill us with His Spirit and enlivens us to live for Him.
Is my heart open? Am I listening to His voice saying this is the Way. Walk in it. May my heart be turned to you always.
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion –
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
His Word shall not fail you – He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.