12/8/2024 Michael Young (NEIU) Advent-Peace, (Luke 1:76–79, “The Way of Peace in Jesus: Zechariah’s Song”)

(QUESTIONS)

Luke 1:76-79 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 1:79, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

1.  Briefly review who Zechariah is, what has happened in his life, and what God is doing in these things (1:5–7,13,16–17,20,24–25,57–66). In the first part of his song (67–75), briefly review who “the horn of salvation” is and what he does for God’s people.

2.  In verses 76–77, who is “the Lord,” who is the “child,” and what would his work be (see also 1:16–17; 3:2–6)? Through his ministry, what “knowledge” would people come to have (77; 24:47; Acts 2:38)^[1]? How can we help people in this way today?

3.  In verses 78–79, whose coming is Zechariah predicting? Why does he say that this is “because of the tender mercy of our God”?^[2] What would Jesus later say about this (6:35–36)?

4.  How does the “visit” of the “sunrise” express God’s mercy to this world every day (Matt.5:45)? How is a “sunrise” a fitting image of Jesus’ coming and of what he does for us (79)? What is the “light” Jesus gives (2:32; John 8:12; 1 John 1:7)^[3]?

5.  Read verse 79. What does it mean that Jesus guides “our feet into the way of peace” (Rom.5:1; 8:6; 12:18; 14:19)^[4]? In light of verses 76–79, how can we experience his peace today?

^[1] See also Jer.31:34; 33:8; Rom.3:22–25a; Eph.1:7

^[2] Note the repetition of God’s mercy in verses 50,54,58 and 72.

^[3] See also Isa.9:2; 49:6; 60:1–3; 2 Cor.4:6; Rev.22:16.

^[4] See also 2 Cor.13:11; Eph.2:14–18; Phil.4:6–7; Col.3:15; 2 Thess.3:16.

(MESSAGE)