Archbishop Peter Jensen’s weekly online series on The Essential Jesus (the gospel of Luke). In each study the Archbishop will lead us through the book we intend on giving away to as many people as possible.
STEP 1: READING
Read Luke chapter 1: verses 57-80. This begins on page 10 of The Essential Jesus.
STEP 2: REFLECTION
Zechariah was made dumb because he unwisely questioned God's messenger. Now his tongue is set free and he prophesies, speaking mightily for God. He reminds us that John is one who prepares the way for he coming of the Lord. But now we are particularly told what this will mean. Luke is really setting up the whole Jesus story with these words from God: 'you will go before the Lord, to prepare his way, to make salvation known to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.' In a world where people do not believe that sin is serious, or that we need to be forgiven, God declares that that is the central purpose in the coming of Jesus. It is no good thinking that Jesus is a mere moral teacher. He is a Saviour from our sins and the judgment which otherwise inevitably follows sin. Praise God!
STEP 3: DISCUSSION
1 Why do people want to see Jesus as a moral teacher but nothing more?
2 What does Zachariah mean by 'salvation'?
3 What is the authority of someone like Zechariah who prophesies on behalf of the Lord?
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