Life of Christ Challenge Lesson 5

Name: Life of Christ Challenge Lesson 5
Uploaded: 2022-10-23T09:30:00-04:00

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Taught live Sunday, October 23, 2022

Jesus’ Life Prior to His Ministry:
The Introduction of Christ, Part 2
The Announcements of Jesus and John the Baptist Looking into the Face of Jesus
The Life of Christ, 1: Pages 44-60
Outline: Lesson Plan 5

Introduction

Texts for this Study: Luke 1:5–58
What topics have we discussed to this point? 1. The Gospel Accounts
2. The way things were before Christ and when He came into the world
3. The genealogies in Matthew and Luke
4. The three Gospels’ introductions of Christ

In this lesson, we will discuss the events before Christ’s birth.
Question: of these people who led up to Christ’s birth, who was the greatest?
1. Zacharias? 2. Elizabeth? 3. John?
4. Joseph?
5. Mary?

The Announcement of John the Baptist A. Read Luke 1:5–25
B. Key Points to this Story 1. Zacharias lived southwest of Jerusalem—Palestine.
2. Zacharias was a priest, and he and Elizabeth were both decedents of Aaron.
3. Zacharias was of the division of Abijah. Priests were divided into 24 divisions.
4. The orders took turns ministering in the temple—a week at a time.
5. Lots were cast according to temple duties (Luke 1:9).
6. The most coveted task was offering incense on the alter. It was before the Most Holy Place.
7. The story is told of when Zacharias was performing this task—his week of service.
8. Gabriel appeared, gave his purpose, quoted Scriptures, and told Zacharias about John. Only two angels are named in the Bible—this one and Michael.
9. Zacharias struggled believing, so the Lord made him mute.
The Announcement of Jesus A. Read Luke 1:26–38.

Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth.
1. Nazareth was in Galilee.
2. Nazareth was a very insignificant city in Galilee.
3. Josephus mentioned 204 cities and the Talmud mentioned 63, but Nazareth was not mentioned.
Mary was engaged to Joseph—betrothal—this legally bound Mary and Joseph.
The angel told Mary that His name would be Jesus (Greek form of the Hebrew word Joshua meaning “Jehovah saves”).
Mary knew it would happen, but wondered how (Luke 1:34, 35).
The virgin birth of Jesus is beyond our comprehension to understand, and it is important for us to believe.

Mary Visits with Elizabeth A. Read Luke 1:39–56.
B. Luke 1:39, 40: Mary traveled 70-80 miles to visit Elizabeth. Gabriel mentioned he visited Elizabeth.
C. Luke 1:41–45: Elizabeth praised Mary; think of the reunion and conversation.
D. Luke 1:46–55: Mary Praised God
1. These words are sometimes called “Magnificat”—a Latin word for the first word of the hymn, a word meaning “magnify.”
2. Mary spoke of great things God had done and anticipated great things He would do.
3. Luke 1:56: Mary stayed in Judea for three months. She may have left so she would not have to answer questions regarding her pregnancy to relatives who may come in for John’s birth.
Why Did God Choose Mary?
1. She used her mind (Luke 1:28, 29). She questioned Gabriel on his salutation to her.
2. She was a godly woman (Luke 1:30). She had found favor with God. This means she was a good person.
3. She believed in God and His power (Luke 1:31–33). She had a question, but she was not questioning God’s power.
4. She had a humble spirit (Luke 1:38a). She considered herself a “bondslave.”
5. She was submissive to the will of God (Luke 1:38).
  1. Think about her situation.
  2. She was about to be married.
  3. She was going to be pregnant without a husband.
  4. She could even lose her life (Deuteronomy 22:23, 24).
6. She knew the Scriptures (Luke 1:46–55). OT passages are reflected.
7. She was brave and courageous. See “E.”

She was willing to accept responsibility. We do not read of Joseph during Jesus’ ministry; that makes us believe that Joseph died early on and Mary had to take on several parental responsibilities.
She expressed confidence in her Son at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:3–5).
She was faithful to her task to the end (John 19:25–27). Remember what Jesus said on the cross to her.

Conclusion

Think of this thought: “If God brings you to it, He will take you through it.”