“YOUR PRAYER HAS BEEN HEARD”
Luke 1:1-25
Key Verse: 1:13
“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’”
1. What was “fulfilled…handed down” (1-2)? Why is it important to know that Jesus’ story is historical fact? What was Luke's motivation in compiling his gospel account (3-4)? How is seeing history from God’s perspective relevant to us?
2. What characterized the times (5a)? Who were Zechariah and Elizabeth and how did they live despite their childlessness (5b-7)? In what respects were their lives of faith like a lamp burning in dark times?
3. What were Zechariah and the assembled worshipers doing when he encountered Gabriel (8-12)? Read verse 13. What do the words “your prayer has been heard” tell us about his prayer life? What can we learn about God who answers prayer?
4. Who was John? Why would his birth be a source of joy (14-15a)? What would be his lifestyle and mission (15b-17)? How would he prepare the way for the Messiah? What can we learn about God who prepared the way by sending John?
5. How did Zechariah respond to the angel’s message (18)? What did the angel Gabriel do and why (19-23)? How did Elizabeth respond and what does this show about her faith (24-25)?