Stories Of Christmas: Lesson 1

A. THE FIRST WORD FROM HEAVEN IN 400 YEARS. LUKE 1:3-22

1. Why did God choose Elizabeth and Zacharias to be parents of John the Baptist?

- Because they were godly. “Both were righteous before God, walking in all the

commandments . . . blameless” (v. 6).

- To raise a godly son.

- To reward them for their faithfulness.

2. What were the qualifications of Elizabeth and Zacharias?

- He was a priest who served God (v. 5).

- He prayed, “Your prayer is heard” (v. 13).

- He was obedient to his knowledge.

3. How did Zacharias obey the message of God?

- He went about his duties (v. 23-25).

- They conceived a son (v. 24-25).

B. DREAMING GREAT DREAMS. LUKE 1:26-38

1. Why did God choose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

- Godly. “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women” (v. 28).

- Pure. “The virgin’s name was Mary” (v. 27).

- Sought God. “You have found favor with God” (v. 30).

- Yielded. “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (v. 38).

- Intercessor. The prayer of Mary (v. 46-55).

2. What did the angel promise?

- She would have a son (v. 31).

- His name would be Jesus (v. 31)

- Her son would be “The Son of the Highest” (v. 32).

- Her son would rule Israel (v. 32).

C. THE BABE LEAPED IN HER WOMB. LUKE 1:39-56

1. How were Elizabeth and Mary related?

- Relative. “Your cousin Elizabeth” (v. 36).

- Both supernaturally pregnant. Elizabeth’s miracle: return of birth window.

Mary’s miracle: Incarnation.

- Both were the objects of ridicule.

- Both were being used of God.

2. Which child was superior?

- Not the first conceived.

- Not the eldest mother.

- Not the hostess of the home where they met.

- John recognized Jesus. The babe (John the Baptist) leaped in Elizabeth’s womb (v. 41).

- Elizabeth recognized Jesus’ superiority. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (v. 42).

D. HIS NAME IS JOHN. LUKE 1:57-80

1. What was natural about the birth of John the Baptist?

- Full term. “Now Elizabeth’s full time came” (v. 57).

- Neighbor’s rejoiced. “Her neighbors . . . rejoiced with her” (1:58).

2. Why did the neighbors want to name him Zacharias?

- Father’s name. “Called him by the name of his father” (1:59).

- Respect and perpetoity. Natural to name a son after a father.

3. How did Zacharias and Elizabeth exercise faith?

- She obeyed her husband. Elizabeth said, “He shall be called John” (v. 60).

- Zacharias obeyed the angel. “You shall call his name John” (1:13).

- Instant Divine verification. “Immediately . . . he spoke” (1:64).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.