THE RISING SUN
Luke 1:57-80
Key Verses: 1:78-79
1. What happens to Elizabeth (57-58)? On the day of her baby’s circumcision what else happens (59-61)? How does Zechariah respond, and what happens to him (62-64; cf. 1:20)? What impact do these unusual things have (65-66a)? What is the author’s comment, and what does this mean (66b)?
2. What does Zechariah say first (67-69)? What does it mean that God “has come to his people and redeemed them”? Who is this “horn of salvation,” and what does “in the house of his servant David” mean?
3. How does Zechariah explain further, and what does this tell us about God (70-73)? Why do you think he repeatedly mentions “our enemies” (71,74)? For what purpose does God rescue his people (74-75)?
4. What does Zechariah prophesy about his child (76)? What does verse 77 mean, and why is this so important (24:47; see also Ac 2:38; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18)?
5. How does the coming of the rising sun express God’s tender mercy (78)? How does it explain how Jesus helps people (79)? What does it mean to be living “in darkness and in the shadow of death”? To have our feet guided into the path of peace?
6. How can we experience and share the shining light of our Lord Jesus this Christmas?