Elizabeth in Her Joy, vv. 57-63
A. Friends and neighbors “rejoiced with her,” v. 58.
B. They came to circumcise and name the child, v. 59.
1. Everyone wanted to name the child after his father, “Jehovah remembers.”
2. Elizabeth objected and announced his name, John, which means “Jehovah’s gift or grace.”
3. Friends consulted Zechariah, who has been deaf and mute for 9 months, vv. 62-63.
C. The child’s name is John, the gift of Jehovah or Jehovah’s grace, v. 63.
D. The people marvelled at this miracle, v. 63, a sign of God’s grace.
Zechariah in His Praise, vv. 64-79
A. Zechariah receives “grace” and regains his ability to speak, v. 64.
B. Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesies, vv. 67ff.
1. God has remembered and redeemed His people, v. 68.
2. God has raised up “an horn of salvation . . . in the house of David,” v. 69.
3. God will save His people from their enemies, v. 71.
4. God will keep His oath to Abraham, v. 73.
5. God has given this child to prepare the way for the Messiah, vv. 74-79.
John the Baptist’s Development, vv. 66, 80
A. God’s anointing was on John, v. 66.
B. John grew and became strong spiritually, v. 80.
C. God prepares many of His prophets in the desert until the time is right, v. 80.
Conclusion
A. God remembers us even when it seems He has forgotten us.
B. God has a plan for each of us and we must grow up and become strong spiritually so we can be used for the Glory of God.