Birth of John the Baptist

John's Birth Announced (Luke 1.1-25)

Malachi 3.1

I. The Parents of John the Baptist (verses 5-7)

A. Their pedigree. (verse 5).

B. Their character. (verse 6).

C. Their circumstances (verse 7)(1 Peter 1.7)

II. The prophecy concerning John the Baptist (verses 8-17)

A. The time and place (verses 8-11) (1) Priestly ministrations. (2) A holy task (Proverbs 16.33). (3) The time of incense (verse 10) (4) An angel appeared. (cf. Hebrews 1.14).

B. The encouragement. (verses 12-13a)(Psalm 141.1-10).

C. The message (verses 13b-17). (1) A personal message (verse 13a)(Cf. James 5.16). (2) A public blessing (verse 14). (3) A powerful effect. (i) Greatness (ii) Mastery (iii) Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (iv) Effective ministry.

III. The performing of that promised (verses 18-25)

A. Zacharias' unbelief (verses 18).

B. Zacharias struck dumb (verses 19-23). He learns the honour of his messenger to see the folly of his unbelief. (v.21-23)

C. Conclusion:

Our failures do not thwart God's purposes.