Lesson Aim: The students will learn that repentance and baptism is necessary to the coming of
Jesus Christ.
FOCUS ON THE BIBLE
[Link] birth of John foretold:Luke1:5-25
[Link] do you learn about Zechariah and his wife from Luke1:5-25?
Zechariah and his wife are introduced in Luke 1:5-25 as an elderly couple who were both
righteous before God. Zechariah was a priest, serving in the temple at the time of Herod, while
his wife's name was Elizabeth. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they
were both advanced in years.
From this passage, we learn that Zechariah was a man of deep faith and devotion to God. He
faithfully carried out his priestly duties despite the fact that he and his wife had been unable to
conceive a child. We also see that he was initially skeptical when an angel appeared to him and
announced that Elizabeth would conceive a son who would prepare the way for the Lord.
Elizabeth is also portrayed as a woman of great faith who remained faithful to God despite her
infertility.
2 Why do you think the author stresses the fact that Elizabeth was barren?What do you know
about social status of barren women in the ancient world?(Gen17:15-21,18:9-15, 1Samuel1).
3. In Luke 1:18, why do you think the reaction of the angel was so severe?What does this tell
you about God and about God's plan for his people?
[Link] birth of John Luke1:57-66
[Link] do you think the people meant when they said that the Lord's hand was with John?
C. The message and Baptism of John Luke 1:57-66
[Link] many years probably passed between Luke1:8 and Luke 3:1-3.
It is estimated that around 25-30 years passed between Luke 1:8 and Luke 3:1-3.
[Link] kind of a person was John?His message? (Matthew 3:1-12,Mark 1:1-8,19-28)His
baptism?
John the Baptist was for his unique personality and message. He was a courageous preacher
who spoke with authority, calling people to repentance and baptism as a sign of their
commitment to God. John lived an austere life in the wilderness, wearing camel hair clothing
and eating locusts and wild honey. He was not afraid to challenge those in power.
John's message was focused on preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, whom he
recognized as the Messiah.
He baptized people in the Jordan River as a symbol of their desire to turn away from sin and
embrace a new life in Christ. John's humility is evident when he declared that he was not
worthy to untie Jesus' sandals. His life ended tragically when he was beheaded by Herod at the
request of his wife.
[Link] Application:
[Link] have been John the Baptist in your life?Person who have shown you the way to know
Christ?What might be John's message to you?
John the Baptist was a prophet who paved the way for Jesus Christ. In our lives, we may not
have encountered a physical John the Baptist, but there have been people who have shown us
how to know Christ. These people may be parents, siblings, friends or even strangers who
crossed our paths.
For me, my father has been my John the Baptist. He introduced me to Christ at a young age and
taught me about His love and sacrifice. He encouraged me to read the Bible and attend church
regularly. His faith in God has always been an inspiration to me and has helped shape my own
beliefs. In addition to my father, there have been other individuals along the way who have
shown me how to know and follow Christ. They include pastors, teachers, mentors and fellow
believers.
John's message emphasized the importance of preparing the way for Jesus Christ. He
recognized Jesus as the Messiah and encouraged his followers to follow him. In our own lives,
we can prepare for Christ by living a life of faithfulness and obedience. He’s message
emphasized humility and selflessness. He recognized that he was not the Messiah but simply a
messenger sent by God. We too should strive to be humble and recognize that all good things
come from God.
2. Define repentance based in biblical meaning.
Repentance is a term that has been used in the Bible to refer to a change of heart and mind. It
is often associated with remorse and regret for past actions, but it goes beyond mere feelings of
guilt. Biblical repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God, which results
in a transformation of one's behavior and attitude.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist proclaimed repentance as necessary for forgiveness of
sins, and Jesus also emphasized its importance in his teachings. In fact, Jesus himself modeled
repentance by calling people to turn away from their sins and follow him.
Biblical repentance involves acknowledging one's wrongdoing, confessing it before God, asking
for forgiveness, and committing oneself to live according to God's will. It is not just a one-time
event but an ongoing process of growth in faith.
Ultimately, true repentance leads to restoration of relationship with God and others.
I think the author stresses the fact that Elizabeth was a barren because to emphasize the
miraculous nature of John the Baptist's birth. It highlights God's power and ability to work
through seemingly impossible situations, ultimately pointing towards the fulfillment of God's
promises.
In the ancient world, barren women had a low social status. Women were expected to give
birth and raise children, so those who could not fulfill this role were seen as incomplete or
inadequate. Barrenness was often blamed on the woman, and she could be ostracized or even
divorced for her inability to conceive. In some cultures, such as ancient Greece, barren women
were viewed as cursed by the gods.
I think the reaction of the angel was so severe because Zechariah is reprimanded by the angel
for his lack of belief, and he is told that as a consequence, he will be mute until the birth of
John. There are other reasons for the angel's severe reaction. First of all, Zechariah was a priest
who had been given the responsibility of entering the Holy Place and offering incense to God.
He was expected to put his faith in God's ability and promises. Second, Zechariah received a
direct message from God during a celestial meeting.
The severity of the angel's reaction tells us that it is crucial to have faith in God's promises and
trust His plans. Doubting His word shows a lack of faith and can hinder one's blessings. In
addition, it also highlights how important it is to listen to what God has to say without
questioning or doubting it.
Therefore, we should always keep our faith strong and trust in God's promises even when they
seem impossible or difficult to understand.
When John was born, I believe the witnesses were astounded and proclaimed that the Lord was
with him. Although there are several possible reasons, the most typical one is that God was
involved in his birth and was present. The populace may have meant that God had planned for
specific occurrences, such as Elizabeth becoming pregnant at a young age or Zechariah being
rendered mute for questioning the angel's word, to lead up to the birth of John. They might
have also thought that God had a special plan for John's life and that he would be crucial to the
accomplishment of those goals. The term "the Lord's hand" may also indicate to John's favor
from God, although he were selected for a special mission.
INSTRUCTIONS:
[Link] your family name first followed by your name.
2 Read,study meditate Luke 1:5-25,57-66, Luke 3:1-3, Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8,19-28.
[Link] your work in yellow pad paper hand written.
[Link] your work on: Thursday March16,2023 for MTH class before [Link] CAS OFFICE
March 17,2023 for TF class on [Link] submission has Deduction to your score.
Sorry I cannot meet you face to face for several reasons. PRAYING & Hoping that I can go back
to FCU next week.
Palihog Indi mag iloganay!
God bless [Link].
