Zacharias’ Prophecy Of The New Covenant Series

LUKE 1:76-80

ZACHARIAS’ PROPHECY OF THE NEW COVENANT

In the first part of Zechariah’s Song he has exalted God for establish His glorious covenants starting with Abraham and then for bringing His covenants into glorious fulfillment through the coming of the Messiah. The Hymn then blesses God for the Messiah and the unique deliverance His salvation brings.

Still moving in the power of the Spirit, the second part of Zechariah’s prophecy continues blessing God for His covenants and for the work of preparation for Messiah which will be done through Zechariah’s son, John the Baptist. The Messiah is declared to be the Most High God, blessed forevermore, who comes bringing Messianic blessings. He will be and bring the light of salvation to the people.

Zachariah’s son was the prophet God chose for a key role in the drama of the ages. Jesus was to do the work of deliverance; John was to prepare the way for Him. The prophetic forerunner would point to Jesus, the bright Morning Star, who shines His eternal light that those in darkness might find the path to peace with God.

I. THE PROPHET OF THE MESSIAH, 1:76a.

II. THE PROCLAMATION OF MESSIAH’S WAY, 1:76b-79.

III. THE PREPARATION OF THE PROPHET, 80.

In verses 76–79 the song changes its form and becomes an address to the newly born child. He will be a prophet and prepare the way of the Lord (Is 40:3; Mal. 3:1) by assuring the people of forgiveness of sins (77) and how to follow God’s light & find God’s peace.

Verse 76 begins the second major part of the hymn honoring the miraculously born child whom God has appointed to service. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; [for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;]”

The Psalm passes from praise to prediction as it directs us to the Messiah’s forerunner. Zachariah’s call his newborn “child” instead of “my son,” as the child’s relation to himself is lost in his relation to One Greater than either.

John is to be the Messiah’s “prophet.” He was chosen for a key role in the unfolding of the drama of the ages. Prophets and prophecy had ceased for 400 years but in John the office is revived. As with Samuel, John was born in answer to prayer. As with Abraham and Sarah, he was born to aged parents.

God starts with something as weak as a babe and molds Himself a special tool. Although God has unlimited power, He chooses to work through frail humans who begin as helpless babies. Don’t minimize what God is preparing to do through children who are faithful to Him.

“The Most High” in Scripture is a title only for the supreme God. It is inconceivable that inspiration should here apply this term undeniably to Christ, unless He were “God over all blessed forever” (Rom 9:5).

II. THE PROCLAMATION OF MESSIAH’S WAY, 1:76b-79.

The reason for John’s calling as prophet is provided in the second half of verse 76. “for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;”

John is to announce the coming or arrival of the Lord Most High. [The title Lord is ambiguous as it may refer to God (as in 1:46, 68) or to Jesus (as in 1:43).] John as the forerunner of the Messiah, draws on Malachi 3:1–2 and 4:5–6. Malachi pictures the forerunner as Elijah returned.

Not only would John announce the coming of the Messiah, he would prepare His Way. He would be no preacher of national revolt, but of repentance. His work was to awaken the realization of the need for salvation. The people must turn from enslaving sin and turn to God. John was to awaken people to the decadent condition of society and convict people of their sinfulness. John confronted all the obstacles that would keep people from believing in the Messiah (Is. 40:3-4). [The verb tense changes from past to present then to future when it speaks of John’s future mission.]

The following verses set forth the direction of John’s ministry. Verse 77 contains the aim and hope of John’s prophetic ministry. “To give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins,”

“Salvation” involves “knowledge.” Without the knowledge of certain facts, you cannot be saved. Without knowledge in the Christian way you cannot progress in your salvation or continue being saved or sanctified. The knowledge that makes for salvation is not simply mental assent to certain facts, but the knowledge that comes from believing, from taking hold of the facts by faith with the intent to live them out.

The spiritual nature of the salvation here intended is explained by how it is to be accomplished: “by the remission of sins.” Personal salvation is experienced when ones’ sins are forgiven. If you do not have assurance of your salvation, it may be because you never experienced the forgiveness of your sin.